Design the Next Enterprise
- Thread starter Shikarnov
- Start date
I actually loved your design. Sort of a more aggressive take on the Enterprise-D. In fact, if the Mirror Universe had its own version of the Galaxy class, this just might be it. Big, sleek and powerful.
The nacelles are positioned where they are so as to bracket the saucer’s edge above and below and maintain a clear forward line for both bussard collectors. I’m actually not one of the Trek-nology purists who insists that the bussards must have that clearance, but if it works aesthetically then why not?
The Vanguard actually predated the NX-01 by nearly ten years, in concept sketch form at least. When ENT was first announced and we learned it was to be a TOS prequel, I jumped on the speculation bandwagon with a 3D modeled version that I re-christened the U.E.S. Enterprise. You can imagine how surprised I was when the first hints of the NX-01’s appearance surfaced and the TV Guide photo finally appeared, and it turned out to have a very similar configuration to my Vanguard.
The deflector pod mounted to the underside was, indeed, one of those “bolted on” additions the ship was supposed to have, along with an exposed and easily upgradeable warp core (for those not familiar with the Vanguard backstory, it was supposed to be an experimental testbed for much of the technology used in the original Constitution class development project). I suppose it’s ironic that I eventually moved away from that pod-like design to something more integrated with the overall design. I really need to go back and finish that model one of these days…
You’re right, it is more visually balanced. Wish I’d realized that before I submitted the contest version, but we’ll just have to see how that pans out.
As for the quad nacelles, the main reason I did that was because I wanted to break the rigid Enterprise mold just a little bit. I had a feeling most of the other entries would stick with the traditional pair (which turned out to be true of almost everyone except the rabid Photoshop fiends) and that it might help me stand out from the crowd. At the same time, I didn’t want four nacelles jutting out in all different directions like the Trek version of an X-wing fighter, hence the mirrored pairs.
Based on Dan Stahls’ recent podcast comments, the quad nacelles may not have been the wisest choice for actually winning the contest, but I really can’t imagine this design without them anymore so I don’t regret it, regardless of the outcome.
I don’t think I would choose this approach to every illustration. There are some advantages to the more methodical approach, but I’m finding a lot of them in just pushing “paint” around as well.
I am getting more confident with my techniques and working to improve my technical understanding of how to accomplish things in Photoshop, Painter and so forth. I’ve become a dedicated reader of a magazine called ImagineFX, printed in the UK, which has been a huge and invaluable resource for this sort of thing. Many of the techniques I’m now using came directly from their articles and tutorials. I’m eager to dive into things now that I never would have even attempted just a few months ago.
Let that be a lesson to anyone who gets discouraged that they can’t do something or they’re not at good at it as they wish to be. With a little more effort and a willingness to try new things, you might just surprise yourself.
I also started in black and white. I didn’t add much in the way of color until after most of the shading was done, and the background was done last of all. I did go back and do some hue adjustment to blend the ship into the background a little better, and I added the specular bloom on the glows and highlights at the very end.
I use a Cintiq 12WX, which is probably one of the best things I ever bought for a thousand bucks. I would love to have a bigger model but I also like the portability of the 12WX and the fact that I can easily cross my legs and draw with it on my lap. Great, great product.
I do use texture overlays. I used a concrete texture mixed with a weathered metal texture overlaid at low opacity on my previous Ent-F sketches, and chances are good I will do something similar with the Ent-F painting I’m currently working on before I call it finished. As with most everything else, it’s a technique I’m still exploring and figuring out how to use to best effect.
I occasionally do some freelance design and 3D modeling work for one project or another, as with my USS Grandeur and Starship Polaris projects, but I’m not actually “in the industry,” at least not yet. I would LOVE to do this kind of work for a living and I am gradually trying to steer things in that direction, putting together a portfolio, etc. Hearing these kinds of comments from someone who is in the industry is very encouraging.
Wow, that’s really impressive. Proportions are slightly different from what I envisioned but not bad at all. I think I’m going to wind up doing my own rough 3D model of both Option B and C, just to get those proportions exactly the way I want them. It would also be a nice thing to be able to hand off to Cryptic should the occasion arise.
I actually loved your design. Sort of a more aggressive take on the Enterprise-D. In fact, if the Mirror Universe had its own version of the Galaxy class, this just might be it. Big, sleek and powerful.
High praise, indeed, and much appreciated. Most folks liken her to the Sovereign because of the lateral view, but it's good to know that some of the Galaxy-class design elements I wanted to invest in the concept still stand out. I honestly never thought of her as a potential MU design, but I can definitely see what you mean. It's weird how one can get so close to a project and miss things that would normally be obvious, from the outside looking in.
...I think I’m going to wind up doing my own rough 3D model of both Option B and C, just to get those proportions exactly the way I want them. It would also be a nice thing to be able to hand off to Cryptic should the occasion arise.
I'm definitely looking forward to those "rough" 3D models. You do realize how ridiculous "rough" sounds coming from you, right?
