spaceship project
objective: To understand the basic components of a 3D model.
definitions relating to 3D modelling:
Vertices– connect the edges of the face of a polygon
edges– the parts making up the surface of a 3D model
faces– many of these make up a model, it is a flat surface.
polygon– a three or more sided shape with three dimensional vertices connecting the edges making a model. A 3D model is composed of polygon meshes.
how do these components form a 3D model (polygon)?
Vertices, being the very point of a shape, are used to connect edges to make a polygon. Polygons can be transformed and manipulated to create an object.
objectives: know how to use a 3D modelling package
understand the benefit of good workflows and efficient techniques for creating 3D models.
Spaceship project (deadline: Oct. 4 2019)
Maya is the 3D modelling package I am using to develop a 3D spaceship model. I have learnt to use some of the basics and should have it somewhat understood very soon as of writing this. I have learnt about mirroring, using extrude, merging and more.
I encountered a problem with a model of a cylinder merged with a rectangle, many vertices accompanied with edges stuck out of the model erratically. I deleted the model and restarted, then began to delete the faces of a new model that I knew would cause me problems. Job done.
I feel that i have done well with the actual base of the ship; it is a rectangular shuttle with a sloped cockpit, equipped with a heavy turret upon the roof and four small boosters. I will be adding more to the rear of the ship but I am happy with how the actual body turned out.
UV Unwrapping
UV unwrapping is the opposite of building a 3D shape, where a 3D object is stripped down to the net to make adding colours and textures easier.
I have learnt that planar is where the segment of a 3D model is squished down.
the stitching together tool is where the flattened planar is stitched to another part of the model.
UV unwrapping is one of the most difficult part of the process of a 3D model, to me at least.
A texture map is the result of UV unwrapping, it is used for creating colours and textures for the model so it is not just a grey model.
I had some bad implications with my current model so I have decided to make a risky move of making a simpler model. Hopefully this will make things a lot easier for me. (IMAGE COMING THURSDAY 26TH)
2/10 finished my UV map! Also built a new spaceship to go along with it as the previous model was rather messy on the insides.
the Spaceship was much easier to make and I made it in about 30 minutes, the UV unwrapping was another story. UV unwrapping is famously a difficult task especially when using the automatic tool. Automatic unwraps the entire thing into near bits and pieces, which leaves the user to stitch them back together. Thankfully this has been completed.
Completely finished my ship! Although it may be finished I spotted some flaws in my texture, the lines from the UV map had carried over to the model on accident, working on a last minute fix.
sketchfab link:
Joel's blog 