[FINISHED] 3D Environment - A Look Back

Brandon_KyT

When I first started learning 3D art, I tasked myself with making a simple scene of a tree a top a hill. I actually managed to find a screenshot of that scene that I sent to my friend (the 2nd screenshot below). I didn't know how to render out screens at the time, so I just screenshotted the viewport (lol).

For the sake of practice, I thought it would be neat to take a day and try and to re-create the "tree a top a hill" project I first tasked myself with. Lately, the inevitable feeling of doubt has crept up on me due to a string of scraps and failed projects. Needless to say, this practice exercise has reassured me that these past 3 months have not been for nothing. Below is a screenshot of the re-created scene, and just below that is the one I did 3 months ago. 

- Re-creation


- First/Old Project

JamesBrisnehan

Yah, that's quite a jump in quality for only 3 months difference.

Brandon_KyT

@JamesBrisnehan your zbrush progress is a bit more impressive haha 

JamesBrisnehan

@Brandon_KyT Ha ha, that's totally different, I've been sculpting for years, I'm just learning a new interface. 

I'm looking forward to seeing where you're at in another 3 months (no pressure though ).

Brandon_KyT

@JamesBrisnehan Ohhh man haha, no pressure indeed   . Lots of great artists and competitors out there, perhaps I will see you in the upcoming Artstation challenge? 

Chris186

That's awesome, wish I'd improved so fast. Took me forever to get close to that stage. Keep it up.

Brandon_KyT

@chris186 Thank you, Chris!

Brandon_KyT

2nd WIP. I'm really enjoying this scene!

Brandon_KyT

Final screens for this practice scene. Main focus was the lighting, but I wanted to get my hands wet with making some props too, so I ended up making the incense pots and katana. Everything was made for this scene except the grass, which were mega scans. If you got any questions let me know!

Steve0105

That's great improvement, and the lighting's solid too. Looking good!

Brandon_KyT

@Steve0105 Thanks Steve! The main focus of this scene was to improve my lighting, so I am glad that you said that

teodar23

The thick fog is inconsistent with the strong sunlight. Usually fog is accompanied by overcast. So either make the fog more subtle or dim the light.

Steve0105

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75fLIcsCU1U&t=665s This had some tips and tricks on balancing light/fog. Thought this would help.

Eric Chadwick

Nice work! I like the fog, but also feel it's a bit too strong for a hazy sunlit scene. But a larger issue for me is where is the visible light source between the incense pots? It's a really intense point light, but there's no flame visible. Incense sticks don't emit light, except maybe a tiny glow from the burning ember.

Brandon_KyT

@Eric Chadwick @teodar23 @Steve0105 Oh man haha, guess it's not finished after all. Can't be leaving any loses ends so I'll see to those tweaks soon! 

Brandon_KyT

And by soon I mean now haha. Will do something about the incense, but took down the strength of the fog. It looks much crisper now. Perhaps a little too much contrast not sure seems off a bit?

Steve0105

Saturation, maybe. Just fiddle around a bit, maybe with the post process volume. I think it's up to you at this point, the final tweaks. And what Brandon said, the pot looks like it's burning. Just a bit of glow at the tips. Maybe the emissive's mips are causing the entire thing to glow. That's it and you'd be all done I believe!