Creating low-poly 3D models and characters.

What is a low poly 3D model?

A low-poly model is a 3D model with a small polygon count. Its straight-edged shapes have an abstract, almost cubist appearance, distinguishing it from its hyper-realistic counterpart, the high-poly model.

Low-poly models might be less realistic, but they offer several benefits:

• Performance. Low-poly models require less processing power, which makes them ideal for video games. Some video game designers opt for low-poly models to create a retro throwback experience.
• Style. Low-poly models have a clean, unique aesthetic that stands out from the trend toward hyper-realism.
• Ease of use. Low-poly models have fewer details, which speeds up the design process.
• Beginner-friendly. Low-poly models are an excellent way to learn the basics of shape, form and texture.

Getting started with low poly 3D modelling.

With 3D modelling, you create three-dimensional objects in a digital space. Every 3D model is composed of vertexes, edges and faces. With low-poly 3D modelling, the goal is to use as few components as possible while creating the desired shape and details.

Adobe Substance 3D makes it possible to build low-poly models that look nostalgic yet modern. Use Substance 3D Painter to create low-poly meshes for your designs. The platform comes with readymade shortcuts to cut down on navigation so you can spend more time in designing mode.

What can you do using low-poly modelling techniques?

Sculpting low poly 3D characters.

Here’s a quick guide to sculpting low poly 3D characters:

1. Start with reference images and concept art. Always have a clear vision before you build a 3D design. Reference images will give you a roadmap so you can stay true to your original idea.
2. Sculpt the basic form. Start with a primitive shape like a cube or sphere. Use transformation tools to scale, move and rotate the model’s components.
3. Add the finer details. With a basic shape in place, it’s time to make a more realistic model. Extrusion will pull out areas of your model to create features like limbs. Beveling softens sharp edges for a more nuanced look. In some cases, you can use subdivision, which increases the polygon count only in specific areas for added detail, like a character’s facial features.

Modelling low poly 3D objects.

Low-poly design is popular for architectural visualisations because it offers rapid rendering and a stlylised look. This makes low-poly design more helpful in the preliminary stages of architectural modelling.

Whether you’re in architecture or designing a video game, follow these tips to create low-poly 3D objects:

1. Build a simple structure. Start with basic geometric forms. Combine, intersect and modify these shapes to create complex structures while maintaining the style of the low-poly 3D model.
2. Add texture. Next, add a texture to the object. Use UV unwrapping to ensure every face of the model aligns perfectly with the texture to avoid distortions.
3. Optimise. Look over your model. Where can you remove polygons or details? Optimised models render more quickly and perform better, so remove any unnecessary details.

Tips for optimisation and efficiency.

Let’s take a look at some easy tips for optimisation and efficiency:

1. Efficient UV mapping. UV mapping flattens the models’ geometry into 2D when you apply a texture. An efficient UV layout maximises the texture space, reducing the need for high-res textures. Make sure your geometry doesn’t overlap because that could lead to unpredictable results.
2. Reduce unnecessary geometry. Remove faces or vertexes that won’t be seen. For example, if the viewer can’t see the bottom or back of a model, it’s usually safe to remove it.
3. Use texture optimisation. Texture compression tools drastically reduce the file size without a noticeable drop in visual quality. Instead of creating all-new textures for the model, use smaller, repeatable textures. This saves memory and texture space.

Why Adobe Substance is the ultimate choice for low-poly modelling.

Low-poly 3D models allow for constructing objects and characters with fewer polygons. The resulting images may not be realistic or high-resolution, but they’re well-suited for retro designs and architectural visualisations.

Learning low-poly 3D modelling not only gives you a unique aesthetic to play with, but also helps you to manage your resources and render times.