ILM artists employ a variety of off-the-shelf and proprietary software programs to build models, sculpt them, give them texture, paint, and even light them - all on a computer. Terms developed for the creation and photography of traditional models are now used to describe what is happening in the "virtual model shop" since the objective is to create computer-generated images that mimic reality as closely as possible. The artists ask themselves how the X-wing or Dewback they are developing would look in real life and they use that as their goal in creating realistic effects.

Accordingly, you will hear computer artists referring to "painting their computer model," and "lighting it," actions which all take place via keyboards and mice on the computer screen. Textures can be added to models (or "mapped on") as part of the program, either giving the model actual texture, or imitating the look of texture. By covering a wireframe model with a kind of wrapping painted to look like various textures - hair, skin, fur, paint, metal - the artists give objects realistic appearances.

Maquettes (small sculptures or models) and traditional paintings and sketches still play a vital role in guiding the work of the computer artists as they create their extraordinary images. But a whole new kind of art now takes place aided by microchips, described in metaphorical terms borrowed from the traditional artists' studios. The computer artists are exploring new ways of creating, and while their techniques may be "virtual," the dazzling effects of their art are real.