Highpoly to lowpoly workflow weapons
polycounter lvl 4
I havent modelled many weapons so wanted to start with some fairly straight forward. Ive started modelling this ithica shotgun. (Approx 1500 tris)
I want to get an idea or a rule of thumb on making the high poly version and baking out the normal map within 3DS Max. I know this model isnt perfect, I havent quite perfected it but wanted to post this up to get some information on the matter as Im doing so.
When modelling a high poly version?
- Should I duplicate the mesh, and keep it as close to the original as possible but add more subdivisions?
- Add the smaller detailing, like: Ridges on the pump, fastenings, screws etc.
- Any pointers that I may have missed in this?
For baking the normals?
- I obviously need to UV map the lowpoly, then use render to texture?
- Does any have a link to a guide or an explanation on doing this in 3DS Max? (or equivalent)
I did see a tutorial a long while ago from "Millenia" or similar on a very similar shotgun, but with a different stock as I remember. I just want some basic pointers rather than having to sit through 50 minutes of video plus.
Thanks for your time!
I want to get an idea or a rule of thumb on making the high poly version and baking out the normal map within 3DS Max. I know this model isnt perfect, I havent quite perfected it but wanted to post this up to get some information on the matter as Im doing so.
When modelling a high poly version?
- Should I duplicate the mesh, and keep it as close to the original as possible but add more subdivisions?
- Add the smaller detailing, like: Ridges on the pump, fastenings, screws etc.
- Any pointers that I may have missed in this?
For baking the normals?
- I obviously need to UV map the lowpoly, then use render to texture?
- Does any have a link to a guide or an explanation on doing this in 3DS Max? (or equivalent)
I did see a tutorial a long while ago from "Millenia" or similar on a very similar shotgun, but with a different stock as I remember. I just want some basic pointers rather than having to sit through 50 minutes of video plus.
Thanks for your time!
Replies
A dice with smooth edges and indented circles for the numbers is a good one, as it involves understanding how smoothing groups and UV layout affect the bake.
As for Millenia's tutorial, it's closer to 6 hours but I would try and make the time for it if you can, it answered a thousand questions for me when I was less confident with the process.
And a (slightly) different workflow to the one Earthquake outlined: http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128414
And finally another tutorial that takes you through the whole process:
http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118043
Thanks for the tips, I guess my best bet would be to watch already established content.
Seems to be a running trend, with that video. I'll set some time aside to watch it. Thanks for the links!