<aside> ℹ️ This tutorial aims to show overall sub-d workflow and how to approach objects because there are many confused people.

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   In this tutorial I explained the sub-d modeling workflow through this junction box. It’s just an example. Some details and proportional features are ignored. **This write- is ONLY about workflow, it doesn’t teach about modeling, it teaches workflow.**

About the Workflow

• Sub-D workflow needs practice, it relies on artist more compared to other workflows.
• Sub-D workflow uses modifiers and tools and avoids manual editing as much as possible. Manual editing/vertex diddling increases error margin and is time consuming.
• Strong side of Sub-D workflow is being non-destructive, which helps implementing feedbacks, fixing issues, making variants etc. a LOT easier.
• Sub-D workflow is not necessarily slow. This depens on the shape. Someone who knows his way around can be as fast as people using remeshing/CAD workflows. Some complex objects can be modeled faster tho, but sub-d workflow also has its advantages.
• Despite the name ‘Sub-D Workflow’, sub-d covers a small portion of the entire modeling process. It’s only used for smoothing the edges, unless you are doing “Loose Modeling” which wil be covered in Modeling Half-Organic Objects soon™.
• Sub-D modeling is a viable workflow for weapons. You can choose any workflow you want. But if you are a hard-surface artist and not just a weapon & props artist, I think you must know your way around sub-d.

Examining the Object

    In this step, the shape features and details are examined to have a **simple plan** before starting. What resources & references will be used to set propotions, which features will be optimized in which way etc. are decided in this step. The junction box has simple proportions and there is a nice semi-ortographic image to trace. 

1. Simple cylinder intersections. Since diameters of cylinders are same it will be easier deal with intersecitons.
2. Knurling details for grip. I covered knurlings in this page.
3. Vertical cuts for grip.
4. Security wires. Will be ignored like some other stuff.
5. Cable with weaving, something you would do in texturing step.
6. Small screws, better not miss.

Block-Out — Shapes are Established, Non-Destructively

• First, major features are blocked out. This part should be done carefully as the rest of the details will be built onto this. Proportion issues might build up and be a bigger issue later. See: Eyeballing & Proportions
• Block-out should be non-destructive, though it is not necessary. Bevel, Boolean, Screw, Array, Weld etc. are very useful and powerful modifiers. Some people see boolean as a taboo but it is just a tool. Use it. this will be covered in A Different Perspective on Booleans
• Segment counts should be moderate and consistent, dense enough to support shapes, spare enough to easily edit. Pay attention to intersection of meshes. Segments should be lining up across meshes.
• After making sure proportions are accurate and geo density is okay, smaller details are added in same way.
• Block-out is one of the main steps to ask for feedback before moving on; otherwise problems will be lot more time consuming to fix.

<aside> ⚠️ Notice how sub-d and support loops are not added to block-out mesh. Sub-d will be used in high-poly step for smoothing the mesh for bake. Sub-d modeling doesn’t mean everything will be modeled using sub-d. Adding sub-d and support loops early is a mistake I often see among new artists.

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Base-Mesh — Connecting & Cleanup

   Base-mesh is the result of applying everything & cleaning block-out. High-poly and low-poly are made from this. Modifiers are applied and shapes are connected and everything is cleaned up. Clean-up depends on how good block-out is. Weld and Dissolve modifiers can be used for overall clean-up. After using modifiers, some manual clean-up is expected but it shouldn’t be too time consuming.

• Naming can be done in base-mesh as there is no boolean or dummy objects etc. and everything is connected like real life objects.
• Transforms are applied, origins and normals are fixed in this step (if there is any issues). Everything is double checked before moving on.
• Can give rotation variaiton to bolts/screws in this step, can add damage or other deformations depending on project.
• You don’t need to apply everything; especially keeping mirror modifier will help later on. Don’t apply if not necessary.

High-Poly — Details & Smooth Edges

  High-poly is the version of base-mesh with tertiary details and smooth edges for bake.

• Tertiary details are added same way as before. Modifiers are used as much as possible and not applied if not needed.
• Floaters & n-gons can be used for speeding up the process.
• Support loops are added using Bevel modifier. Covered how to use Bevel modifier in this tutorial: Adding Support Loops
• After details and support loops, ID maps are set for baking & texturing.