Hello to everyone that doesn't follow my blog! I'm baaack!

I started a new job 3d modeling job which has been taking up most of my time, and the beta will be released soon.  I will be able to showcase some models I've made on this blog in the near future.

In the meantime, I should probably do stuff other than 3d....like dance!  Well, actually..more like draw with a wacom.  And I'll probably draw cars.  Lots of cars.  Then I'll probably draw other things like toasters.  Then I'll move on to harder things...like people.

I recently read a quote "As an artist, if you can draw pretty ladies, you'll never go hungry."

Where has the person who said that been all my life?

Playing in Mental Ray is fast and fun! (Before I had this computer I didn't think that was possible)

Before Gamma correction

After Gamma correction

I figured out how to correct gamma.
I'm running into topology issues. Some places are not smoothing smoothly.

I tried a test render in Mental Ray.  This is the first time I've run Mental Ray on this computer rig (i5 2500k) and it's FAST! O_0  This can only mean lots of fun in the future, instead of aging waiting for renders. :)

The Camaro is coming along. The orthos were accurate, but there are a lot of details I've had to look at reference pictures online to figure out.  This is definitely taking longer than if it was an original design, esp since I hope to do the Camaro (and all the Chevy freaks out there) justice.

I started a new project yesterday.  I've been modeling a low poly game character for awhile and could use a change in pace.  So-car time!  The new camaro should be enough fun to stay interesting.  I've learned a lot from modeling the character.  I am modeling much faster and cleaner now, and understand how to keep my mesh resolution in check.  I have two old vehicle meshes I can't wait to go in and clean up after this.

I pretty much finished texturing the van, but haven't posted it yet because it's not totally finished. I will post it from now on, finished or not.

And spell check doesn't like the word texturing.

Tailights

Painted some taillights based on some reference images.

 

The result in 3d

 

Today I was with friends and we drove by one of these vans which was parked far away, at night, in a dark parking lot.  I immediately knew it from the taillights. Strange how since I re-illustrated every detail of this entire van, I know it a little too well.  It soon will be starring in the dreams of my sub-conscience.

 

Headlight

 Here's a preview of a vehicle I'm texture painting in Photoshop.

I was soo tempted just to project a photo of the headlights I got off the net, but I'm glad I didn't.  Looks waay more consistent!  The photograph of the headlight is on top, and the headlight I painted in Photoshop is on the bottom.  No Wacom, just lots of masking and a mouse.

Always take the time to find good reference! It saved time in the long run.

It looks way more complicated than it is.  Some layer styles, dodging and burning, some amber painted in with masking, and reflections painted in.  Note to self: learn to let go of making billions of layers.  I think I have about 16 layers in the headlight..80 layers in the total texture.  Must....be...nondestructive...