WIP Gym Shoe

Reddler

Hi Everybody,

I am a relatively new modeler trying to gain some skills. I recently came across a neat looking basketball shoe and tried to model it. Long story short, it turned out terribly. The thing is, I don't know exactly what I'm doing wrong. It looks alright in the wireframe, but looks like crap when it's rendering time. I'm trying to get a junior portfolio but don't know where to aim. Here are a couple of renders of the model. I'm a big boy, all criticism is welcome. Please and thank you. Made in Softimage 2015, rendered in Mental Ray.

jose.fuentes

what are you trying to achieve? film quality or game res?  I think that would determine on where you wanna take this and how much you can push 

Reddler

jose.fuentes said:

what are you trying to achieve? film quality or game res?  I think that would determine on where you wanna take this and how much you can push 

I was on the fence of either or. I wanted to make it high res but didn't want to make it super high poly, although I think I can afford it.

Here is the model with a few tweaks using subdivision, a texture, and better details.

Reddler

New additions of string texture and rubber texture.

jose.fuentes

looking better.  Overall your shoe looks really new, straight out of the box.  I feel, that if you give it some wear and tear it will add alot more personality.  Also, your materials are pretty even, meaning the same level of spec and roughness through out.  Perhaps try adding some maps to break it up.  I would also give the laces some more love.  They look really flat and cardboard like.  Lastly, try a more interesting lighting scenario 

keep it up

Reddler

I've added some textures, relaxed the strings, and tried different lighting.

Reddler

Dirtied it up a little bit.