Create a sci-fi mech factory

Prologue: Hangar N.15 is a development of a project artist Chris Dipaola has been working on for some time, the first sighting of Chris' robots came in his Maya modelling tutorial from issue 187.

"I used a combination of Polygonal modelling, curves, utilising the animation deformer, modular techniques, and kit bashing for this scene," says Chris, offering an insight into the techniques used to bring the mech hangar to life.

Chris tends to work flexibly, often working on stages of the image's development simultaneously. For this image Chris says he most enjoyed working on the "the layout and design as well as the fine detailing," for which he says he, "starts by applying some rough maps to the model in order to see how it's working. I generally work in Photoshop to create my maps and work around 4k."

01. Concept stage

Whether I am working on professional projects for a client or on personal projects, I like to get started with a heavy amount of research in order to give myself a better understanding of the content I am about to create.

After I have gathered a good amount of reference I like to quickly compile it into a collage in Photoshop. It helps to have all of my reference in front of me at all times instead of digging through a folder for images or tabs in a browser.

When creating a concept I tend to look for content that inspires me in the context of what needs to be created. When working on a design with a concept, I like to find as much reference on the design as I can. In either scenario I always try to find a way to ground whatever it is in reality with real world reference.

02. Quick sketching

Sometimes I begin with some quick sketches to work out angles or forms before jumping into 3D. I go back and forth checking my Photoshop ref file to jotting down my sketches. This can help give better understanding of some difficult or complex areas.

03. Blocking out

At this point I jump into a 3D package and begin with rough blockout. I generally try and keep everything very simplistic up until I have all the forms and proportions I need laid out in front of me.

04. Modelling and refining

Once I feel I have everything working it's time to move forward with modelling refinements. Tightening up areas and defining the structure and silhouette of the design.

05. Applying maps

Now I generally work on detail modeling and adding everything required to finalize the design of the model. At this point I like to start applying some rough maps to the model in order to see how it's working. I generally work in Photoshop to create my maps and work around 4k.

06. UV and layout

Now that the modeling is finished it's time to move onto laying out the UV's. After these are laid out I start applying either procedural or custom texture maps to the model and adjusting where necessary.

07. Lighting and finish

Now that the majority of the 3D work is done I like to drop in some basic lighting, work on the look development with the shaders, and begin setting up renders.

See more of Chris's art in this issue's 3D World (190), on sale now.