U.S.S. Ibenez WIP

[leigh]

Okay. I know I run the risk of sounding really nasty here, but, er, your ship REALLY needs a LOT of work. A LOT OF WORK. In fact, you should start over. :(
You model really needs a more interesting shape. Start by drawing some conceptual sketches - make it interesting. Have turrets, pipes, external chambers - anything that adds to the blocky shape. Unless you want a great big hulking rectangle. You do already have a little ship hangar bay door - why not have more details like that?

Secondly, those repeated textures have to go! Paint your own textures or something - just get rid of that tiled image. It really doesn't look good.
But firstly, concentrate on your modelling.
Whatever you do - do NOT use things like Babylon 5 as a reference. Ever.
Good luck - please make some cool changes! Keep us posted...
Hope I didn't offend you!:)

[Aarkon]

hmm you tell me my model is pants and i should start over and i shouldent be offended by this? hmm but im not realy offended as for its shape its *very loosely* based on the sulaco from aliens witch was a big block with a bunch of details on it and like i stated in the first post it does have ALOT of work to be done i hope to change your mind about its design when im done about the texture thats just a temp thing i threw together to make the renders look better than a big blue lego in space so pay them little attention

[leigh]

Okay cool. Looking forward to seeing the finished product. I know you said it was a WIP, but I just thought that before you even put a rough texture on it you should polish off the model.
I see where you are going with the blocky design - are you going to add the extra details with bump maps or are you going to model them?
Another cool design that was similar to this kind of thing was the spaceship that Luke and Leia were in at the end of The Empire Strikes Back - also a hulking, industrial looking thing. Except the Star Wars one had loads of cool details on it.
Also, a rendering tip - if you want to show that this is a huge, ominous craft, you should try rendering it with a wider camera angle - it'll look really cool.

[TBKoen]

i'm sorry but i must agree with leigh. (Not the part that u have to start over again;)) the ship just needs lots more details. the model...not just textures...anywayz.. u said it yourself "still a lot to do to this". i'm sure leigh ment it in a positive way.

[Aarkon]

yeah im going to detail the F out of it most of it will be modeled only the most minute details will be in the texture/bump maps

also so everyone knows ive only been modeling for about 3 weeks so please adjust your comments to reflect that i would appreciate it

[TBKoen]

Only 3 weeks huh...cool....
the CG world is hard;)

[leigh]

Hey man, for only 3 weeks that's pretty bloody cool! I remember back in the day when I started out my stuff was pretty crap. Everyone has to start somewhere! It's funny how most people start out with spaceships...
Just out of interest, what software are you using? Is it Max?

[Aarkon]

least people over here reply to stuff from newbies theirs another forum that while being a nice place and all they just seem to ingnore new people unless their damn good at modeling

Max 4.0 and a fiew plugins ( blur beta mainly )

[leigh]

Hey Aarkon, those kind of people really suck. I mean, no matter how good you are, you still had to start somewhere, and people often forget that they too once knew nothing. I've been doing this for years, I work in a high profile visual effects company, and yet I still love sitting on this forum and checking out what people are coming up with these days. I wish I had access to a forum like this when I was learning. I'm always willing to offer constructive advice to newbies:cool:

[Aarkon]

whelle i know i certianly appreciate all the help i can get ;)

[leigh]

Well you know where you can get it! :p
Good luck for your future stuff - keep posting it here.

[Dan Dixon]

hay Aarkon

there's one thing you might want to take in is if your showing a pic keep it to no textures and BG plates. keep it very simple. That way we can comment on it better and we know its a wip. With the texture you can't see any detail in it even if you don't have much now . The black texture make the model flat.

But keep up the good work .

[Aarkon]

small update added the missles and some other details
http://home.att.net/~aarkon/Pics/WIP/Ibenez3.jpg
http://home.att.net/~aarkon/Pics/WIP/Ibenez3a.jpg
http://home.att.net/~aarkon/Pics/WIP/Ibenez3b.jpg
does anyone have an idea of something i can do to the area beneth the windows?

[SpaceMoped]

honnestly....

don't duplicate your texture that way !!!!
If you want to add details : increase your modeling or work a little bit more your textures

[Raul-Reznek]

Interesting model man, I see u've got ideas but still need experience to put them on the screen.

