FORKLIFT

Collins · May 17 2026

For my next project, I decided to create a forklift to push my texturing skills to the next level. This project will give me the opportunity to work on a wide variety of materials and surface details, including painted metal, worn edges, rust, dirt buildup, rubber, and decals. By focusing on a hard-surface vehicle with many distinct components, I aim to improve my ability to create realistic and believable textures while refining my overall asset production workflow.

Below are the reference images I’ll be using throughout the project.

Collins · May 17 2026

During the first two weeks of the project, I completed the blockout, low-poly model, and high-poly of the Komatsu - FH50. I also finished the UV layout, which is organized across three UDIMs. After completing the UVs, I baked all the necessary maps and prepared the asset for texturing. In the upcoming week, I will begin the texturing process, focusing on creating realistic materials and surface details for the forklift.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021068/uploads/editor/h0/zcb4lr05xgl9.png

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021068/uploads/editor/uw/vqkkaecqqxn7.png

Eric Chadwick · May 17 2026

You modeled and UVd this in only two weeks, at this detail level? I am skeptical. Also the model does not match the references. Do you have any in-progress screenshots of your modeling work?

sacboi · May 17 2026

Would've been nice if you'd finished CHAPPIE your initial project that didn't really get past reference gathering, I mean what happened? rather than continue to push stuff out the door like a conveyor belt.

Note - a bit nitpicky I guess but an important OHS plant requirement nonetheless due to practical experience operating one of these as a 'forky' on a bill paying factory gig, is the seat belt which I think you've missed from just looking at those wip pics?!

Eric Chadwick · May 21 2026

Well, looks like there is a lap belt in the left side of the seat. I just don’t get how this modeling and UVing and baking at this amount of detail was completed in two weeks, seems fishy to me. Maybe possible though? Would love to be proven wrong though!

sacboi · May 21 2026

Maybe I need a new pair of spec's or my eyesight is getting shot with age

otherwise I'm prepared to offer some benefit of doubt, for example their previous completed projects from blockout to UV - baking more or less was two weeks so at face value does appear there's continuity there...

Collins · May 25 2026

This week, I refined the UVs and began the initial texturing pass in Substance Painter. The focus was on improving the UV layout for better texture distribution and for establishing the base materials and surface details.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021068/uploads/editor/gu/f9evck75etuy.png

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021068/uploads/editor/as/8x9ead89ezpy.png

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Eric Chadwick · May 25 2026

No reusing UVs?

Eric Chadwick · May 25 2026

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021068/uploads/editor/na/gdbm5ptl8uw2.jpg

Ugh, unfortunately the bullshit detector was right.

https://www.cgtrader.com/3d-models/vehicle/industrial-vehicle/komatsu-fh50-dirty

Sure, you'll get a portfolio finished in record time, but then someone hires you to model something, and you can't find it online already... what happens then? They'll see through your subterfuge pretty quickly.

It's better to dig in and learn the process yourself, hard-surface modeling is actually very achievable.

Joao Sapiro · May 25 2026

this is VERY embarassing. dayum

sacboi · 12:55AM

"It's better to dig in and learn the process yourself, hard-surface modeling is actually very achievable."

SECONDED!

@Collins

you're only cheating yourself and the artists, specifically their work having been flogged off as your own.

FORKLIFT

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