Post #2: Basic Wheels (Rims) & Basic Sculpt, Continued Research

     Hello again. This week I have some progress updates I would like to discuss, as well as share some screenshots of my progress and research. I have began work on a basic Wheel model for the car (Wheel rims), utilizing the Quad Draw tool in Maya and mirroring tools as well. I decided that the Wheels should begin as a hard-surface model due to the nature of their shape.

    For this model, I began by using pictures I had taken of the vehicle's wheels, as well as using more uniform picture references from the internet. I compiled dimensions and calculations for an accurate rim diameter as well, as seen below. Specific details about the rims/wheels were included as well, such as the tire brand (Which will come at a later time), as well as the rims parts number, color, style, radius, diameter, and subdivisions necessary within Maya for each spoke of the wheel. 40 subdivisions off of a basic cylinder were used as the basis with the Quad Draw tool.

    Below are some images of the process behind creating the wheel. Overall, it was a challenge as I am not as well-versed in hard-surface modeling as I would like to be, and these models will be refined over time, however, this practice is good for learning. A reference image was placed behind the model-in-progress for accuracy.

    As you can see, the finished rim is fairly accurate to the visible portion of the wheel, however, it still needs to be given a full width to be considered complete, and personally I would like to go over the topology and fix a few issues with it.

    Next up I began the basic sculpt of the body of the car in Zbrush (Soft-surface modelling), utilizing the subdivide tool and the dynamesh tool. I also used the reference image 'texture' tool within Zbrush with the side profile of the car itself.

        A reference sheet was compiled within PureRef using the diagram of the vehicle as well as real-world reference photos I had taken with my DSLR camera.

    Overall, while I am making steady progress, I would like to review my timeline I created as I believe I need to shuffle around some of the processes I had written. I have not been able to get as much done as I would have liked, though I am still learning so much. Part of this conflict is due to my part-time work schedule, as it leaves me with much less time to give to my projects as I juggle between handling paying monthly house payments and assignments. I will take the time I need to sort through this so I may prioritize my assignments and project, as I feel as if my education is most important right now as that is what truly will bolster my career - it is why I would like to dedicate more time to this class and project.