How do you fill in the details of a Scifi Mesh?

Whats up guys, have a question about the methodology for creating the misc. tiny details that fill up a sci-fi mesh.

I've wondered about this for awhile and I figured maybe people could post some resource material, or methods that they have.

I have a good idea of the basic shape of my model, but I'm not sure how to create the various cubes, cylinders, and other various elements that make up the details. I know that in the OT they used thousands of random small parts from other unrelated models to fill in the empty space on Star Destroyers for example.

Do you have some close up renders from other models that you use for inspiration? Do you sketch out some ideas and just build from that? Do you just randomly start creating objects and throwing them together?

A great example would be the shuttle that CRIMSON-JACK posted. It's a pretty simple basic shape, but its those tiny details on the top and sides that make it a great Scifi model.

Something that I've wondered about for awhile, and I'm hoping maybe this can invoke some good dicussion and resources.

Any thoughts?

gallion311

 

Think random...

 

Well, it's really just an artist's intuition. Usually they make a concept drawing before hand which can have some details, then when they do the model they add more. But there isn't some magical solution--ADD DETAILS BUTTON--you just have to be artistic enough to design what to put there.

 

But there isn't some magical solution--ADD DETAILS BUTTON--

Really? I was sure that was included in MAX...

 

It's based on references, concept sketches, off the top of your head, and some people now have "nurnie" packs that they give away or sell. I saw that somewhere on SCIFI-MESHES I think. I think they were selling it.

 

I often model parts that are based on actual kit parts that I have in my spares box ! Then just apply them to the mesh,this has to be done though with some degree of thought,there's no use just plastering the mesh with random parts,they have to atleast seem like they serve a function maybe.[image=http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a44/Glazy67/Kit-Parts.jpg]

 

Thats awesome advice CRIMSON, I knew that it was more than just random...and that was my point exactly. They have to at least look like they do something, or else it's just some cubes and cylinders on top of an otherwise good mesh.

I'll have to head to a hobby shop, or even a Toys are Us and pick up some useful models.

Great advice; and I love your work.

gallion311

 

Try this site first,they have scans of Kits,Tanks etc... many of them the ones used on miniatures like the Millenium Falcon and the Star Destroyer etc... just fin nice bits and model them into a little collection of Greebles ! http://www.studioscale.com/kitscans.htm

 

if i may ?

why is detail so important ?

a new car hase new thingies in it but they dont show up on the outside ..
i mean why would a space ship not have a smooth hull ?..
yes true it does not have to aerodynamic but .. still..
the human eye wants something

so it would stand to reson that a ship would have a layer of paint that would hide any cracks or pannels that would been on the vessel or am i wrong ?

i know its used for a close up shots but .. is a reflection or lots of little thingies the only way to make a ship look good ?

or would some little practical things do like a refuel point
and a docking or a reloading point ?

 

Good question ErwinHD, honestly I've asked myself that alot...and I'm not sure there's any real explanation other than it just makes the model more believable.

I think it stems from the real life objects that inspire Sci-Fi models. Things like tanks (almost any military machine for that matter), space stations, NASA telescopes, satellites...etc. Things that that are just loaded with all kinds of techy details that just seem to fill up space; although I hope they do something...lol.

My buddy was working on a mesh for a colony ship and he was getting frustrated with the model because no matter how much of the hull he modeled it just didn't look right. I heard his complaints and tried to explain how the details really sell a Sci-Fi mesh and that once he adds those it'll really come to life. He wasn't convinced so I made a little comparison for him to check out. I downloaded a Y-wing model off of Sci Fi 3d and stripped it of all the details; so all that was left was the basic hull shape. I then rendered out 2 images; one with detail, one without...its amazing how much the detail adds to the model...it doesn't even look like the same model without the details and it certainly doesn't look as impressive.

Here's the comparison:

http://www.ryangallion.com/detail-SciFi.htm

When it comes down to it; you said it yourself: "the human eye wants something"

gallion311

EDIT: Great link CRIMSON-JACK!, I'll add that to my list of great 3d links.

 

It's just a matter of personal choice. Sometimes things are fashioned in a way that is ultra-sleek, high-tech. looking. Othertimes the design is more gritty, mechanical, industrial looking. It's just a design choice. It's like comparing the clean austere futuristic look of Buck Rogers to the dirty retro-fitted Blade Runner. People will say Star Wars is more realistic but they really mean that in terms of modern-day realism. I'm sure in the future craft will look like flying saucers. Just clean organic lines with no visible windows, mechanics, or propulsion system.

ALSO in case nobody noticed we have hosted Jedilaw's GREEBLE PACKS now.

 

Look at all of the Naboo stuff from the Prequel Trilogy,non of those ships hardly have any detail,but look great.It all depends on what type of ship and where it's meant to be etc...