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12 Best 3D Modeling Techniques Every 3D Designer Should Now

With the introduction of 3D modeling technology, the designs became more realistic and faster to produce than 2D. Now, enabling customers to visualize a movement, access, or space has become an easy task. Dimensions could be easily viewed in the 3D space for various objects and their relationships. It is even easier to carry out spot changes in the designs for determining its viability.

Apart from that, 3D models can be also utilized for creating the 2D designs directly so that the cost of making the changes would be less. And, since the domain of 3D modeling is so vast, many are not aware of the different 3D modeling techniques that are present and the benefits they can offer. Thus, to make you aware of the various techniques and benefits, we have compiled this post to help you get a precise idea of the subject.

In this article, you will learn about the 12 different types of 3D modeling techniques so that you will get an overall idea of how to choose the right one for your project. But before we jump to that section, let us quickly go through its definition, its areas of application, and workflow.

Quick Overview

What is 3D Modeling Process?
Areas of Application in 3D Modeling
What is 3D Modeling Workflow?
- Reference
- Planning
- Executing
- Refining
- Retopology
Types of 3D Modeling Techniques
- 3D sculpting
- NURBS and curve modeling
- Box modeling
- Surface modeling
- Primitive modeling
- Procedural modeling
- Simulation
- Modular modeling
- Boolean modeling
- Photogrammetry
- Kit bashing
- Polygon modeling

advanced 3d modeling techniques

How to make a 3D model

What is 3D Modeling Process?

The 3D modeling process involves the creation of a three-dimensional mathematical representation of a surface or object with the help of specialized software. A variety of 3D modeling tools and approaches are implemented for the creation of the model, such as simple polygons, 3D primitives, spline curves, or NURBS. Here, the process requires the artist to manipulate the vertices in a virtual space, which later forms into a mesh, thereby giving the appearance of an object.

Areas of Application in 3D Modeling

The 3D modeling process can be carried out either manually or automatically. It can be done for items that actually exist as well as for the ones that don't exist in real life. It is employed by different industries for a wide range of purposes. However, the major ones include

Virtual Reality(VR) and Augmented Reality(AR)
Marketing and advertisements
Video games
Design and preproduction of products
Computer-aided design and manufacturing
Architectural 3D modeling and visualization
3D printing
TV and motion pictures
Animations
VFX or visual effects
Medical or scientific imaging
Mobile applications, etc.
Academic research

What is 3D Modeling Workflow?

Every 3D artist or 3D modeling company has its own workflow to carry out the 3D modeling process. Besides, different objects may require a different approach for the 3D modeling process. However, in general, the 3D modeling workflow involves the following steps.

Reference

The process of 3D modeling starts with using reference materials, which can be real-world objects, images, pre-production concept art, etc.
Planning

A plan is created on how to create a 3D model, where each model will be divided into simple primitives.
Executing

The plan is executed and a primitive shape of the 3D model is developed with the right proportions.
Refining

After the development of the primitive model, additional details are added to make the model look better.
Retopology

Once the 3D model is ready, retopology tools are used to build a low poly model from a high poly model.

Types of 3D Modeling Techniques

There are various types of 3D modeling techniques. However, only a few of them are more utilized in certain areas. So, now, let us now discuss the most important techniques that are helpful to create the best 3D modeling projects.

3D sculpting

This technique mostly has an artistic side and utilizes faces, vertices, and edges. In this case, the shaping process is separated from the technical details of individual elements, and brushes are used for manipulation instead of selection. The influence area of the brushes can organically reshape the geometry by using the correct brush type or setting. Digital sculpting is mainly used for creature, character, or animal design. It is of three different types, such as mesh, multi-resolution, and dynamic topology.
NURBS and curve modeling

NURBS usually stands for non-uniform rational b-spline. In this kind of modeling, you need to create curved surfaces depending on the control points. Here, you can interpret between the points in the same curve while also developing bridges between various curves. You can create a net of curves for representing the edges of the object and then fill in the geometry for creating the whole object. The technique is mostly utilized in engineering but not much when it comes to the 3D modeling uses for art or VFX.
Box modeling

In the box modeling technique, you need to start with a primitive object like a sphere or cube. Now, use the classic 3D modeling tools to work on the low poly shapes for creating the desired object. It can be a bit mechanical since you need to control the individual vertices, faces, or edges. With its help, you can emphasize more on modifying the whole shape or larger objects at a single time. It works best for creating hard surface objects. The commonly used tools for box modeling are beveling, extruding, and loop cuts.
Surface modeling

