Me
Hobbyist that dreams on leaving my day job (IT) and focus on learning Blender and doing 3D.
(53 y/o Kent UK, Originally from Israel )
Started with blender few years back and gave up after few days , did not get it back then, Came across 2.8 ,I think 6 month ago and been playing with it ever since.
I managed to complete few courses/tutorials but when I try to do something my own I get stuck .
This is why I was looking foreword to this type of training where I will be "forced" to meet deadline and can get feedback and advise.
The project
I chose the Barrel as I had no idea how to it , especially was not sure how to curve it and also keep each plank separated. Not sure if my solution is the best or if it will cause me issues down the line, but at least I managed to come up with a solution . Following tutorials is great but problem solving is the key , this is the skill I want to develop .
The ref image is just for inspiration , will try to add as many details from it ,the door thingy looks scary now , I might give it a go later.
My process
Mesh Circle , 24 V > Extrude in Z > adding loop cuts > manually added the curvature , separated top and bottom faces into their own objects , duplicate the main body as reference for later use.
Separated one plank, delete the rest and used Array Modifier using Empty rotated in 15 degree to get back 24 blanks. , for thickness used extrude and bevel and sharp edges
for the rings , used shrinkwrap modifier (thanks for one of the posts I read here ,never used it before)
used the duplicated object I kept earlier as the target , this way it kept the nice smooth shape.
modelled simple bolt (tried screw modifier but was over kill ) and used mirror/array to replicate it.
avirozenboim I'm so impressed with this final result. It has a kind of impressionistic aesthetic to it that I never expected. From the way it's lit to the unique sky texture...I can't help but call it Art (with a capital A).
I also really like the procedurally textured ground pattern. It's a great way to add some interest to a simple plane. On that note, the only critique I offer is that the edges of the plane are obvious:
This is a common issue that's a dead-giveaway that this image is a 3D render. I recommend that you turn the plane into a circle and fade away the edge, it won't be an issue any longer.
In the end it's a very small note compared to how pleased I am with the final. It's an A+ in my book! 👏
PS: Would you be willing to let me download your final .blend to possibly show how to blur out the ground plane edge in the stream tomorrow? If so, please pack your .blend file to include the textures (File > External Data > Pack all into .blend) then save with a new file name adding "_packed" in the name. Then use dropbox or google drive to provide a download link for me.
avirozenboim Wow, I give you massive props for swinging for the stars and even more for sticking the landing! Excellent effort, good balance of detail. Not much to critique besides what Kent pointed out. Good job!
@theluthier I am blown away from your comments ! Thanks so much.
On Friday I took day off from work so I can complete the modelling (figuring out the very top shape was not easy task for me , but when I did it, on my own , the feeling was amazing , it was actually simple)
BUT over the weekend I just could not get the textures/shaders to look good . I woke up Sunday morning and said , ok give up.
felt great , like a stone was lifted from my chest .... but in the afternoon I said give it another go , forget what you are expected to do just do what you can and love . Changed barrel material to be 100% procedural , and I felt like I am cheating , but as I was after more of atmosphere rather than realism , It was a good compromise .
Today I came back home and said , Ok you must do the treasure chest again ( I never got to the texture part of it) , but had no real energy . Trust me I am full of energy now!!!!
I have shared the file with what I think is your email , please let me know if you did not get it.
I just figured out how to get a link so hope this one will work
https://www.dropbox.com/s/86m9y5x5cr79c0z/barrel_fantasyHouse_packed.blend?dl=0
silentheart00 - appriticate so much ur feedback , even though I can only guess what you said , no one around me heard of these saying :) Its ok Google help me ... thanks
avirozenboim I'm glad you didn't give up. Your perseverance paid off! There was a specific painting that your render reminded me of but I couldn't think of it yesterday...then today I remembered:
"The Persistence of Memory" by Salvador Dali. They just feel like they belong in the same world to me. Cool stuff.
PS: Thank you for the file, Avi