40 replies to this topic

[Sparks Murphey]

I figured I've give a try at modelling the excellent sketch Shortpainter did of the Blackjack. His original post is here (or you can check out his deviantArt here) but I'll reproduce the image for you below.

Now, since this isn't an orthographic image, and I haven't got any images of what's on the opposite side of the 'Mech, you'll have to bear with me as I do a little of what we artists call "making stuff up".

So far, I've got most of the torso done. I've still got plans to go back over it and add in extra details (rivets, bolts, vents, and the like) which aren't pictured in the original concept.

The point at which I realised "Hey, I should post WIP images of this"


Filling out the lower section of the torso


Adding in some torso details

[RedHairDave]

nice work +1

[Ransack]

That looks pretty slick! What program are you using?

[Shadtiger77]

Damn, I really need to get the art stuff booted back up and send in some concept drawings. That is amazing rendering!

[shortpainter]

Outstanding work! That's awesome. You have a keen eye for extrapolating the shapes and keeping the proportions while converting it to 3D. I have attached my notes on this mech, I hope they help you. They are not orthographic but they at least give you an idea of how I envisioned the back of the mech.

[Sean Lang]

This thread is pure win! Can't wait to see more!

[Sparks Murphey]

Ransack, on 24 September 2012 - 05:14 AM, said:

That looks pretty slick! What program are you using?

This is the student version of 3DS Max 2013, rendered with mental ray and a stock daylight system. The material is the default with the specularity turned up.

[HanaYuriko]

Sparks Murphey, on 24 September 2012 - 05:10 AM, said:

I figured I've give a try at modelling the excellent sketch Shortpainter did of the Blackjack. His original post is here (or you can check out his deviantArt here) but I'll reproduce the image for you below.

Now, since this isn't an orthographic image, and I haven't got any images of what's on the opposite side of the 'Mech, you'll have to bear with me as I do a little of what we artists call "making stuff up".

Excellent work so far! And how lucky and awesome that shortpainter was able to provide some design notes.

The first image you posted reminds me of a Matt Groening design. The panel lines on the lower part of the CT resembles Homer Simpson's 5-0'clock shadow, and Groening's typical overbite drawing style. You see it in all of his character designs from Bart to Bender.

The rest of your build looks pretty spot on.

[Magik0012]

Great stuff! Keep it coming!

[Sparks Murphey]

shortpainter, on 24 September 2012 - 11:44 AM, said:

Outstanding work! That's awesome. You have a keen eye for extrapolating the shapes and keeping the proportions while converting it to 3D. I have attached my notes on this mech, I hope they help you. They are not orthographic but they at least give you an idea of how I envisioned the back of the mech.

Thanks for that, Shortpainter! Looking forward to getting to the back of the 'Mech soon.

HanaYuriko, on 24 September 2012 - 01:39 PM, said:

Excellent work so far! And how lucky and awesome that shortpainter was able to provide some design notes.

The first image you posted reminds me of a Matt Groening design. The panel lines on the lower part of the CT resembles Homer Simpson's 5-0'clock shadow, and Groening's typical overbite drawing style. You see it in all of his character designs from Bart to Bender.

The rest of your build looks pretty spot on.

Gah! Now I can't unsee it!

Thanks for your Mad Cat and Warhammer renders, btw. I've had them open in the background for additional inspiration as I've been modelling this.

[Telecleez]

Sparks Murphey, on 24 September 2012 - 05:10 AM, said:

I figured I've give a try at modelling the excellent sketch Shortpainter did of the Blackjack. His original post is here (or you can check out his deviantArt here) but I'll reproduce the image for you below.

Now, since this isn't an orthographic image, and I haven't got any images of what's on the opposite side of the 'Mech, you'll have to bear with me as I do a little of what we artists call "making stuff up".

So far, I've got most of the torso done. I've still got plans to go back over it and add in extra details (rivets, bolts, vents, and the like) which aren't pictured in the original concept.

The point at which I realised "Hey, I should post WIP images of this"


Filling out the lower section of the torso


Adding in some torso details

super lookin Blackjack

lookin just like the drawing

Edited by Telecleez, 24 September 2012 - 03:32 PM.

[Sparks Murphey]

A couple more pics, the first being a view of the right side of the Blackjack. The lockers on the side were made up before I got Shortpainter's sketches that indicated he was planning another drum-and-cable gizmo for that spot; I kept them anyway because I like the way they offset the 'Mech's symmetry. The sharp eyed among you might also notice several small scale tweaks over the torso, chiefly the shoulder drums and vents being brought forward (they overhung too much at the back, it was starting to look like a Bushwacker, all length) and the "six-pack shield" at the bottom being enlarged to the sides.


And the back of the torso, with much thanks to Shortpainter for his sketches!

[Shadtiger77]

wow! this is looking great man! I can't wait to see it done!

[Thom Frankfurt]

This 'Thing sure is starting to look sexy!!! Excellent work guys!

[AlanEsh]

Wonderful work!

[Freyzen]

Awesome work Looking Great

[HanaYuriko]

Sparks Murphey, on 24 September 2012 - 03:06 PM, said:

Gah! Now I can't unsee it!

Thanks for your Mad Cat and Warhammer renders, btw. I've had them open in the background for additional inspiration as I've been modelling this.

That's good to know. It's nice to see someone else learning from and avoiding the mistakes I've made. *grins*

Nice progress so far. I like how you're adding a little asymmetry to some of the design details. That little bit definitely helps to bring that something extra.

[Brandon Heat]

Just a great work! I love all of Shortpainters work, so i love this twice!!!

[Sparks Murphey]

Okay, after a short hiatus, I've got the main parts of the arms in place. The laser units on the sides are yet to go on, but the main pivot units and AC/2s are there.

And look! Articulation!

[Vodkavaiator]

Shiny.