Low Poly Brick Mailbox

Tyrone70

I was really excited to try out the dynamic tessellation features in UDK, but realized that I didn't have the horsepower to pull it of But since I started this, I might as well finish it. Nothing extremely spectacular here, but I haven't posted anything but questions here, so I thought I'd show of my newest project and maybe get some good advice along the way. (Normally, I'd be posting this kind of work on the ZBC forums, but I'm going to ignore that place for now since they ignore me ^_^)
Here's my Zbrush mesh so far. It has 11 subtools so far. The cement is pretty much done now. Next part is painstakingly making each brick look somewhat unique and worn.
Also, here's my reference if anyone is wondering.
http://www.milfordchase.com/milford_chase_brickbox.html

DDuckworth

I have no idea what you are talking about with the dynamic tessellation features in UDK, haven't heard of them nor do I know what that means yet. As for subtools how in the world are there 11? I tried counting and being generous I can only see 4 of them. you've got a good start here, hopefully changing up the bricks won't be too "painstaking" just give out the fast mallet brush a try and then try out the noise filter on the bricks once you are finished, I think that might give you the overall look you are hoping to achieve.

Tyrone70

I was thinking the same process, but totally forgot about the mallet brush. Thanks for reminding me. The reason it's split up into 11 subtool is so that I can sub divide the separate peices without have to worry about the polycount of a single subtool. i don't know how to explain it, but it makes sense in my head. but i'll upload an exploded pic so you can see what I'm talking about.
Also, here's what I was referring to:
http://pc.ign.com/articles/115/1153284p2.html

DDuckworth

Yeah that makes sense for subdivision levels, the piece that you have created the grout out of looks freaky without the bricks though, reminds me of gums without teeth or fingers without nails!! you could use that in some sort of horror situation somehow haha. Thanks for the article, was hoping to learn something by posting that

Tyrone70

Now that you mention it, it does look kind of sick.
So, I figured out an easy was to make the bricks look different, but that happened about halfway through sculpting each one by hand. I decided to sculpt them all by hand for consistency. So, here's an update.

Tyrone70

I finished adding noise to the bricks. Going to add some dirst to fill in the plant parts later. After that, I'll add the little touches like reflectors, mail flag, and plant life.

LateWhiteRabbit

No real crits so far, but it would be nice if you turned on perspective to show us the shots from Zbrush so the angles don't look weird.

Tyrone70

Crap. Yeah, I always forget about that. I'll definitely keep that in mind for future updates. Thanks.

Tyrone70

Minor update. Added the mulch pits and the base polypaint colors for everything. But after seeing that interview with Kevin, I'm kind of bored with this thing already. Any ideas how I can spice it up a bit short of destroying chunks?

Mark Dygert

So... if you planted some bushes at the... shaft... it would look interesting. Maybe just some gazing balls.

Sorry couldn't resist.

Tyrone70

Lol. Man, this forums really likes dicks. I actually was thinking about adding some plant life that takes over the mailbox. First thought was vines that have stylish venus fly traps sprouting from them, but I'm still pondering on it since that was just a spur of the moment thought.

popngear

Lol, now I can't unsee it.

Tyrone70

Update time. Trying to figure out the best way to do some vines in terms of efficiency and baking. Here's the attempt I like the most. Any suggestions?