Creating a 3D Model

         3D modeling is a tedious process that requires preparation before it can actually occur. The model I’m analyzing is a set of oil bottles that were modeled for a previous class using Blender. In order to make these, reference images and concept sketches were used. Once the oil shakers were conceptualized, the actual creation of them began. 

To begin the modeling process, I placed a reference image into the 3D space in order to accurately model the bottle with the correct proportions. Next, I used a flat circle as my original shape to build on. This idea of using this circle came from the concept of box modeling, in which a simple cube provides the basis from which the object is formed. Once the circle was created, vertices were given to it. These vertices were then extruded upwards to give the shape of the bottle. Throughout this process, difference vertices were manipulated through extrusion and scaling on different axis’s in the 3D space. 

         Before I began modeling this oil bottle, I added a mirror modifier to it. This modifier allows anything modeled on a specific axis to be mirrored. The mesh of what is selected is replicated across its center point. Any changes made to the original oil bottle that I applied the modifier to would be mirrored on the bottle next to it. Once this option was in place, the different structures of the bottle were planned out. The components needed to form this oil bottle were the base of the bottle, the neck, the angular funnel part, and the container used to hold the bottles together. These components were structured in a hierarchy. The base of the bottle was defined first, followed by the neck and funnel. Once these basic shapes were all in place, horizontal and vertical loop cuts were used to help give it a more defined oil bottle shape. By continuously messing around with the vertices and loop cuts, the model took on the bottle shape I had envisioned. To give it a clean and smooth surface, a modifier was used. The subdivision surface modifier was applied to even out the choppiness and give the effect of smooth glass that would eventually be complete with the appropriate texture added. This particular modifier defines the mesh of a model used a control cage. The more subdivision levels used, the smoother the model will render out to be. 

All of these decisions were made with the intent of creating an accurate representation of an oil bottle. From conceptualization to the actual creation, each step in the process was important in producing the finalized product.