~Belisarius
With everyone sorta showing updates to their respective designs,
here is the my 1701-F design in it's Multi-Vector/ Saucer Sep Mode. (Not pleased with the front view, but top and side views turned out okay)
I didn't have it ready in this mode for the contest so I only submitted it in it non-vector-mode configuration for the contest.
Here is a link to the larger file.
http://hammerheadgraphics.iwarp.com/1701FSaucerSep.jpg
Sean Tourangeau
Star Trek Online Design The Next Enterprise
Adobe Illustrator CS5
12-2010 Designed
Multi-Vector Mode Designed 4-14-2011
here is the my 1701-F design in it's Multi-Vector/ Saucer Sep Mode. (Not pleased with the front view, but top and side views turned out okay)
I didn't have it ready in this mode for the contest so I only submitted it in it non-vector-mode configuration for the contest.
Here is a link to the larger file.
http://hammerheadgraphics.iwarp.com/1701FSaucerSep.jpg
Sean Tourangeau
Star Trek Online Design The Next Enterprise
Adobe Illustrator CS5
12-2010 Designed
Multi-Vector Mode Designed 4-14-2011
Well, now that I feel a little less shameless about it (
)...
That's the image I wanted to submit to the contest, but I couldn't get the damned size and quality to balance out, so I opted for a basic version.
~Belisarius
)...
That's the image I wanted to submit to the contest, but I couldn't get the damned size and quality to balance out, so I opted for a basic version.
~Belisarius
I think the view I like the best in your design is the side profile. Thanks for sharing.
I'm definitely looking forward to those "rough" 3D models. You do realize how ridiculous "rough" sounds coming from you, right?
Yeah, well, "rough" even for me. I'm talking about a really basic, low-poly study model, something that won't require a lot of time or effort. I've got plenty of high-detail modeling work on my plate as it is with the Grandeur and the Polaris.
Likewise (to the latter, not the former). I really appreciate that your separated view is actually attractive. I think it's the organic look of the forward, separated engineering hull...the sort of flower-petal shape...that really helps maintain appealing lines. And, of course, the saucer is visually interesting when separated from the engineering hull. I have to say that, despite early reservations, your design has definitely grown on me.
Yeah, well, "rough" even for me. I'm talking about a really basic, low-poly study model, something that won't require a lot of time or effort. I've got plenty of high-detail modeling work on my plate as it is with the Grandeur and the Polaris.
Ah. I still can't help but chuckle. How far along are you on those two "smooth" projects, anyway? I've been following them as best I can, but it's hard to get a sense of your overall progress. Or is that a trade secret at this point?
~Belisarius
So, went back to my F and turned it into this:
See more in the thread I created:
http://www.trekbbs.com/showthread.php?t=140436
See more in the thread I created:
http://www.trekbbs.com/showthread.php?t=140436
I have been tinkering with my submission, even though I know nothing will come of it. My skills are too limited to have been able to create something worthwhile by deadline.
That said, here's where my USS Enterprise "G" is so far. (I call is the "Ent G" because, yeah, it's too close to the "Ent J" to be an "Ent F", but I think I've backed it up from being an "Ent H" or "Ent I" or something...)
To refresh memories, here's where I left off:
Coming back to it, I decided to beef up the saucer considerably, and refine it, and refine the way the neck attaches into the saucer.
I ditched the shuttle deck at the rear, as I liked the original sketch with the big "rockets" at the back. It seems to add symmetry, as the impulse "Y" echoes the "Y" at the front.
I changed the warp engines COMPLETELY because the old engines looked too old-fashioned. I was going for "retro" with the first engines, but I got too much of an "old" vibe and they didn't really fit the design.
Here she is with the warp nacelles pushed far back. This way, I think she looks more dramatic and edgy:
And here she is with the struts attached to a more center point of the nacelles; this way, I think she looks more balanced, but not quite as "cutting edge" edgy:
That said, here's where my USS Enterprise "G" is so far. (I call is the "Ent G" because, yeah, it's too close to the "Ent J" to be an "Ent F", but I think I've backed it up from being an "Ent H" or "Ent I" or something...)
To refresh memories, here's where I left off:
Coming back to it, I decided to beef up the saucer considerably, and refine it, and refine the way the neck attaches into the saucer.
I ditched the shuttle deck at the rear, as I liked the original sketch with the big "rockets" at the back. It seems to add symmetry, as the impulse "Y" echoes the "Y" at the front.
I changed the warp engines COMPLETELY because the old engines looked too old-fashioned. I was going for "retro" with the first engines, but I got too much of an "old" vibe and they didn't really fit the design.
Here she is with the warp nacelles pushed far back. This way, I think she looks more dramatic and edgy:
And here she is with the struts attached to a more center point of the nacelles; this way, I think she looks more balanced, but not quite as "cutting edge" edgy:
Heh. Looks like something a Klingon would grab and do hand-to-hand combat with.
Heh. Looks like something a Klingon would grab and do hand-to-hand combat with.
LOL...Thanks
Well I am pretty sure my design was to radically different than what CBS was looking for so I wish whom ever wins when it is announce to a heart felt congrats. I really want to see who made into the top 25.
