Models aren't that complicated with this approach! (Blender Tutorial)

In this video, I'd like to discuss a different way to look at "complex" models, and how to break them down into simple shapes so it isn't as tricky as it looks.

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[SameHat]

For those just finding this video without any real Prior knowledge.. it might be worth mentioning at the start of the video that you are using HARD OPS add-on and this is NOT just vanilla blender.. otherwise fantastic video and a good demonstration on breaking down a complex looking structure down to its simplest form.. well presented

[bigbalticbox]

What I gathered from this video is that 3D modelling isn't that much different to traditional 2D art: You have to define your primitive shapes before chiselling away and adding detail

[KaboomGaming]

Reminder to people just stopping in for the first time that this is just for getting the overall form down. You still need to retopo and you are definitely not done here. For example this model here has massive Ngons on the top and bottom. Sometimes that works fine, but sometimes you get shader errors with that, which can be a big problem. Make sure to clean up the topology a little bit more. Ngons are sometimes okay on non deforming surfaces, but it is not only good practice (but also not always accepted professionally depending on if you are working for someone) to have good, clean topology, but also the way to avoid shader problems later down the line.

Luckily for you, you are on a great channel for learning about this stuff! Check out some of the other videos too to learn more of the workflows that Josh shows, there is a lot more to go, but hopefully this helps inspire people to learn a bit more with everything! I just mentioned the shader stuff, but Josh often covers that in various places, so see about more of these tricks while working to get some better ideas!

[besknighter]

There are several way to model. Sculpting, using boolean operations, polygon modelling, etc. Each having their own pros and cons. There's nothing preventing one to use all of them for the same object at different stages or to achieve different shapes. Learning at least the basics of a lot of them will demystify a lot of the apparent complexity.
Thank you for this great demonstration of that!

[titusandronicus]

This is a very important video. Impressive how easy it is to build complex structures, if you develop an eye for basic shapes. Thanks!

[alexisFCUK]

This is one of the most useful tutorials out there. Not a lot of people actually discuss the thought process behind modeling! It doesn't matter how many topology videos you watch, what it comes down to is training your eye and breaking complex objects down into their simplest shapes. Bravo!

[mechaboy]

You so efficient with hotkeys!
I remember losing the magic of watching someone create something in blender when I learn to understand it
But you just gave me that sense of magic all over again!
You really are using addons to the max

[DarkSwordsman]

This is why I really like 3D art, coming from a software engineering background. With software engineering especially with CI/CD (continuous integration/continuous development), it is really difficult to break down work into manageable steps, especially since there are lots of dependencies for certain tasks. Not to mention that you're often working with botched or poorly documented APIs or software packages.

However, in the case of 3D here, it's all very basic steps that can be layered like a cake. With every new tool or technique I learn, it's more of another horizontal layer rather than a complete new vertical to learn. It allows me to apply the ideas of "iteration" and "only needs 90%" very easily and tangibly see my own progress as an artist. Not to mention that I love 3D because it feeds into the technical side of my brain. Absolutely love it.

[iiandreio]

This was actually a very great tutorial! love the shape as well, trying to drive this concept into one of the guys I'm coaching's head.

[Gamakatana]

Creating the model isn't the problem, it is quite simple, Topology is what consumes the most time and effort.

[PhoneAppS]

as someone who uses SolidWorks a surface based 2D to 3D modeler, i find it fascinating how all 3D software's can replicate this object and how each one is approached differently and also how this is considered a more complex shape in blender.

[Morecado]

I just finished the blenderbros mechanical arm tutorial and I was surprised at how quickly you can learn everything needed to make almost any hard surface object.

It helped shape the way I think about modeling into exactly what you were talking about on the video.

[figurehed]

Always appreciate the positive encouragement. Like you said, it's easy to get overwhelmed/demotivated.

[Suniverse]

thank you, i was planning to get into hard surface, i got some tutos as intro but needed to have the good mindset before, this video is exactly it.

[cre-or-die]

Great video Josh! Another great way to attack this model would be with flat low-poly strips that could quickly be bent into 1/8th of the model, extruded, beveled and mirrored. This would create something with super clean topo that would be easy to UV. 🎉

[shay]

Can you break down all the tools u used to make this video. Because some of your shortcuts and add ons from what it looks like i didnt quite understand. It will be really helpful if u further elaborate more modelling workflow tools and methods.

[simoncodrington]

Another great video mate, cheers for taking us through your workflow

[priceykiller]

your designs are so clean! very eye pleasing

[Guilherme_Zanella]

Brooo what a great channel finding you guys was a total jackpot you guys ROCKKKK 🤘🤘🤘

[IrocZIV]

Nice to see breakdowns like this. Kind of like a magician showing how the trick is done.