Star Ship Polaris

[Vektor]

A quick look back at the surface detailing paintover I did a while ago:

And now an identical view of the actual 3D model in its current state:

A different view showing some of the most recent updates:

The key components here are the upper and lower sails, which have very nearly driven me insane with all their organic curves and intricate contours. The bad news is that I've rebuilt the damn things at least a dozen times. The good news is that I have now done it for the last time. Except for minor tweaks, the outer surfaces are finally finished.

For those who may have wondered at the overall construction of the mesh, here's a couple more revealing wireframes:

Those sails alone represent about 20 hours of additional work over the last two days. I'm taking the rest of the weekend off.

 

[Venardhi]

Polaris's front view, at that jaunty angle, would make a pretty wicked uniform patch, or some kind of logo.

Well, Polaris already has a logo/mission patch, sort of a stylized galaxy spiral. I get what you mean, though.

Might be a cool way to introduce the logo/title in the intro credits. Zooming (and slightly spinning) directly towards or away from the camera as it launches into "warp".

 

[Maurice]

Our title sequence may deliberately steer hard to starboard of typical sci-fi openings. Dennis and I both want something different for this show. The titles are likely not to be full of starship flybys.

 

[Venardhi]

Doesn't need to be full of them. Are you aiming for more of a film intro or a television series-esque credit sequence?

 

[Maurice]

Doesn't need to be full of them. Are you aiming for more of a film intro or a television series-esque credit sequence?

I know it doesn't need to be full of them. It's also possible to feature none of them. And we're thinking more film. Hell, we studied a lot of non-scifi movie titles to see what we like about them.

 

[BK613]

Bigeminy, even Vektor's mesh lines are unbelievably good! Amazing talent...

 

[MadMan1701A]

Awesome, clean mesh.

Mine are getting better, but I wish they were that clean. I assume you're doing all of this with Subdivision / Subsurface modeling?

 

[Vektor]

I assume you're doing all of this with Subdivision / Subsurface modeling?

Up to a point, yes, but almost all the detailing was done with old fashioned Editable Poly pixel pushing. That's part of why it took so freakin' long, but still easier than trying to Sub-D model most of those details.

 

[Venardhi]

Doesn't need to be full of them. Are you aiming for more of a film intro or a television series-esque credit sequence?

I know it doesn't need to be full of them. It's also possible to feature none of them. And we're thinking more film. Hell, we studied a lot of non-scifi movie titles to see what we like about them.

Might not be a call for using the logo at all then.

 

[Vektor]

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

Excellent!

 

[Kelso]

Yeah, it really is an outstanding looking ship.

 

[DrCorby]

I thought Polaris was incredible before. But when you added the detailing to the engine nozzles, you really took it to the next level, in my opinion. Thrust clearly can be directed where you need it, for landings and take-offs, and manuvering. This beast looks like it can really fly!! All your work on this ship has contributed an enormous amount to the look of this production. My hat is off!

 

[Vektor]

 

[Herkimer Jitty]

Heh, seeing the seperated element has me thinking of the NSEA Protector from Galaxy Quest.

 

[Psion]

Wow. That looks so simple. And yet it's so elegant. I like how you've used the plating to break up the shape. It's subtle, but a big improvement over the last.

 

[Vektor]

More paintover conceptual work:

 

[Albertese]

Inspiring...

--Alex

 

[Redfern]

Whoa! That "painted" detail looks at first glance almost like a polygonal "clay" render!

Sincerely,

Bill

 

[Herkimer Jitty]

Yeah, if I squint at it, it defo looks like part of the model. Great stuff, you've gotten ace at digital painting.