Looking for some critiques?

blackkeys25

Hey everyone, created this prop for the noob challenge last month and didn't get a single critique. I really want to know if I'm ready to start a portfolio or if I should practice some more. Any advice would be appreciated.

slosh

Not bad but still needs a lot of love. Not quite sure what I'm looking at for one thing. Also, the materials could be better. Texturing's pretty good though.

blackkeys25

Thanks slosh, to be honest I don't really know what it is either! I just thought if I did the noob challenge I would get some advice on how to improve, but got none. I think I will revisit the materials. Love your work by the way!!

Here's the concept we were given. Not my style really but I thought it looked like a challenge.

ScottHoneycutt

I'd have to see the wireframe to be sure but it looks like you could use more polys to round off the silhouette, especially around the red area I'd call the "shoulders". I see toilet paper inside, but have no idea what the rock-like things are above them. Are there rings in there? Is it like a vending machine? It's confusing as to what it is, like Slosh said. Is that a crack in the glass? It looks clouds and lighting more than wear on glass. Maybe more close examination of reference. The lighting isn't helping in this corner either. If you are simply displaying a prop than throwing it in a bare corner might not be the best idea.

Edit: It didn't take me long at all to find this:

http://xn--m3h.net/umbrella/2012/11/soviet-era-vending-machine/

Research, research, research! If you don't know what it is, then your viewers won't either. Work on those rings inside to make it very clear that it's a vending machine. I believe those are rocks as a joke. Either way, make it read vending machine inside and make the glass read as glass.

blackkeys25

Thanks heaps ScottMichaelH, The prop is meant to be like a communistic vending machine that dispenses potatoes and toilet paper. The bare essentials I guess. I'm doubting that I will use it as a portfolio piece as I had no idea what it was either. I just wanted to see if my modelling and texturing skills were up to scratch so I could start a portfolio with some confidence. Looks like I have a fair bit to go by the looks of it but I just wanted to know where I stand. Your very right about the glass. Didn't take enough time to work on it as I did the rest. And I was concerned about the lighting.

Thanks again man.

Here's the wireframe by the way.

slosh

yea, i think this would be a prop that would work better within the context of a larger scene. alone, it's confusing. I would try to do a prop that is more easily recognizable by itself.

ScottHoneycutt

Your portfolio is your best work at the present time. Don't worry about being good enough to have one ... anyone can. Set artistic goals for yourself and move forward. Be specific with yourself and the forum. Concentrate on the issues you want to grow in the most.