3D Modeling Challenge

Hello Students,

Your project goal is to model an object with Autodesk Maya that is complete with some details materials and/or textures. 3D modeling is becoming an integral part of digital media studies and is used in everything from cinematic CGI, marketing, music videos, video games, prototype development and of course the new hot trend of 3D printing. Strong modeling skills can fit you into a high demand job market in many different industries.

"I Built My Own Coffin" 3D Hotrod model created by Seth Wilson

Modeling Challenge:

Start small and work with simple objects and primitives to "assemble" a real world, or otherwise... object... science fiction is fair game. Use your imagination...

1. Read through the Maya User Guide sections on POLYGON and NURB modeling and try out as many methods and techniques as possible. Having a good understanding of these areas are key to being able to make and create unique shapes that are the sum of any object.
2. Follow the tutorial videos on Box Modeling and Smoothing provided by the instructor. Watch, pause and try the steps to create an example model such as the claw hammer. (DOWNLOAD FROM NAS)
3. Decide on an object to model and begin by creating the simplest part of the objects and move up to adding more complexity and detail as it takes shape. Utilize both Polygon and NURBS when needed. Having a reference object is a great idea, or having a gallery of images to reference can help too. If you are not confident with your modeling skills you could look up a tutorial and use that to accomplish your modeling.
4. When your object is complete begin creating materials and textures for it with the Hypershade window. Complex materials can be mapped onto an object by using the UV Texture Editor and creating a Photoshop Network file, this is how much of the texturing is done in video games and cinematic CGI.
5. Create a camera for your scene and set up Arnold with a Skydome that uses a HDR Light Probe for extra realism. Use the Arnold setup from our Cornell Box project.
6. Test your renders and adjust as needed for best results.
7. Render multiple views of your model and time permitting create a 360 degree rotation animation to accompany your final renders and post to your blog when complete. 
8. Render in 1920 HD resolution.
9. Post your claw hammer, practice objects and your final rendered model to your blog when complete....

"Minion" Created by Josh Booker, from a Maya Tutorial

Due in 2 weeks.

- Mr.W