This includes polishing the block out, adding the proper details, and learning to manually sculpt smaller shapes and micro details. The DetailsĪfter you have grasped the basics and are able to effectively block out your character, then you’ll need to work on the details. Especially when designing these surfaces for video games, you’ll need to be able to create primary shapes and silhouettes within your software. This means learning to block in your character as well as having a thorough understanding of hard surface design principles. The Basicsīefore you can truly level-up those skills, you’ll need to have a great understanding of the basics. This will be crucial when considering hard surface modeling for games. However, if you’re a beginner or intermediate in this field, then you’ll likely need some improvement in the following areas to achieve expert level modeling. Hard surface modeling is an essential set of skills for any 3D artist to add to their arsenal. The car as a whole is considered a hard surface model because it is smooth when being modeled. For example, a car is considered a hard surface model, even though the tires are rubber and are designed to deform.

While this is often the case, there are exceptions. Organic elements or bodies are designed to move and have smooth mechanics, and hard surface models generally don’t deform. Generally, it includes objects that have a smooth, geometric mesh with less details than organic elements.

There is no definition available, so it is typically up to the discretion of the artist. The technique is commonly used in sci-fi and war-based video games, since they typically contain armor, machines, robots, and weapons.ĭetermining what is a “hard surface” can be difficult when discussing with other artists. This process allows for the design of “hard” surfaces such as armor, model cars, machines, and other types of non-living objects with smooth surfaces. Hard surface modeling is a modeling technique used primarily in video games. Here is an overview of hard surface modeling for games, skills you’ll need to improve, and some of the best resources to learn in more detail. There are many different subcategories within the field of 3D work, but there is one that every artist should consider pursuing: hard surface modeling. As a beginner or intermediate level 3D artist, you’ll want to learn all that you can and work to improve your skills.

Maya hard surface