Hard Surface Modeling - SciFi Scope Blender TUTORIAL
Today we will dive into a practical and realistic scifi design tutorial for hard surface in Blender. We will go through the entire process from a cube to an awesome scifi scope design.
However, before we begin, let's talk about something really important, something that most Blender beginners forget about.
See, modeling is a tricky beast. Knowing the tools is one thing but being able to use them in a way to create a good 3D concept that makes sense in term of design, but also proportions, functionality and so on, is on a whole different level of hard surface modelling skills all together.
To help you visualize better what I am talking about, let us break down a few core principles of a functional hard surface design:
- Form follows function: The appearance and shape of an object should be based on its intended function. So, when you create a scope for instance, make sure it looks like one and you can clearly understand how it works only by looking at it.
- Simplicity: Keep the design as simple as possible, eliminate unnecessary details and focus on the creating functional elements.
- Proportion: This is huge. The size and scale of different elements should be in balance with one another. In case of a scifi scope, it should also be proportional with human size.
- Hierarchy: The design should have a clear hierarchy of elements, with the most important elements being the most prominent. Basic shapes that define the outline, then medium level detail that connects the larger elements into a well-structured design, and lastly tertiary details that create subtle visual anchors and serve as a sort of final touch.
- Unity: All the elements of the model design should work together as a cohesive whole. The design itself, and its style, should stay consistent throughout the entire modeling process, so the final model looks wholesome.
- Visual anchors: Use visual anchors like shapes or value (contrast) to create visual interest and emphasis on important elements and help the eye to travel from one area of the model to the other, without overwhelming the viewer with unnecessary level of detail.
- Finishing: Blockout is equally as important as geometry clean-up, materials, etc. All these add up to the overall quality of the final result and will greatly impact the impression your design will have on the viewer. However, pay special attentio0n to how you render and present your model. Remember, this is what the potential client or employers will see on your portfolio. That is your business card.
If you follow these principles you will always create great models in Blender or whatever software you choose. It takes practice, but that is what life is all about: getting better every day.
Happy Blending!
ryuu