Good stuff, keep makin em.

[DWIEMER]

just wanted to let you know that i'm watching you going forward. And i also get a little frustrated by those very experienced artists who only respond when it's really cool instead of helping starters, i'm a starter too you know and i only work with a happy face if i get some constructive feedback. I guess i'm a bit insecure about my growing (i hope) skills

For your wip: i agree with "the only woman in this forum"

gr. Dennis;)

[Aarkon]

Originally posted by SpaceMoped
honnestly....

don't duplicate your texture that way !!!!
If you want to add details : increase your modeling or work a little bit more your textures

Honestly you need to read the whole thread before posting something thats already been exsplained the texture is just a temp thing to make the wip renders look better than a blue lego in space

but seriously doesent anyone have a suggestion for the space under the windows? i was thinking of some sort of antenna aray but im not shure

[Aarkon]

ok made some changes to the main hull and dropped the windows since this is a battle ship and not a luxury cruiser windows are a structurly weak point ( i may put some windows in latter but not as big as thoes were) also started on an antenna aray on the front and snugged up the gun turret more closely to the main hull
http://home.att.net/~aarkon/Pics/WIP/Frontantenna.jpg

[nemo]

hey man whats up, first i just want to tell you who cares what people think? i think the first reason you should be a 3d artist is for the love of creating. doesn't matter what just have fun with it thats all that matters. when i first started i was doing the same kinda stuff you appear to be doing. it just takes time to aquire the skill and understanding to use 3d effectivly(trust me i know ive been at it for about 3 years and i still feel like there's an endless amount of new information to learn. anyway keep it up and just have FUN!

[Aarkon]

but i do care what people think i wnat my models to be something that all can enjoy true i cant please everyone but maybe i can get the majority lol and i do model for the enjoyment of seeing it take shape and making action pics maybe ill do some ani's soon ( havent tried that yet ) mostly the reason i ask for peoples input is because im new to modeling and as Raul-Reznek said i need to work on applying my ideas to the model and input from others helps that

[Jhonus]

try pulling the windows out from the flat surface of the ship... it'll break it up a bit. also the little imaginary people in the window will be able to get a better view of space.

The ridge created from pulling out the window should give a bit of a base to add to some detail. like ummm..... pipes? structure supports or something... just somethign that looks cool... its all cosmetic.

[Aarkon]

i probibly wont add any windows to it but i like the pipes idea ill see what i can come up with thanks for the post

[el diablo]

first off I have never seen a nebula with such a range in color, also it reaks of a background image. The modeling is nothig more of a few extrudes or lofts. The most advanced thing in your composition is the use of the diffuse map as your specular.

Now is the time to realize what you want to do in CG. You can spend your time being intermediate in all or be advanced in one. Specialize, a lot off people want to be jack of all trades, but end up master of none. To achieve a good position somewhere doing cool stuff you have to be a master of something: modeling, lighting, animation, rendering. This is what I suggest to many people starting out. Dont waist your time learning everything, master one and get a job. Its the best way. Many people will tell you to learn it all, but when it comes down to it if you are at a highend studio you will do one thing or you will be a lead to people that do one thing. Sorry my suggestion went away from what you are looking for, but Im sure it will come in handy. Also, to make highend money you have to use highend software. Its a shame the world is that way but it is....el diablo

3d Chop Shop (http://www.3dchopshop.com)

[Cyberdodel]

If you want to add a lot of details,it's always good to go to the next recycling center and get some pieces auf styropr packages (or whatever it is on English. German: "Styroporverpackungen") as reference. I don't think me Englisch was correct ;-) -> something like http://www.equisa.li/bilder/styropor.jpg
Of course it's a bad example, but i didn't a better picture on the web... the adavantage of that "real" references is, that you can look at them at any angel. Often there are really nice shapes... Or look around your desk. You probably see some details, that can be usefull for your ship. For example your modem, parts of the keyboard, lights, moderne furniture...

And of course, there are also some helpfull pages, as http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/gallery.htm

But I don't like your ship very much by the time. Some GI without a material would probably look better and there is really a big lack of details.

