Week 2 Lab 2 (Torn CardBoard)

This exercise requires us to model a cardboard box.

Process

First of all, i was required to create a cube that was divided into three sections along the width, length and height.

The next step was to go into vertex mode and select the vertices so that we can scale them to form the sides of the box itself.

Now we have to extrude the top face and then move it down so that the box can be "opened".

Following that would be to extrude the sides and then rotate them so that the flaps are formed. However, i made sure to put the pivot point at the bottom of the flap just as instructed by the pdf. This allows us to rotate the flaps successfully.

Now, by using the edge split tool, i was able to divide the box into more sections, by doing so, i was able to manipulate the flaps more so that it looks more tattered like the screenshot below.

After editing it to my liking, i decided to smooth shade it so that it looks even more old and tattered.

Following the pdf, i noticed that using the wave deformer can improve the effect as well. And so, i tried to follow as well. And i got the result below.

Due to some error called setParent ..... i was unable to render my final product. Hopefully i can get this fixed soon and i show my real final product.

Techniques
A great technique i learned here is that i realized that i was able to set the pivot point for tools like rotation and such. This will definitely benefit me in the near future of my modelling. Also, extruding also allows me to create more complex shapes from primitives. I was also quite surprised at how a single command called smooth shade in maya could change the entire overall look of the box.

Reflection
This exercise took a lot of my time. This is mainly because of the instructions being a bit ambiguous and the screenshots being unclear. Also, i was shocked that my Maya had trouble rendering. I hope that it does not affect my future works and i definitely need to get this problem fixed soon. However, this exercise made me realized that even creating a simple realistic cardboard box takes a while.

References
2.3 MM_Cardboard Box Modeling.pdf