Model A Complex 3D Scifi Ship With Maya And Zbrush

Create a scifi spaceship in Maya for detailing in ZBrush

What you'll learn
Students will learn to quickly create a sci fi spaceship using simple methods, sticking with large shapes
Students will grasp working with edge-extrusion modeling
Students will learn to create and use an IMM (Insert Multimesh) Brush in Zbrush
Students will use LiveBooleans in ZBrush to add details to the sci fi spaceship
Requirements
Students need to know basic Maya modeling and controls
Students need to know basic ZBrush functionalities and tools.
Description
In the Scifi Ship Series, we'll sart by creating simple shapes via edge extrusion in Maya, as it's one of the easiest methods to create viable meshes. When creating meshes in Maya, the fewer tools you use, generally, is the better your end result because you end up focusing on the best aspects of the tools to create what you need. Edge loops for better subdivisions are paramount when working with models that are going to be more than just 'game ready' (low poly) and will help create cleaner beveling when the mesh smoothes as opposed to subdividing without edge loops. Once the mesh has been imported into ZBrush, proper usage of polygroups will assist in mirrored details and overall cleanliness. IMM (InsertMultiMesh) Brushes are vital to helping to add the 'greebles' and accessories to hard surfaces to add interest. LiveBoolean is a new tool that's paramount in creating inset cuts and booleaned shapes within the ZBrush subtools to add more futuristic details to parts of the sci-fi spaceship. When combining tools in ZBrush, like IMM brushes with LiveBooleans, the speed at which the model is populated with details is greatly decreased, which helps with tight deadlines in production. Add in using Slice Curves to add polygroups to a mesh with Curve Functions to create frame meshes that follow the seam of the polygroups precisely, and the end results are a model that looks thoroughly populated yet futuristically refined.   More about the Instructor:Having 25 years of experience in the video game development/entertainment arenas, Stephen G. Wells is well versed in a variety of programs and production pipelines and strives to work as cleanly and efficiently as possible. Having done pretty much everything, he enjoys getting to share his knowledge and experience in the hopes that he can help students gain a better understanding and appreciation of what 3D computer art (in all its varying forms) has to offer.

Overview

Section 1: Blocking out the Main Shapes and Hull

Lecture 1 Download Source files here!

Lecture 2 Introduction

Lecture 3 Schematics and Modeling Foundations

Lecture 4 Cockpit Modeling

Lecture 5 Beginning the Main Hull

Lecture 6 Following Schematic Lines

Lecture 7 Finishing the Hull and Mirroring

Section 2: Wings, Fins, and Additional Details

Lecture 8 Introduction

Lecture 9 Building Wings

Lecture 10 The Wing Arm and Engine

Lecture 11 Creating the Rear Fin and Nacelles

Lecture 12 Expanding the Nacelles

Lecture 13 Nacelle Wings N Things

Section 3: Refining the Hull and Preparing the ZBrush

Lecture 14 Introduction

Lecture 15 Nacelle Hitch Piece and Rear

Lecture 16 Refining Hull Features

Lecture 17 Creating the Wing Fins

Lecture 18 Using Insert Edge loops

Lecture 19 Subdividing the Mesh to Import for ZBrush

Section 4: ZBrush Work and Details

Lecture 20 Introduction

Lecture 21 Greebles, Booleans, IMM Brush

Lecture 22 Nacelle IMM Brush Work

Lecture 23 Hull Intakes and Engine Work

Lecture 24 Adding Hull Elements

Lecture 25 Lower Nacelle Elements

Section 5: Polish Details and Presentations

Lecture 26 Introduction

Lecture 27 Booleans on the Nacelles

Lecture 28 Wing Arms Booleans

Lecture 29 Hull Panel Loops

Lecture 30 Extra Hull Booleans

Lecture 31 Beginning of the End

Lecture 32 Final Touches

Lecture 33 Bonus Lecture: Further Learning with 3dmotive

Students who have knowledge of Maya and ZBrush but who would like to get to explore how each can compliment the other.