I haven’t done a car from scratch before, so I decided to finally try one. I started out with an edge/contour method, working only with vertices then adding the faces. I’m not sure I like it, since I feel I’m missing a lot of the cutting tools that way (they don’t work or there is no visual feedback), so I will probably switch to extruding faces for other parts.
You can see the areas where I added extra vertical edges to add detail. The real hood is smooth in those areas. I’ve been pushing and pulling, but I can’t really return to a smooth curved surface in those areas after adding the vertices and edges (even with smooth on and a subsurf modifier). Is there a command to easily align and smooth a selected group of faces or edges there? I’m thinking something similar to smooth curve modifier transitions, but hopefully without having to use curves for every single edge.
The modelling procedure is similiar in all the tools, it mostly depends on your tools of choices. The thing is, while modelling any surface it’s not always wise to follow the general topology of the mesh. You have to think experiment and add extra egdes, its a gradual process and requires your own inventions. Try to invent things, take time, and personally I find blender faster than any other package for modelling. I am adding 2 screen shots for emphasis. I hope this would help you. Keep experimenting with the topology. Make sure you keep as much Quads as possible. Blender’s subdibision surface modifier works on quads perfectly, it also works on Ngons good enough as well. But in the end its always wise to always rely on our own designs than letting the software do all the stuff.
This way makes a little problem, but can be solved with certain steps. although the single vertex at the top will give you the curve you are looking for.
Keep trying. Car modelling is a best way to learn modelling. Looking forward for more uploads of your model.
Thanks for your ideas. I’ll try the different method you described. I have the feeling that the best way to fix my existing shape is to simply use it as a guide and start a fresh model on top, then only make detail cuts after I have a better starting shape.
I would suggest making mistakes and fixing them, unless there’s a deadline. Besides you are already at a better start, The mesh looks good, trying again will be adding an overhead. Although it’s up to you, I think you have done pretty good so far. I am a very crappy modeller. Just finished my first car. Took quiet a while, after many tries I learned mistakes are inevitable. The only way to become efficient is studying the messed up mesh and trying to find a way to fix it. This step helps in further models. You can find many tutorials about such optimizations. Most softwares work almost same. The ‘Subdivision Surface’ modifier works the same way as in other softwares. And there is so much information available. Hope this helps. Good Luck.
