Is it ok to apply subdiv to have extra topology for small details?

DrBombs

Hello everyone, I am trying to model a piece from Robocop 1987, picture below:



Now I Have the basis for it, 

So my question is, when adding these details, that small, should I apply one subdiv level to have twice the topology, or should I model these details in topology I already have? I just don't see how I can do that with so many details, please let me know If i am missing something here, Thanks in advance!

Neox

whats the final usecase? do you want it all modelled as a solid chunk of geo in HP? or do you want it just baked into a normalmap?

DrBombs

Neox said:

whats the final usecase? do you want it all modelled as a solid chunk of geo in HP? or do you want it just baked into a normalmap?

Just portfolio really, to show nice topology/ properly spread, no pinching in the shader, all quads maybe some tris and that's it, no baking, just the high poly

Neox

then yeah i'd personally subdivide it once and work from there. if it was for normalmaps only i'd possibly go with a lot more trickery like using floaters.

DrBombs

Neox said:

then yeah i'd personally subdivide it once and work from there. if it was for normalmaps only i'd possibly go with a lot more trickery like using floaters.

Thank you very much, is there something else other than shrink wrapping using a guide mesh to deal with pinching and so on?

ZacD

The line work and bolt holes could be done with floaters but you'd still want to model in the large details. 

sacboi

DrBombs said:

is there something else other than shrink wrapping using a guide mesh to deal with pinching and so on?

Lots of handy tips here - https://polycount.com/discussion/comment/2773644/#Comment_2773644  

plus this long running sub-d thread, as well - https://polycount.com/discussion/56014/how-the-f-do-i-model-this-reply-for-help-with-specific-shapes-post-attempt-before-asking/p182  

Could also look into utilising modifiers and loop tools, when cutting inserts into curved surfaces whilst not incurring surface artifacts, in the process.

An example:

https://polycount.com/discussion/comment/2748609/#Comment_2748609