[UE4] Italian Villa - Environment
polycounter lvl 3
Hey all. I'm finally done with my second year in school, and now eager to work on some personal projects during summer vacation. My first environment is one I've wanted to make for a while, and the idea is an Italian villa, with a backyard pool area. I chose this because I love that area of the world, the architecture, the flora and the weather. I've decided to take my time with this, and to be as transparent with this project as I possibly can, so that I can hopefully get a lot of feedback and learn a lot while making it. I really need to get better at asking for continuous feedback and criticism, and not just in the beginning and final stages like I've done in the past.
Anyway, after a couple of hours of reference gathering, I made a moodboard and then spent a couple of days blocking out the area. I didn't want it to be too big, so that it's still doable.
Moodboard:
Blockout:
After I was done blocking out, I tossed it into UE4 and added some quick lighting to get a feel of it.
As of how to progress from this, I'm not really sure what the best bet would be. I'm thinking I should focus on each part individually, and work on those, and then let everything come together naturally, but I'm not really sure. If anyone could shed some light on what might be the smartest move, that would be really appreciated!
Anyway, after a couple of hours of reference gathering, I made a moodboard and then spent a couple of days blocking out the area. I didn't want it to be too big, so that it's still doable.
Moodboard:
Blockout:
After I was done blocking out, I tossed it into UE4 and added some quick lighting to get a feel of it.
As of how to progress from this, I'm not really sure what the best bet would be. I'm thinking I should focus on each part individually, and work on those, and then let everything come together naturally, but I'm not really sure. If anyone could shed some light on what might be the smartest move, that would be really appreciated!
Replies
Yeah I'm going to be making my own decals and some different versions of each major texture so I can use it to vertex paint some wear and tear where needed I think. For this project I'm going to sculpt and use Quixel Suite 2 for texturing. I do have both Substance Painter and Designer, which I really like, but I want to get better with Quixel as well.
@savannakhet
I think you are right, it does seem more LA than Tuscany. I did find some curvy ones from Italy when I searched for reference, but nothing as curvy as this turned out really. Should I go back and try to get it more apropriate to the region it's based?
I decided to start modeling and get somewhat of a feel for the graphical style today, so I began with the declined circular couch area. I modeled the rattan pattern in Maya, baked out maps in xNormal and made the texture in Quixel. The two pillow types use the same base material, but with swappable detail-normal to blend in with the tiling normal.
Took note of your feedback and changed the pool to something more like the one in the Hitman 2 pic, but kept the jacuzzi.
I kinda like this shape as well, but might do a bit more with the boring corners. Something like this perhaps;
Did a bit more with the sofa section and added the fire-pit. The rattan pattern, stones and coal has POM materials as well.
Yeah I like it a lot more as well, thanks for the feedback!
@jaker3278
Thanks! Right now I'm churning away at the house. Got the roof done, and working on the walls next.
Yeah I decided to do that this morning, looking way better now!
For me there is too much contrast in your vertex paint mat...well, it depends the goal you want to achieve but this is just my taste...
I really like the floor and i can't wait for the updates, gg
Yeah I think you are right about the contrast. I've added a hue parameter to the bricks, so it's easy to tweak and fix
@jaker3278
I agree. I made the current ones as placeholders in SpeedTree, and they are using pine needle textures actually, and not cypress leaves. I do want to make my own foliage pretty soon, but I've never done it before, so I'm kind of at a loss on where to start with it.
Got a bit more done now, getting close to being done with the major models, and then I'm gonna start doing the smaller more interesting ones like windows, plants, furniture etc. Also going to try and make a skybox that you can see in one of the pictures. I'm thinking rolling hills on the left with some farms and vineyards, and the ocean on the right side of the skybox. I also realized I need to redo the roof tiles, as I'm not that happy with them.
I made a quick paint for one background....
Well, i think it's a little boring to see too much plain walls....or a least think about some alcoves with statues or small fountains...my two cents...:)
Hey thanks for the paintover, made me realize that you are completely right, the far wall does need a small statue or alcove! Will definitely add that to my list!
Started working on the foliage today. Never made foliage before, so this was a fun experience! Used Maya to make the meshes, and then used those in SpeedTree to generate bushes and flowers that are affected by the wind.
Thanks man! No SSS, just a regular material added via SpeedTree when importing the foliage
Decided to show a more closeup view so I can better get crits on the foliage!
I used to love the scene