Spaceship Modeling training video
Video tutorial for MODO 501
We love spaceships! You could argue that CGI was invented to make spaceships, but whether you believe this or not there’s no denying that CG spacecraft have been the stars in many iconic productions, from battle sequences in Babylon5 to opening shots of Star Wars episode 3 and more recently Avatar. For many CG artists, these epic scenes really get the blood racing. In this MODO modeling tutorial, Andy Brown pays tribute to the CG spaceship and has some fun while creating a very special vehicle.
For this tutorial, we commissioned concept designer James Robbins to create an original spaceship design for the project, including eight orthographic reference images. James has been involved for ten years with the Stargate series and was just the man for the job!
The modeling techniques used in this tutorial are not exclusive to spaceships; they can be used to create any vehicle, from a car to a plane or even a boat. What’s important is the methodology, and how to organize and be in control of modeling a large project from reference drawings. The aim of this tutorial is to teach you a specific methodology with your future hard surface modeling projects in MODO.
This video tutorial was developed for MODO 501. Users of later versions of MODO will find the tutorial useful, but will have to adapt some instructions to new techniques found in more recent versions of MODO.
Detailed descriptions of video tutorial segments
Video segment 1
Blocking out
In this video we concentrate on developing a proxy model for the project. This model will then go on to form the backbone of the project and be a constant source of reference. During this process we look at setting up Backdrop items, and most importantly, how to interpret a two dimensional drawing to create a model that it is both accurate and flexible so it can be an integral part of an iterative design process.
Video segment 2
Hull topology
With the proxy model as a template we can now start building the final model. We start with the main hull of the spacecraft. This is the largest part of the model, and the structure from which all the other details are connected. Through the video we investigate a method for developing topology that will accommodate that detail, while at the same time preserving the clean flowing lines of the hull. The hull is created using Pixar Subdivision Surfaces and we make extensive use of edge weighting.
Video segment 3
Hull detailing
With the main structure in place we are now free to embellish it with details, and in this video we look at three different ways of approaching it. Firstly we look at model bashing, or how to manipulate presets to quickly populate less important areas of the model. Secondly we look at modeling details that are more intrinsic to the design but not directly connected to the hull. And thirdly we look at how to cut into areas of the hull to add details that are directly connected to it. During this video we also look at some simple rigging techniques that allow us to evaluate the integrity of the details we’re creating.
Video segment 4
Cockpit
The cockpit of a plane, the bridge of a spaceship, or any kind of control room, are always fascinating areas to model because they bristle with controls and are visually rich. They are also the areas in which a human will interact with a vehicle making it a natural area of focus. In this video we assume the camera is going to get really close and have some fun building a canopy that will open and close believably, and develop some detailed control surfaces using the Model Bashing kit.
Video segment 5
Outrigger
We complete the tutorial by modeling the outriggers, which are very important parts of the design and are little microcosms of the whole project. We develop smooth weighted topology in the same way as we did in video 2, and add details and embellish the design like we did in video 3, but the most interesting thing about this section is when we re-design an area and add structures that are not present in the reference in order for it to function in a certain way.
Meet James Robbins
James Robbins started his career as an illustrator and eventually progressed through Art Directing to being the production designer. James has been with Stargate for the last ten years. His work is familiar to many; he designed for SG -1 and Stargate Atlantis for the last two seasons of each show as well as the pilot and both seasons of Stargate Universe. Prior to that he designed independent features and TV commercials for a variety of clients, including Heineken, Sprite, Sprint and Maxfli to name a few. James was specially commissioned by us to create the spaceship used in this modeling tutorial.
