3D Journal: Week 3

For the third week, we put the skills we learnt in the past 2 weeks to use and created an Atari Controller joystick (specifically an Atari 10 in 1 Games system). With this, we were tasked with recreating the joystick using reference images - we learnt multiple things, most importantly the use of Smooth Mesh preview, which is used in a process called Subdivision Modelling. It took me a lot longer to complete the model, but even then I was missing a few parts. I tried to be as accurate as possible with scale and proportions.

With the model, we learnt about the use of Edge Loops, which helps keep the sharpness to our faces after we apply Subdivisions. We used this to help create our model, which was built to have the final version made with Smooth Mesh Preview.

My model was not completely accurate - the switch on the underside, underneath the buttons for the controller was absent. This was due to some mistake in my modelling that I was not sure of, but regardless of how I made the piece, the model always subdivided incorrectly. I decided to leave it absent for the final model, as it made it look worse than without it. If I were to recreate the model now, I feel that I would be confident in making that piece of the model correctly.

During this week, we also had an extra session where we learned the basics of ZBrush. While I am not the most comfortable with ZBrush, I know enough about the basics to make use of it if needed.