Tutorial: Cityscape Set Design, Volume 1: Modeling
The Gnomon Workshop has launched Cityscape Set Design, a two-volume tutorial on designing environments for VFX and games, recorded by Meta Visual Development Artist Tony Ianiro.
The step-by-step guides are aimed at 2D artists who are looking to make the transition to 3D.
Volume 1 covers 3D modeling, and provides over five hours of video training in Maya, Arnold and Photoshop.
Volume 2 will cover using the renders of the 3D set to create a final illustration.
Master professional workflows for designing environments for film, games and VR
In Cityscape Set Design, Volume 1: Modeling, Ianiro walks viewers through the process of creating a 3D set based on New York City, suitable for use in film, games or VR projects.
He begins by gathering reference images and using them to create a thumbnail concept image through photobashing.
Next, using Photoshop, he creates correctly scaled architectural blueprints that he imports into Maya to use as guides while modeling the 3D set.
The tutorial follows a real-world production workflow, with Ianiro creating modular buildings that can be assembled in different configurations to create the final environment.
Once the set is complete, Ianiro covers the basics of texturing and lighting the 3D geometry, and creating camera set-ups, before cleaning and packaging the 3D file.
He then renders the set using Arnold, to create images that can be used as underpainting when creating a final illustration.
As well as the tutorial videos, viewers of the workshop can download Ianiro’s layered Photoshop files, renders, textures, and reference files.
About the artist
Tony Ianiro is a Visual Development Artist, currently working with Meta. He has over 25 years of experience, in roles including Concept Artist, Background Designer, and Art Director.
Projects he has worked on include animated feature films like Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, a Scooby-Doo TV series, and AAA game titles with Electronic Arts and Pandemic Studios.
Pricing and availability
Cityscape Set Design, Volume 1: Modeling is available via a subscription to The Gnomon Workshop, which provides access to over 300 tutorials.
Subscriptions cost $57/month or $519/year. Free trials are available.
Read more about Cityscape Set Design, Volume 1: Modeling
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