Hands-on introduction to subD modeling, part 1: Creating the basic elements

What This Is

These tutorials cover Alias Essential Skills in a 2-part video series:

Part 1: Creating the basic elements

Part 2: Hybrid modeling

In this series, our own John Hartigan introduces you to SubD Modeling by walking through the creation of a simple model – our Monster – to present the tools in a clear and accessible way.

Who It’s For

Beginners in Alias, or Alias modelers learning SubD workflows.

Why This?

We realize that the Monster you see above is not the latest in automotive design. But the principles you learn here are the same principles you’ll use to design that cutting-edge sports car.

This is an entertaining, low-stakes way to get used to the concept of SubD Modeling and walk through the key tools and actions you’ll need to know.

The SubD tools and techniques you’ll learn here are the same tools and techniques used to design car mirrors, seats and steering wheels.

What You’ll Learn

Key Takeaways

Keep your SubD models simple and only add complexity where necessary.
SubD Modeling is not about precision—it’s not Class A Modeling; it’s about quick iteration.
At the end of this post, you’ll be able to download a Wire File that corresponds to each of the three videos in Part 1.

Key Tools

In the first three videos, we start using some core SubD tools:

SubD Primitive
SubD Extrude
SubD Crease
SubD Insert Edge

Additionally, we’ll use Transform, Transform CV, and show the value of Box Mode shading to build our Monster.

Wire Files

Below you can access a Zip file containing the Wire files used in this tutorial.

SubD Monster Modeling – Alias Wire Files Click to Download

Video Overview

Video 1 – Basic Form

We’re going to import and place an image. Then, we’ll start our Monster with a SubD Cube Primitive and move Vertices and Edge Loops for a basic shape.

Video 2 – Adding Detail

Let’s give this guy some legs. We’ll use SubD Extrude, Crease, and Transform.

Video 3 – Exploring Topology

To add hands to our Monster, we’ll continue to use the tools we’ve used and explore topology to help keep our model simple.

What’s Next

Part 2 will be released in the coming weeks, where we’ll get into building the more complex parts of our Monster: its ears, eyes, and mouth.

You can get started by downloading the new Alias & VRED Learning Editions:

For Alias, click here.
For VRED, click here.

Stay tuned for more learning resources by subscribing to the Design Studio Blog or bookmarking it for future posts.

You can also check us out on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Alias and VRED YouTube channels and follow us on Facebook.