Practicing with other people's models

gpozzoq · May 17, 2024, 11:12am

Hello,
I’m trying to get better at modeling environments. I decided to start practicing by copying prebuilt models from sources like blenderkit, polyhaven, etc & looking for some feedback. I’m not too concerned about topology and proper edgeflow at this point since I want to get more comfortable with the cadence of software.

Here’s a copy of “Small round temple” by Cosmo on Blenderkit.

You can tell I didn’t copy the ornamental designs which leads me to my first question: How would you go about making those?

Then there’s this:

Those lines are coming from the railing (my attempt resulted in very bad topo but I’m still curious as to what may have caused this)

Also, what would your approach be when modeling this:

This is what I came up with (didn’t take screen of topo, my bad) - what do you think causes the artifact in the middle? (it was mirrored)

Thank you to whomever takes the time to answer this!

oo_1942 · May 17, 2024, 12:00pm

Please refer to the video for the roof.

There are several modeling methods.
You can start from a curve, cut a plane, or create a face from a vertex.

fss.blend (1.0 MB)

But the important things are topology construction, minimal modeling work, and use of modifiers.

gpozzoq · May 17, 2024, 12:09pm

Very cool, thank you for taking the time!

RSEhlers · May 17, 2024, 3:20pm

It is probably duplicated faces which usually happen when the curve or if converted to mesh extends beyond the Mirror axis center before the mirror modifier was added…

causing the duplicated mesh, even if merge and clipping are selected in the modifier…

To fix it, you would need to take the original and move away from the mirror axis, and then adjust it so that the end of the curve or mesh is right on the axis, world origin, or even an empty if used as the mirror object…

as soon as it reaches the center?axis , then clipping will take effect.
You might need to clean up the resulting loops to simplify the mesh.

Also, notice that my curve was not aligned along the X-axis but moved a bit towards Z causing the edge bump on the ends, that will add artifacts also…

Happy Blending!

gpozzoq · May 17, 2024, 10:39pm

Thank you so much! awesome insight!