For my second year of university I embarked on a journey to learn 3D Modelling using Maya and Substance Painter.

In this time I completed two projects, where I created two "hero" props for each.

Final Project

In this project I was tasked to create an environment where Darth Vader could be.

I decided to construct an environment inspired by Darth Vader’s castle from the series Obi-wan Kenobi. Where I created an intricate room with two emissive pillars, a throne in the middle and his lightsaber placed around the room. On top of this there are a couple of background props to enhance the room and make it feel more full.

For all the 3D models, a similar process was followed:

1.  Created a rough shape
   
   
2.  Beveled and cleaned the models by removing n-gons, triangles and ensuring good edge flow
   
   
3. UV mapped the models, where I used camera projection to start with, then cut it into small sections, and scaled each shell to match the rest of the model
   
   
4. Textured each model by using Substance 3D painter, and created interesting materials to fit the objects. 

The lightsaber was the only model which I split into smaller chunks and tackled them separately. To create all the details and intricacies of the material, I used many smart materials in Substance Painter, which I edited to achieve all the textures I was looking for.

To have all the various materials in the model I used black masks, easily selecting the various components of the model using its UV shells, and painted on top final details such as screws on top. Additionally I utilised the transmission layer to create "plastic" materials and added light behind them in Maya to make them seem like they are glowing.

First Project

For my first ever 3D models I focused on creating clean and detailed models without considering texturing, but focusing on how they look in a scene.

I modelled a torch and a mace, which are placed in a scene which is textured to create a dark medieval room.

The main idea of these compositions is that the only light in the scene comes from the torches, and to enhance the mace, a 3-point lighting was utilised.