I learnt a lot in this modelling lecture as I discovered how to model a fish in a tank using the modelling / sculpting toolkit.
It was great when Owen did a presentation to give a deep dive into modelling by explaining the different topology terminology, the reasons behind topology (Good / Bad topology), Sony Facial Rigging, Tips on Good Topology, Is Quads always needed, Maya Interface, Hotkeys (Viewport Navigation & 3D Object Selection), Set & Saving Project and Modelling toolkit before we started modelling the fish.
When starting creation of the fish tank, I used cube modelling to create a log poly shape to start off with. I used the Multi-cut tool create the top / bottom of the tank and to separate the glass. Using the sculpting tools on a plane to pull and flatten to make a gradient in levels to develop a sandy landscape (the sculpting tools can help to make pebble stones).
Also, in the coding of maya, a Mel script can be made to generate model like rocks (Owen provided a rock generator Mel script). Moving forward after I finished this semester; I’m going to research into making my own Mel scripts (which might be great for developing my skills in the Maya software so I can create generators like the rock Mel script]).
Afterwards, I used a fish image plane as reference to create a low poly model using cube modelling and adding edge loops with the Multi-cut tool. Subsequently, I extruded out the front, top, bottom and back faces to produce the fins and lip shapes. By using the chamber vertices to develop the eyes and adding a poly sphere on both sides for the eyes. [View video above for details].
I focused and wanted to learn from Owen in the lecture because in the past when I was modelling objects I had to use a tutorial to learn how to make a certain item.
I really enjoyed learning the modelling technique and information behind it from Owen during the lecture. Some areas of modelling the fish tank were hard to figure out but with the guidance of Owen I got to understand them more.
By learning how model a fish and the tank with the modelling toolkit and the right topology helps me to model other items correctly for my campsite project.
After this, I plan to model items using the correct topology for my camp project like trees, a campfire, a foldable chair, and a tent. Owen told me to about a substance painter workshop on Wednesday which I plan to go to.
