FMP | 3D MODELING

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Having previously modeled only the most basic of objects I've got a lot of learning to get through. Starting in the obvious place: tutorials and textbooks - big thick ones and lots of them!

I started the modeling with what will be the centre-piece to the intro sequence: a Victorian gramophone. Reference image for modeling:



After a lot of trial and error as to which tools are most effective in creating each of the individual components (as with any complex computer software, there are many different methods of achieving approximately the same outcome - some are quicker, some are more accurate) - I think I've managed something that looks like a gramophone...

Straight render - no texture + 2 fill lights


Modeling screenshot - see how many components (on right of picture) has gone into building the gramophone! The devil is in the detail!

Unfortunately I didn't document this construction process - safe to say: took ages, but loads of fun and really rewarding.

Texturing the record in 3D


A great thing about texture in 3D software is the ability to generate the illusion of bumps, raised areas, indentations on the surface of objects without having to model them. This is done in the material editor by applying a 'bump' map. Above is the 2D photoshop artwork I have made for the record. Below is a circular plane primitive in 3D with the Photoshop image applyed in the colour channel and with seperately created 'bump' image that tells the software where is raised and where is indented. This is done using greyscale: black is raised, white is indented, with all shades in between. So far, I've found that this effect works best with extreme contrast on the bump image.



'Bump' map for the record label texture and scratches

Decorating the gramophone panels -
Another contextual reference that I cannot resist is Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Not only is it Victorian but the narrative of a small child being plunged into an unfamiliar world has parallels with our Children's Story. I thought that this reference could be incorporated visually in some way, and I decided to use the iconic original illustrations by John Tenniel as decoration (one used on the gramophone record above) on the base panels of the gramophone - of which there are six, including the panel with the handle.



Here is a selection of other models that have been built in the same way as the gramophone, but awaiting texture...



Bell jar test. I think Bell jars will feature quite heavily in this piece, so I'm testing different glass materials and all the numerous adjustable parameters - espececially refraction and density.
I quite like the effect generated here when a light is placed inside the bell jar casting internal shadows.


Metronome - this will feature in the second montage sequence "rhythm of life"
Render