U.S.S. Kelvin CG VFX Model

[PixelMagic]

Up until now, I've mostly used other people's computer models when I've wanted to make something. Making a computer model from scratch just wasn't in my skill set.

I'm trying to get better at it. So I started on one of the Kelvin. It's "simple" enough that I don't fear it will be beyond my ability, while also challenging enough to learn new techniques and practice. Here is the top superstructure completed so far.

 

[Mage]

Oh, can't wait to see where this is gonna go! I love the Kelvin, one of the best looking ships in all of Trek!.

 

[Bernard Guignard]

You are doing quite well keep up the good work. what software are you using ?

 

[Starship]

Excellent work till now Daniel!

 

[PixelMagic]

You are doing quite well keep up the good work. what software are you using ?

3ds max

 

[BK613]

So that's where they parked the Jupiter 2

 

[Sibyl]

This is your first legitimate attempt at modeling?

My hat's off to you.

Which renderer are you using?

 

[PixelMagic]

Started UV mapping the bridge and painting the bridge texture. The most fun part, right?

 

[Gepard]

The most fun part, right?

Not remotely.

Do you use non-square texture maps? Or is the sample just one slice of the whole map?

 

[PixelMagic]

This is your first legitimate attempt at modeling?

My hat's off to you.

Which renderer are you using?

Vray.

Not remotely.

Do you use non-square texture maps? Or is the sample just one slice of the whole map?

It's just a slice. The full map is square. 8192x8192.

 

[captainkirk]

Nice to see someone else finally doing a detailed model of her. I don't know why, but it seems like since Tobias released his no one else ever bothered. And the problem is that while his was good, it was made before the movie was released, and so has quite a few inaccuracies.

 

[PixelMagic]

Nice to see someone else finally doing a detailed model of her. I don't know why, but it seems like since Tobias released his no one else ever bothered. And the problem is that while his was good, it was made before the movie was released, and so has quite a few inaccuracies.

Tobias' is quite quite good considering the reference he had to go on. I am using the ILM Kelvin model as my reference, so it should be pretty damn accurate if I can manage to get everything modeled.

 

[scifieric]

This is inspiring work!

 

[Burning Hearts of Qo'nos]

I'm in love! Thank you for showing us this tiny part and the tiny level of detail you are adding to it. Seeing how an artist works at the little details is my favorite.

 

[captainkirk]

Tobias' is quite quite good considering the reference he had to go on. I am using the ILM Kelvin model as my reference, so it should be pretty damn accurate if I can manage to get everything modeled.

Wait, you mean using shots from the movie as reference, or you have access to the actual ILM model? If it's the latter then I'm extremely jealous.

 

[PixelMagic]

Wait, you mean using shots from the movie as reference, or you have access to the actual ILM model? If it's the latter then I'm extremely jealous.

I do not have access to the ILM model itself. But I do have access to loads of reference of the ILM model that is not seen in the movie or public. I'll leave it at that. I'm being extremely careful to make my model be a 1:1 match, or at least as close as you can be while being a derivative. I am lining it up over the top of ILM reference to make sure all my proportions and edges are exactly the same.

 

[captainkirk]

I do not have access to the ILM model itself. But I do have access to loads of reference of the ILM model that is not seen in the movie or public. I'll leave it at that.

Cool. I always wished they would release some accurate reference for modelers. The best we ever got was in the art books. I haven't read the updated encyclopedia, does it have any new images of the ships?

 

[Redfern]

It's no doubt just my imagination, but that bridge module looks rather like the upper deck of the Jupiter II. I half expect it to "launch", revealing a convex ventral hull and a shallow cylinder with chasing lights.

 

[PixelMagic]

It's no doubt just my imagination, but that bridge module looks rather like the upper deck of the Jupiter II. I half expect it to "launch", revealing a convex ventral hull and a shallow cylinder with chasing lights.

It's almost definitely inspired by the Jupiter II. The three windows on the bridge, as well as the round portholes on the side. It's too similar not to be on purpose.

 

[BK613]

It's no doubt just my imagination, but that bridge module looks rather like the upper deck of the Jupiter II. I half expect it to "launch", revealing a convex ventral hull and a shallow cylinder with chasing lights.

well your imagination and mine see the same thing, as I noted in the 6th post of this thread.