Making It Look Great 11: Hard Surface Modelling Tactics for Cinema 4D

Of all the areas a 3D artist can learn, modeling is arguably the most difficult to master. It takes hours, weeks, months, and years of practice and mistake-making to reach the stage where you can decipher a mesh just by looking at it. Also, finding thorough training that focuses on more than just a few techniques and tools isn’t easy. With MILG11: Hard Surface Modeling Tactics for Cinema 4D this is no longer the case. MILG11 is developed for Cinema 4D artists but the explanations of fundamental modeling concepts make it relevant to all 3D artists no matter the software used. If you’re serious about learning modeling, MILG 11: Hard Surface Modeling Tactics for Cinema 4D is the ideal place to start. Here’s what’s included:

Geometry Basics

Important, fundamental geometry concepts that are the foundation to correct modeling.

• Directing Flow: Quad workflow and its importance in maintaining predictable edge flow.
• Redirecting Flow: Tools and techniques for redirecting edge flow.
• Edge Loops: The importance of loops in edge flow, adding and encapsulating detail.
• Normals: The importance of Surface and Vertex Normals to modeling, materials, and rendering.
• Using Diamonds: Using diamond quads to split edge flow and control edge count.

Total duration: 1 hour 56 minutes

Key Tools

Key tools and concepts to save time, model correctly and create seemingly complex meshes with ease.

• The Slide Tool: Tips and tricks for working with the Slide Tool.
• Symmetry: Time-saving techniques using the Symmetry Object.
• Radial Symmetry: Time-saving techniques using radial symmetry.
• Modelling Axis Tools: Tips and tricks for using the Modeling Axis Tools.
• Shrink Wrapping: Projecting a mesh using the Shrink Wrap Deformer.

Total duration: 1 hour 44 minutes

Subdivision Basics

Understanding polygonal subdivision and how it relates to hard surface modeling.

• Splines Vs Subdivision: The benefits of subdivision modeling over a spline-based workflow.
• Basic Curvature: Understanding polygon count and its importance in creating smooth curvature.
• Edge Sharpening: Tips and techniques for cutting transitional edges on geometry under subdivision.
• Convex Cuts: Tips and techniques for creating sharp, convex details in geometry under subdivision.
• Concave Cuts: Tips and techniques for adding sharpening to concave details under subdivision.
• Isolating Cuts: Techniques for isolating cuts to extruded, internal geometry.
• Uprezing a Mesh: Adding detail into a specific part of a mesh without affecting other geometry.
• Cylindrical Detail: Adding detail to cylindrical objects under subdivision without affecting curvature.
• Surface Tension: Understanding subdivision surface tension and how it affects geometry.

Total duration: 4 hours 23 minutes

Topology Tactics

Techniques, tactics and drills for a 2D workflow that greatly simplifies the modeling process.

• Simple Shapes: Resolving simple shapes in geometry using a 2D topology workflow.
• Tech Shapes: Tech shape drills with templates and time-lapse solutions.
• Reshaping With Deformers: Strategies for re-approaching topology to work with deformers.
• Contour Lines: Adding transitional edges to pre-existing geometry.
• Simple Bracket: Using a 2D topology workflow to build a bracket.
• Surface Detail: Retopologising pre-existing geometry to add surface features and details.
• Telecaster Scratchplate: Using a 2D topology workflow to build a Fender Telecaster scratchplate.
• Engine Cover: Using a 2D topology workflow to build a motorcycle engine cover.
• Repurposing Objects: Repurposing an existing object by modifying the topology.
• Basic Retopology: Using the Polygon Pen Tool to retopologise existing geometry.

Total duration: 4 hours 50 minutes

General Modeling Tactics

Vital modeling concepts, strategies, and workflows.

Using Reference: The importance of having good references before commencing a model.

Blocking: The importance of blocking before commencing a complex model.

Details & Kit Bashing: Demystifying detailed models and the benefits of building a library.

Loop Strategies: Strategies for using loops to add edges and detail into existing geometry.

Complex Extruded Shapes: Creating complex extruded shapes and reconciling edge count to combine with existing geometry.

Boolean Strategies: The correct approach to including Booleans into a modeling workflow.

Total duration: 1 hour 57 minutes

Modeling Walkthroughs

Intense, long-form modeling workshops for creating a variety of challenging objects from scratch.

Tumbler: Step-by-step techniques for creating a glass tumbler.

Oil Pump: Step-by-step techniques for creating an oil pump.

MD90: Step-by-step techniques for creating an MD90 camera.

Bottle Opener: Step-by-step techniques for creating a bottle opener with a corkscrew.

Rifle Stock: Step-by-step techniques for creating a rifle stock.

Total duration: 8 hours 45 minutes

Bonus Tutorials

Handy bonus tips and techniques plus a little extra review.

Cylinder Holes: A variety of techniques for adding holes to cylinders.

USB Sharpening: Sharpening walkthrough of the USB port created in Symmetry.

Pipe Holder: Using a 2D topology workflow to create a simple pipe holder.

Total duration: 38 minutes

Your Trainer

Toby Pitman is a London-based 3D artist and musician with a deep understanding of 3D modeling concepts and techniques. Toby started using Cinema 4D in 2009 as a hobby which has since grown into a passion for the art and science of 3D modeling.