Hard-Surface Essentials Vol 3: Radio & Complex Assemblies
 

Master complex game assets! Learn multi-part modeling and custom decal workflows in Maya, Substance, and Photoshop.
What you'll learn
Master Complex Game Asset Assemblies: Learn to manage and model assets with multiple interlocking parts, ensuring technical consistency across the entire model.
Custom Decal & Mask Workflow: Use Photoshop to design professional stickers and technical text, creating custom masks for detailing in Substance Painter.
AAA Detailing Logic: Understand how to add realistic functional details to your models, ensuring they meet the quality standards of modern game environments.
Refined Multi-Material Workflow: Master the challenge of combining different surfaces and shapes within one asset for a professional and realistic finish.
Requirements
Basic 3D Knowledge: A basic understanding of 3D modeling concepts (navigation, extrude, bevel) is recommended, as the course follows a detailed step-by-step process.
Software Required: You will need a 3D software (Maya used), Substance Painter for texturing, Marmoset Toolbag for baking/rendering, and Photoshop for the masks.
Volumes 1 & 2 Recommended: While not mandatory, having completed the previous volumes will help you follow the workflow and complex assembly more efficiently.
Description
Multi-Part Mastery: Hard-Surface Essentials Vol. 3 - Radio & Complex AssembliesThe third entry in the "Hard-Surface Essentials" series. In this volume, we step up the complexity by tackling a multi-part game asset. We will focus on managing separate components and mastering a hybrid workflow between Photoshop and Substance Painter to create professional-grade masks and decals.Important Note: While this series follows a progressive path, it is NOT mandatory, but recommended to have completed Volumes 1 and 2. This course is a standalone experience; you can jump straight into the Radio if you are specifically interested in complex assemblies and custom decal workflows.Softwares covered in the pipeline:Maya: Multi-part modeling and game-ready optimization.Substance Painter: Advanced masking and technical detailing.Photoshop: Creating custom masks, stickers, and technical decals.Marmoset Toolbag: Professional baking and final portfolio rendering.Structured Learning Path (Beginner Friendly): The course is built so that anyone can follow along, regardless of whether you are a returning student or a newcomer:ADDITIONAL: The Essentials Bootcamp (40 mins): If you are new to these tools or need a refresher, I've included this optional section. It covers the basic tools in Maya and Substance so you can start the project with confidence. Skip it if you already know the basics!Section 1: Reference Analysis & Blockout. Breaking down a multi-part asset to ensure all components fit perfectly from the start.Section 2: Modeling & High Poly. Mastering complex surface transitions and creating high-quality geometry for each part of the radio.Section 3: Low Poly & UVs. Optimizing a multi-component mesh for games and organizing UV tiles for maximum texture density.Section 4: Baking, Texturing & Rendering. The core of the volume. We'll master the bake in Marmoset, use Photoshop to design custom masks/labels, and bring it all together in Substance Painter for a final render.ADDITIONAL: Custom Export Settings. If you don't know how to export your textures from Substance for a professional render, watch this. Skip it if you already have your own setup!What you will achieve:Complex Assembly Management: Learn to model and organize assets with multiple interlocking parts like a pro.Custom Decal Workflow: Master the bridge between Photoshop and Substance to add unique labels, stickers, and technical details.Advanced Surface Control: Tackle the challenge of blending different materials and shapes within a single game-ready asset.Professional Game Pipeline: A complete, step-by-step walkthrough from reference to a portfolio-ready final render.Prerequisites:Software installed (Maya, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and Marmoset Toolbag).No prior experience with previous volumes is required, but recommended. Basic 3D knowledge is helpful.
Aspiring Game Artists: Students looking to master complex hard-surface assemblies and create high-quality, multi-part props for their portfolios.,Intermediate 3D Modelers: Artists who want to learn how to integrate Photoshop into their texturing workflow for custom labels, stickers, and technical masks.,Prop Artists: People interested in a complete pipeline for assets with multiple components, focusing on technical precision and professional detailing.,Volumes 1 & 2 Graduates: Students ready to level up by tackling more complex shapes and a more advanced detailing workflow using masks and decals.