Process and Production: Modelling Skills

Process and Production

Study Task 5 - Modelling Skills

As part of learning how to model in Maya, I first followed the tutorial in order to create a Wooden Truck, using a photo as a reference for my truck. I found the construction of the shapes to make the Truck easier as became quicker at understanding how the software worked and when I had made note of shortcuts. 

One thing I struggled with was adding texture to the model and the lighting. In order to understand this, I watched a series of Youtube videos, such as one explaining texture in more detail:



In addition to this video and the videos posted on Estudio to follow, I also found an Ebook called Getting Started in 3D Maya by Adam Watkins, especially the sections on UVs and UV Layout and explains the concept of shells, which I was able to apply to my Wooden Truck.

To further expand on using Maya, I wanted to explore textures on curved surfaces, so I created a mug, which I would apply a polka dot pattern around it. I learnt that I could change the pattern and the UV style in the menu, changing from a Planar surface to a Spherical surface, so the pattern would mould around the curve. I think that, however this could've been further improved with more accurate modelling skills and understanding creating more detailed and refined shapes. I decided to experiment with the colours and the handle, to create something different from the photo references.

As another simple test, I decided to recreate my mobile phone and add booleans to create the charger port and speakers. The shine of the surface was created using a different material, which is Phong material. The render could've been overall improved by maybe trying to model the case around the phone and adding a logo.