[Aarkon]

el diablo - i dont do this for money i do this as a hobby and for personal enjoyment as far as the best tools goes i do use max 4 one of the best programs out there i find you condecinding attitude laffable please do us both a favor and just ignore my posts if you have nothing relavent to the topic to say

cyberdodel - thanks for the links im shure i will find something to inspire me at them as for the lack of detail its still a WIP and i have alot of ideas yet to implement

[pswitzer]

Unless you're in a production atmosphere where what you create needs to impress people, the only thing that matters is the process of making art. Has nothing to do with the final product to the artist, at all.

[Aarkon]

reidid the antenna aray and finshed it
http://home.att.net/~aarkon/Pics/WIP/Frontantenna1.jpg

[leigh]

Hey Aarkon - looking cool! I really like the aerials, very good detail. Your model is really coming on! :D
You know, I don't think El Diablo was trying to be insulting or condescending - I think he was actually trying to help. What he said is actually true - when you want to get into the 3D industry you should try and get REALLY good in one particular area - whether it's modelling, texturing, or actual animation. But then again, you do say that you don't do this for money. Have you ever considered doing 3D as a career?
Anyway, keep up the work - before long you are going to have a kick ass spaceship!;)

[Aarkon]

what are aerials? ive never heard that term

[leigh]

Aerials are just another word for antenna. I actually meant to say antenna...

[Aarkon]

ahh thanks :)

[Aarkon]

started working on the fighter hangar and changed the main gun hoses. sorry for the incremental updates i will try to get more done inbetwien them
http://home.att.net/~aarkon/Pics/WIP/Ibenez5.jpg
http://home.att.net/~aarkon/Pics/WIP/Ibenez5a.jpg

[Aarkon]

i started working on the fighter hows this for the basic shape?
http://home.att.net/~aarkon/Pics/WIP/Fighter.jpg
it will go on a moving platform that raises up out of the bay it will be more detailed than this of corse just getting the basic shapes down

[Aarkon]

did some more work on the fighter and did a coupple test renders with the Ibenez
http://home.att.net/~aarkon/Pics/WIP/Ibenezfighter.jpg
http://home.att.net/~aarkon/Pics/WIP/Ibenezfightercloseup.jpg
http://home.att.net/~aarkon/Pics/WIP/Ibenezfightercloseup2.jpg

[Matt_Forcum]

ok, at this point i think you should take a break and pick up a pencil and draw your ship. I think you will come up with some good ideas. I dont know if anyone said this yet, but it looks alot like that marines ship from alien and i think you wanna move away from that and find something more your own. also, it may be a good idea to finish your ship first before you work on anything else. good start though!

[Aarkon]

whelle as far as it looking like the Sulaco ( the ship in Aliens ) that is because i based the design around it basicaly thinking i was given the assignment to make the ship what would i do anyway making the fighter is my break from modeling the Ibenez i was just doing some scale and render tests lighting ect anyway this project is far from done thanks for the post and suggestions i cant draw too well ( not good at all realy ) but i do understand the idea behind scetching out ideas for details im realy getting addicted to modeling i have a coupple other ideas for models that im going to do eventualy i may think about a carrier in this feild eventualy but for now its a hobby/obsession lol

[Klytus]

For a ship that size, try modelling it in sections. Ships of that scale would usually be assembeled piece by piece, by breaking it up it adds scale and makes it seem a bit more authentic.

You've established the overall proportions you want, now sit back and think about how to divide it up - if it was being built for real a lot of it's main hull might be modular, you can build a section of the hull then repeat it. That'd give you the main body, then you can model stuff like the bridge and the hangar and blend them in.

Also; reference! Get on the web and search for pics of real military hardware, devour as many pics of NASA spacecraft as you can, science fiction ships - hell check out pics of the sulaco itself if that's the kind of thing you're wanting to emulate. But there's a delecate line between inspiration and outright plagarisim - the trick is to absorb as much input as you can, filter it, draw from it but define your own style and ideas as clearly as you can.

PS, it sometimes helps to leave the texturing till last, it can get in the way of your modelling sometimes to be doing both at the same time... the nebula background you are using is kind of overwhelming the ship too...

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