I blocked out the shapes I’ll need in 3DS Max and got the gate set up on a platform. I made the platform a little fancy because I was feeling like it would look better that way when the diorama is done. At any rate, on to UV mapping everything and then some Mudbox fun!
OK, so let’s see if I can do this. I found a picture online and saw a neat looking little gate in it. I’ve wanted to get some time in Mudbox lately so this seems like a good excuse! What I’m going to attempt to do is take this concept:
…and build it out in Max and Mudbox, give it textures and light it up nicely in UDK. This shouldn’t be a really long project so it’s hopefully doable.
Here’s hoping! I’ll post progress shots as things progress.
I fought through a hard drive failure and managed to bring in a scene on time for this challenge. It’s not textured and it’s not everything I wanted it to be but it IS done at least. I think even as just shapes and light it works pretty well!
Models built in 3DS Max and scene rendered in UDK.
I fired up Sculptris to see how it felt compared to Mudbox. It definitely has a nicer feel for just raw, organic modeling. I’m going to play with it some more in the near future for sure. Here are the results of my first noodle with it … a … pig head guy. It just sort of happened, don’t judge!
Trying to get a handle on Mudbox and how it works. I started with the base head mesh they give you and I’ve been sculpting on a head for most of the weekend. It’s going well so far, although he needs a bunch more detail and … eyeballs. But it’s been fun anyway! And I’ve learned a ton about Mudbox and how it works.
Will post updates as this progresses!
That’s a working title. I think. At any rate, this might actually get completed! It’s a medium sized survival level. Here’s hoping:
I’ve been working on an outlined post process effect (partially because it looks neat and partially because I haven’t done a post process material before). I also added in some basic toon shading which mixes in with the regular lighting and ambient occlusion maps on the meshes – to nice effect, I think! I like this style and will probably stick with it for this scene.
Work continues on this environment. I’ve added a staircase using mostly existing meshes with a few new pieces added. Probably going to have to start working on terrain, rocks and foliage soon as the environment is getting larger.
I need to improve my Max skills so I’m (slowly) creating a modular mesh set that I can use to create environments with. The emphasis is on clean meshes that are properly on the grid and have nicely laid out lightmap UVs. It’s been a challenge but it’s been fun. Here’s the first thing I’ve put together:
I also started messing around with lighting and trying to nail down a general feel for the environment:
More to come!
Still playing with shapes and shadows and shading. I’m really trying to force myself to not define edges with lines but to instead rely on the color changes to do it. It’s turning out to be a very hard habit to break but I do feel like I’m making progress. Didn’t draw a ton today but instead focused mainly on one thing.
I have a much better grasp of Photoshop and how my tablet works now, for sure!