@guitarguy00 Reducing the segment count to the minimum amount of geometry required to hold a shape and maintain edge flow is a good strategy for subdivision modeling. The base geometry looks good. You have the basic shapes and loops working together. Definitely on the right track. The distortion between the two outlets can…
The best advice I can give is to look at what you like to do, figure out where you want to go with it and reverse engineer everything from where you want to be to where you're currently at. As an example: Start by deciding film or games. Then look at which studios, what roles, what tools, etc. Build up a workflow around…
@perna Yes, highly reflective sub-D surfaces have always suffered these problems. In the automotive vis/vfx industry there are still those who prefer NURBS surfaces for those reasons or dedicated post-prod, touch-up artists whose sole job might be to paint out those reflection imperfections on non-NURBS modeled assets.…
@perna Can you elaborate on not being able to control edge widths? I do know the importance of being able to define edge sharpness but have not experienced any problems doing this via OpenSubdiv. I'm all for using whatever method to get the best result, but I'm not sure I can agree on all uses of double smooth being just…
Not sure if this is the right topic for this, but I am new here and not sure where to ask about this. Started modeling objects for games in my free time many years ago, when normal maps for games was new (2004) and I never understood the high poly to low poly workflow. I would approach modeling like this: (model in this…
@SkinnyM Have to agree with Eric's recommendation to block out the major shapes before merging them and adding support loops. To add to what's already been said: blending complex shape intersections is all about creating accurate shapes that have relatively consistent segment spacing. Using more geometry can help with…
@jdellinger98 Overall you have the right idea: using instancing, mirroring and other modifiers will reduce the workload and speed up the modeling process. Try to maintain a consistent shape transition when working with intersecting geometry on curved surfaces. Using a single base model for the high poly and low poly. It is…
@macaron10 Looks like the basic topology flow should be workable. Running the support loops around the perimeter of the shapes will sharpen the outer profile but redirecting the loops across the flared cap will produce a softer, rounder profile at the end of the quillion. The blade and hilt sides of the cross guard aren't…
@LouisMarshall There's a few different topology strategies for sharpening those corners while also minimizing the visibility of any smoothing artifacts. Which approach makes the most sense will depend on how accurate the shapes need to be, how visible the area is and how much time was spent creating the rest of the model.…
Thanks @Joao Sapiro, Yeah I understand and actually that was part of the reason for snipping, it seemed like I was off to a very bad start and I didnt want any new potential commenters to write me off straight away, I guess it didnt achieve the desired affect. I do appreciate the time everyone takes to post here and you…