Concept:
With my concepts created and a general idea formed I started the modelling process, I decided to go with my first Concept as I felt that would give me the best opportunity to show proficiency with Maya and create a highly detailed and unique asset that would work as a centre piece for my environment.
Low Poly Modelling:
I started by creating a basic low-poly model that I could then scale up and detail to later down the line.
The Blade:
Before I could move onto the technical element of the model (my branches) I need to create the blade and hilt of the sword which I can wrap the branches around to mimic my concept drawing.
I imported a reference sword from Pinterest onto the z axis as an image plane, so when I started modelling using a poly plane I could use this reference to get the an idea of the proportion of the blade to the hilt. I rotated the plane 90° so it was face up on the z axis and set the subdivisions in height and width to, this would allow me to create the point of the blade that I can edit once I have a basic shape.
Using the multi cut tool I was able to create a basic shape of the sword, then I extruded it to create a 3D blade which tapers in at the sides and comes to a point at the top. I also used the extrude tool to inset the middle of the blade to give it a more authentic look.
The Hilt:
The hilt and handle was made from a simple poly cylinder. that was extruded and bevelled to create the pommel for the end of the sword and a handle that I can texture in substance painter.
The Branches:
Video Link – 2023-05-03 10-15-14.mkv
To create the branches I had to learn a process and use tools I wasn’t familiar with, by creating a CV curve and adding multiple points that I could manipulate. I could extrude a cylinder along these points and add divisions to make a low poly branch.
By creating multiple of these branches I was able to manipulate their shape by changing them into a reference piece and editing the control vertices of the curve to move the branch and wrap it around my sword.
I did add some small branches later on that solely wrapped around the handle to action some feedback that the branches I had added to the blade looked static and like they had just been placed there. So I manipulated and edited some of my branches so the attached to the blade and added to small vines to wrap around the handle.
The Rock:
I Started to model a rock which the sword will be slotted into to create ‘the sword in the stone’ aesthetic I want to create. Using a Platonic Solid (tetrahedron) and adding divisions, I used the soft select tool to soften and edit some the edges before I topologized the shape to make the edges more even and add some form and roundness to the stone
The rock is neither high or low poly as it will be scaled and textured with its own maps separate from the sword.
High Poly Modelling:
I used my low poly model and upscaled by either bevelling or adding divisions through the modelling toolkit or the multi cut tool to add higher detail.
The Blade:
for the blade I smoothed the tip and added divisions to the length of the blade. I also used the multi cut tool to add some Norse runes that are engraved into the blade, once I had the outline of the runes I used the extrude tool to offset them into the blades shape.
The Branches:
For most of the branches I use the bevel or smooth to give them a more rounded shape and edges, however for the smaller more intricate branches I added in edge loops with the multi cut tool to smooth the edges and round them off, It means that not all of the branches are the same and they all of have varying shapes and styles to make them look more natural.
Wire Meshes:
References:
3D Wolf (2021) Create a Sword Model in Maya and Substance Painter; 1. Modeling and UV Unwrapping [Video]. Available Online: Create A Sword 3D Model in Maya 2022 and Substance Painter | 1. Modeling & UV Unwrapping – YouTube [Accessed 20/02/2023]
Digital Dreambox (2021) Model Low Poly Branches in Maya: Simple Tree Branches [Video]. Available Online: Model Low Poly Branches In Maya | Simple Tree Branches – YouTube [Accessed 21/02/2023]
Digital Dreambox (2021) Model Low Poly Rocks In Maya; Simple Rocks and Stones [Video]. Available Online: Model Low Poly Rocks In Maya | Simple Rocks and Stones – YouTube [Accessed 21/04/2023]
Rushton, A. (2023) Pinterest Board of concepts – Sword Ideas. Available Online; Pinterest [Accessed 25/02/23]
McCoy, D. (2019) The meaning of Norse runes. Available Online; The Meanings of the Runes – Norse Mythology for Smart People (norse-mythology.org) [Accessed 19/04/2023]