Term 2 - Week 1 - Modelling the USS Enterprise in Maya

This week we were given orthographic views of the Enterprise. We were to use this as reference images to build the ship as accurately as possible.

We started in lesson by creating a simple box and using the subdivision smoothing setting. We added edge loops as necessary to shape each part to make the specific shapes. We also learned how to use the NURBS rotate function to create the radar dish, then convert it to polygons afterwards.

The disk was quite difficult to shape properly with the smoothing on, and in the end I made it quite high poly count to be able to accurately get the curves accurate at all angles.

Started to add more specific shapes in addition to the main pieces of geometry:

Shaping the connector from the hull to the disk:

More connectors and details:

Used a bit of artistic license to add the details to the side and bottom, tried to match the guide as best as I could:

Adding extra details:

All pieces of geometry were complete, now just to replicate and re-position.

Added a very basic material, a directional light and two ambient lights to do these quick renders to show the finished model. I believe we are working on optimisation and normal maps in the next lesson...