Hard Surface Prop 1: Blockout

Step 1 — Pick a prop and gather reference

Choose something with clear mechanical shapes: flat panels, cylindrical sections, and a couple of raised or recessed details. You can pick from the examples above or choose your own prop (e.g., a sci-fi power cell, wall electrical box, or sci-fi door lock).

Find two or three reference photos from different angles before opening Blender. Save them to your 00_Reference folder or load them into PureRef.

Step 2 — Block the base form

Start from a primitive close to the object’s overall silhouette (usually a Cube or Cylinder). Get the primary proportions right before adding any cuts or detail. Compare against your reference photos constantly.

Remember to set your primitive’s initial vertex or segment count in the F9 operator panel when you first create it.

Step 3 — Build out the detail

Switch to Edit Mode (Tab). Using extrude, inset, and loop cuts, build out the secondary shapes:

• Inset (I) to create panel borders, recessed screens, and structural rims.
• Extrude (E) to push out knobs, raised handles, vents, and housings.
• Loop Cut (Ctrl + R) to add edge loops where shapes need to step or bend.

Tip: If the prop is symmetric, delete half the mesh, set the object origin on the centerline seam, and add a Mirror modifier.

Step 4 — Apply your modifiers with intention

Add modifiers non-destructively to shape and polish the mesh:

• Add a Bevel modifier to catch light along the hard edges without permanently baking geometry.
• If using Subdivision Surface, place supporting loop cuts close to sharp corners to keep key mechanical edges crisp.
• If using a Boolean modifier to cut holes or ports, inspect the cut in Edit Mode to ensure geometry remains intact.

Keep modifiers live and unapplied in your modifier stack.

Step 5 — Clean the mesh

Run a cleanup pass on your model:

1. In Edit Mode, select all vertices (A) and press M → By Distance to weld any duplicate vertices.
2. Turn on Face Orientation in the Viewport Overlays dropdown. Ensure the entire exterior of your mesh is blue (pointing outwards). If any faces are red, select all and press Shift + N to recalculate normals outside.
3. Check for non-manifold edges, stray floating vertices, or overlapping coplanar faces.

Step 6 — Check the silhouette

Test your model’s readability:

• Switch your viewport shading to flat or matcap silhouette mode (or apply a temporary matte dark material).
• Orbit around and inspect the front, side, top, and 3/4 perspective views.
• Does the prop immediately read as what it’s supposed to be without textures or colors? If not, adjust primary proportions before moving on.

Step 7 — Render and post

1. Set up a simple 3-point lighting rig and a clean backdrop plane in Blender.
2. Frame a camera view that highlights the prop’s most interesting angles and surface relief.
3. Render a clean still image (F12).
4. Take a viewport screenshot with Wireframe or modifier settings visible to show your non-destructive stack.
5. Post your work to your Google Sites Portfolio on your Coursework page with the standard write-up, your reference images, and a brief reflection.