The creation of organic mold depends heavily on using this technique. This feature helps to create a 3D spline using a 2D one. Skilled developers can create a spline within no time using the surface 3D modeling technique. The ones that we see in movies use surface modeling to an extent. This nifty little feature is available in almost all the top software. However, it is important to know the features of easy 3d modeling software for beginners.
Primitive modeling

Just because modeling evolved from primitive shapes, it shouldn't be left behind. Cones, cubes, and cylinders are some of the primitives used for custom 3D modeling. They are helpful to design furniture, building models, and immovable objects which don't require any skeleton. 3DS Max and Maya are two of the best 3D design software used in the industry for developing such forms.
Procedural modeling

Procedural modeling comes in various sizes and shapes and is of two types. The first one is based on a tool that is specifically designed to generate a large number of similar objects procedurally. For example, while designing the model for a building generator, you need to input various parameters such as the number of floors, the height of the ceiling, the shape of the roof, etc. After that, you can run the program multiple times, and a new model will be created each time you run it. The second method is related to shading. The shaders used here often have displacement outputs through which simple primitives such as a plane or sphere are taken. Then, their surfaces are deformed using mathematical formulas for creating a complex surface or object.
Simulation

There are a variety of digital simulations such as cloth, fluid, ocean, fire, smoke particles, physics, soft body, etc. With the help of simulation, you can develop a setup with various parameters and objects which will interact over time with each other. The computer will then evaluate the movement of those things and the changes in the frame each time the simulation is run. Then, the results can be used to create animation, scenes, or objects.
Modular modeling

Modular modeling is usually implemented while creating 3D assets. For example, let say you are creating a cityscape, and you need to create multiple building blocks that have a similar look. In that case, you can implement modularity for reusing specific parts of a building for the other. You can also model various sections of the building and rearrange them for creating variations.
Boolean modeling

Here, you need to cut the model and add another object so that a new shape is created. It is closely related to the box modeling technique and can be used together. Usually, the model shapes are created with box modeling and then combined with the help of boolean operations. There are different boolean operations like union, intersect, and difference. The union operation will generally merge two objects, the intersect operation will save their shared geometry, and the difference operator cut the volume or shape of an object from the other. With the boolean modeling methods, less time will be spent on creating or mimicking complex shapes.
Photogrammetry

For the photogrammetry technique, you need to take a photograph of an object from various angles in proper lighting conditions. Now, feed those pictures into a specialized program for interpreting and generating the 3D object representation. The process might incur various advantages and disadvantages. The advantages will include the development of 3D designs that are completely realistic. It might also generate UV Maps and textures so that you do not have to work on it again. The disadvantages are you need to rework the mesh either by using retopology or re-mesh. It might lead you to rework the UV Map. Besides, extensive cleanup might also be added to your work since the camera will only capture the object but not its surroundings.
Kit bashing

Here, you need to start with a kit of objects for combining them into more detailed ones. It is commonly used for designing objects with hard surfaces and organic modeling. The process will enable you to explore how various pieces can fit perfectly together without even the need for the final piece of imagery. Kit bashing is generally used to create details in a scene. However, while using it, you need to be aware of the ratio of low, middle, and high-frequency detail. The ratio should be well composited so that you have a good combination of various detailing distributions.
Polygon modeling

It is basically a type of 3D modeling technique that is similar to that of box modeling. However, the only difference here is that the process starts with a simple shape or single vertex without any depth. It is then modeled by gradually adding pieces to it. The tools used here are also similar to that of box modeling but used in a detailed way. In this process, you need to work more on the vertices and edges, and the objects created will tend to have a harder surface but with organic shapes.

Becoming a 3D modeler not only requires skill but precise knowledge of certain tips, techniques, methods, and features. We hope that the article was helpful in learning the same. Also, while deciding the type of 3D modeling techniques to use for your project, make sure that you first determine the result you wish to achieve. Once you are done with that, it will be easier for you to plan out the methods you are going to use.

Sometimes, you will be using a specific technique, while in other cases, you might have to use a combination. The combined use of techniques is especially true while creating scenes. Beginners can start with polygon modeling or box modeling techniques since it will be easier for them to pick up.

These techniques are the basic foundation of 3D modeling technology. People having a niche in 3D printing should use NURBS modeling as a start-off. However, if the project you are working on is really important, then it is better not to mess with it and look for a company providing 3D modeling services. You can submit your specifications and ask them to deliver the project within a specified time. Ultimately, you will get a high-quality output that can serve your desired needs.

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