3D modelling solutions that impress.

STEP 1

Setting up the precise task

First, clients must know their purposes in terms of 3D model creation. The type and complexity of a 3D object hinge on its future usage, whether it’s static beautiful visualisations or motion solutions — animation, 360 product view, VR, and so on.

So a client sets a straightforward task for the Visionary Tools agency by sending us an extensive brief with samples, references, and product drawings. After that, with our project managers, we can discuss and clarify all the details and set a deadline for 3D model creation.

STEP 2

Building up basic geometry

There are different ways to create a 3D model using solid, surface, and wireframe types of 3D modelings. Solid relies on creating a new object by transforming primary geometry forms — cubes, balls, cylinders, etc. The surface method is based on drawing guiding lines that create a surface. And polygonal modelling means 3D model creation from polygons. This is the most popular type of 3D modelling for furniture design.

A polygon consists of three points-vertices that are united by typical edges. Its basic structure is triangular, and these triangles can be combined into more complex surfaces.

The more polygons the created 3D object has, the smoother its surface and higher its quality. But such a 3D model itself becomes more “heavy.” “Heavy” in this context means it takes lots of resources to be rendered. Therefore, it’s not working for VR, AR apps, and video games. However, this 3D model creation is perfect for beautiful photorealistic 3D visualisations.

STEP 3

Adjusting polygons and topology

Often, after creating a fundamental geometry of a 3D model, it’s necessary to adjust the polygons according to the object’s shape. It’s vital for those 3D objects that could be too heavy for running in apps, VR, AR, or computer games made on the Unity engine.

In these cases, such processes as topology and retopology can solve the problem by reducing the number of polygons. If lesser polygons accurately repeat the shape and structure lines, a 3D model becomes lighter but retains good quality. 

STEP 4 

Choosing materials and textures

There are various materials libraries for 3D software, where you can find materials and textures starting from stone, wood, metals, fabrics, etc. 

Materials define such characteristics of the object as transparency, solidity, reflectivity, and so on. However, they don’t have a colour or pattern. And the texture is a 2D picture of the surface with no material features mentioned above. Applied together, they give 3D model creation of both the pattern and surface relief.

STEP 5

Mapping and аpplying the textures

Mapping is creating a texture map and overlaying it on a 3D model. While a 3D object is a 3D volume, maps are always made in 2D. It means they are no more than just a flat colour picture without surface relief. Therefore, 3D artists have to make the texture look realistic even with various maps in hand.

To get a real-looking material, Visionary Tools 3D experts use a black-and-white image of the texture to create a specific black-and-white bump map. All white spots and lines on this map mean convex, whether black ones are hollows. Using a bump map as a foundation, 3D artists can adjust the texture convexity in 3D software to make it more or less relief and bumps.