Tutorial - 3D Rock Sculpting

3D Rock Formations 101

recently Zgolex reached out asking for some advice on how to form 3D rock shapes in a way he could blend with his own style, so this is what i came up with. hopefully it can give some guidance on the methods i use to form my rocks and cliffs, then you can apply it with your own unique shapes and detail to improve the overall look of your tracks

the first series of images is an example of how to turn a classic ramp into a nice aesthetic 3D rock formation -

which basic shapes would you like first, and think about how your perspective will work with those shapes

connect them

add some texture

crevices, cracks, chips etc all work nicely

a few simple lines can go a long way

split into segments (not every rock is attached) you can give the appearance of a rock leaning on another or propped up against another. and of course final touches (smaller rocks dotted around, grass/foliage)

the second series of images represents how to turn standard foreground tracklines into something more interesting and add some depth -

basic shapes you'd like

develop changes in ground level and appearance

use your changes to create segments

segments drawn from jagged areas or angular points work well

now there should be nice clear sections of a cliff to work with

start to add cracks/crevices/chips between the sections to create depth and some realism

here is a 1st attempt from Zgolex after the advice

nothing wrong with it at all but i advised him that a few simple lines in the right places can go a long way


the third series of images shows how to develop coastal type cliffs to really make them "pop" -

coastal type cliff drawing away from the eye towards the horizon, split into basic sections for now

start to develop the changes in ground level and appearance

shape is coming along nicely

you can add a segment behind the focal point to make it stand out

make things more jagged, think about the chips and cracks etc, folds and creases dotted around the place. and finishing touches afterwards (smaller rocks, grass, shading etc) remember any segment that is almost "hiding" behind another will have limited direct light on that area.. so it's going to need darker shading depending on where the light is coming from

here's a quick example of how you could combine these methods to blend ramps into your track more naturally -


additional rocks/rocks to fill space -

which direction are the rocks facing?

apply the same methods to transform basic shapes into convincing rocks or slabs

filler rocks can be as simple as this, it's all about placement though. you don't need to cover the ground with rocks or gravel to make the track look complete, if you place the rocks in sensible places in terms of composition.. you're onto a winner. plus i find it's effective if you mix the basic filler rocks with the slightly more advanced slabs, dot them around the place and then zoom out on that area.. then it's easier to see if the rocks you've drawn actually suit that part of the track


well there's some insight into the methods i use for building my rock formations, i hope this can help add a new element into your tracks and transform your ground detail


mR..A

 

Impressive

 

this is really cool man. workingwith 3D and perspective is challenging and this might help a lot of users here!

 

Nice tutorial, might try this sometime and see how it turns out

 

i need help >=<

 

Thanks For the tips mR..A its really helpful

 

BUT I CANT DO IT

 

thats rocks.
now trees, clouds, sun, backgrounds, etc...
please

 

ah thx mR..A

 

A very good resource!

 

Very nice! I will look at using that sometime in the future

 

thanks a lot mR..A it is great to have someone giving you a tutorial

 

a waaaaaaa?! this EXISTS! I needed this