Winter 2024
Project Breakdown
This was my first major 3D modeling project where my goal was to create a complex model from start to finish and improve my workflow. While this project took a long time and I came across a lot of obstacles, it was highly valuable to encounter those problems early on so that I know how to avoid them in the future. By spending a lot of time and concentration on this project, my workflow can be much smoother for my next models.
In the process of creating this saddle, I quickly realized how detailed and complicated the anatomy of the saddle really is. Something that greatly aided in my process was actually watching videos of how saddles are made in real life, using a base structure called a ‘tree’ and how each layer comes together one after another. I also made sure to include the more detailed elements, including metal hardware, strings, embellishments, gemstones, and a rope to make it more unique.
The low poly model was created mostly in blender. After drawing out where I wanted the designs, taking inspiration from real western saddles and traditional leatherwork, I brought it into Zbrush and hand sculpted those patterns.
While this project was already very high in polygons and not meant to be used as a real asset, I wanted to still practice a good workflow. Therefore, I made sure to bake all of these smaller details into the normal map in order to project onto the surface without increasing the polycount. For any future models, I will know better practices in order to preserve the polycount while still having good detail, since this model still has a very high polycount that was difficult to bring down.
Stitching around edges were created with a height map within the texture.
Later changed the color of the skirt to a dark teal to add a pop of color that compliments the turquoise gems.