As part of a project mentioned in the off-topic discussion forum, where we were wrangling with the proper english-french translation for the carton (searching for realism, not a statement, please).
This WIP is part of a larger work that will be a full-blown product flyer, as a parody to the Glaser Safety ammunition, but instead of teflon and shot in the bullet it would use biodegradeable cow manure and shot. Eco-friendly is the goal.
Might just be that you’d have to be a hunter and/or be interested in firearms to get the humor in this. Maybe not. Just think: Glaser/Grazer, teflon/cow-poo, and the fact that cows and firearms go together about as well as fish and bicycles.
The bullets fit really nicely in their package. The cardboard package doesn’t have the look of cardboard, though. The material’s too sterile, there aren’t any creases or worn edges on the corners of the box. Actually, an artificial sterility pervades everything. Trying scuffing things up a bit, making them look like they’ve been in contact with the world. Still though, good job so far.
Also, thank you for not making a statement. People all trying to be deep and meaningful gets annoying after a while, and it’s nice to be able to appreciate this picture for what it is(i.e. cow poo bullets) instead of being forced to decipher some cryptic message about some half-thought-out opinion on something. I dunno. XD Anyway, long live frangible cow excretia.
As to “deep and meaningful” the final product will be a lot more self-explanatory. I just added all that verbiage in my post because you don’t have that included in the image shown - it’s just an intermediate render. I don’t want to be deep and meaningful. I want shallow. It’s all about me, baby.
I tried scuffing up the bullets - you can see some on the copper jacket, but I really had difficulties with the casings themselves. Still eludes me. It seemed to be a “not enough” or a “God that looks awful”, but nothing in between.
One thing about the scene that I was looking for in terms of intentional artificiality was to look like the product ads you see where they were professionally photographed and look nothing like real life. You’re right - needs more realism though.
The softness of cardboard mostly shows up at the edges, with little dents and smushed edges and corners. The flat surfaces generally stay pretty flat, unless something gouges them.
Updated the box with Orinoco’s suggestion to make the box look like it has lived a little, tore the box a bit and put the notch in the flap. Will re-render tonight with some more changes - grime, primer sizes increased, bullet casing scuffs.
Suggestions regarding how I can make this (either image/render) look more polished are very welcome. It’s not quite there but I can’t put my finger on what should change.
Thanks -
-critter
ps - I gotta say if you haven’t tried Gimp 2.2 yet, give it a chance! I spent the last few days investing some time into learning it’s ins and outs, and I’m very impressed. GNU/Open-source never fails to amaze me.
