Quick 3D concept through to 3D model exercise (with Paul Starkey)

Firstly we need to consider the wider concepts related to 3D design… in the first instance one of the things we may need to consider is the design on paper of the item we are looking at developing.

This is often where our first issues occur , with drawing and in particular drawing for 3D development being seen as a difficult discipline to master and so something to avoid. Sadly as we know from looking at various job descriptions related to industry posts, some mastery of traditional skills such as basic drawing is expected.

As we have discussed elsewhere, if you are struggling as a student with these basics, you are better off evidencing that you are attempting to resolve this skills deficit, rather than just avoiding it all together.

The diagram below being an example of how, if you feel a design sheet of 3D objects is out of your reach due to a lack of practise at this stage, then a sheet showing that you are practising will be a useful example of how you are pushing your self and your studies.

The basic drawing of 3D objects can be helped by exploring basic 3D software such as SketchUp to help you look at basic forms from which to practice your drawing… here using the transparency option available in the software we can see how the cart is made up of basic shapes…

This can then be emulated and enhanced in drawn form, using similar construction methods, in this case boxes and cylinders.

Okay… With that early phase of learning resolved we can move through to the next natural stage, i.e. exploration of forms through iterative design.

Here we have a series of concept designs for a range of medieval or fantasy carts. The type of thing that would be useful as props for an open world environment as well as a practical vehicle design. These could variously be use in states of disrepair, loaded or unloaded or being loaded with items set about it.

From those early designs I chose this four-wheeled “war wagon” that might have been used for carrying troops or arms…

This design was then refined further, including a quick SketchUp exploration

after discussion with Paul Starkey who wanted a more streamlined, two-wheeled affair.

This was the result.

Next up a quick (15mins) sketch block out from Paul Starkey. Used to show students how to model “a cart”.

Which was followed by an additional build by Paul Starkey based on the concept art above that showed further refining, adjustments and additional detail…

Still, this model is less than 500 polygons.

Finally, taking elements of this process and pulling the imagery together and enhancing it, ready for presentation.

~ by hesir on November 16, 2016.