WARBIRD - Part 1 - Modelling

Any ambitious project is, at its most fundamental level, a series of small steps. And each one of those steps is a problem, waiting to be solved.

So what lies at the heart of our ability to complete challenging projects, whether at work or for personal pleasure, is our ability to solve problems, both big and small.

And this is where WARBIRD - P47 Thunderbolt in Blender comes in: over the course of two parts, the training will take you through an entire project, focusing on one problem at a time.

Each video in the training will show you how I tackle every specific problem, step-by-step, so that over the length of the course you can see how problem-solving is the beating heart of working in 3D.

Part 1 of the training focuses on modelling the WWII P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft. Creating the aircraft using subdivision surface modelling techniques means you constantly have to balance efficient shape creation with good topology, especially on curved surfaces.

And despite its apparent simplicity, this model presents some difficult challenges because every single surface on the aircraft is curved. This means you have to be very careful to maintain surface continuity when creating details.

My approach is to focus on the form first, then to modify the topology accordingly.

In this approach, topology is fluid rather than being set in stone. Modellers should never hesitate to change their topology when needed. Reflowing topology is easy, and the techniques to do this are demonstrated throughout the training.

With this approach you start by creating big shapes, such as the wings, and then only later add smaller details such as the flaps or gun holes. Once the bigger shapes are in place, you can easily reflow the topology to accommodate the smaller details.

Tackling problems in this order helps you to move quickly without getting paralysed trying to plan for every little detail first. Tackle the big shapes, and then fit the details in at the appropriate time.

Approaching modelling with this mindset means that you are never tied to your topology: you can always change it to suit your needs. The shape always comes first, and the topology is there to support it.

This workflow helps you work faster and more fluidly, and allows you to enjoy the process of modelling in a state of flow - because at each step in the process you are only dealing with one problem at a time, not trying to plan five steps ahead.

So if you want to see how to use this problem-solving approach effectively, join me in WARBIRD - P47 Thunderbolt in Blender.

Watch the intro video here: