Alexandre GOURAUD
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Breakdown of my submission to the Car Render Challenge 2023 for 3D Artists.

In November 2023, I participated at the yearly 3D automotive challenge by HUM3D. So here is my full breakdown of it.

Submission to the 3D Challenge.

Full Project Breakdown :

I initiate my projects with an initial idea. In this case, the concept was to design a substantial truck. Originally, I envisioned an extreme-condition delivery truck that integrates into the world I’m crafting. However, in the end, I transformed this truck into a prototype featuring a new kind of technology.

Software expertise :

Blender

Modelisation and texturing

Quixel MIXER :

Texturing : Base paint

Quixel BRIDGE :

Assets for environment

After Effect :

Compositing

First sketch

The importance of drawing is fundamental. It can be done with a pen and paper, a graphics tablet, or whatever you prefer. The crucial aspect is to project your ideas as quickly as possible. Sometimes, the ideas may not be used later, but this process can help you determine a new direction.
My sketches are never very beautiful or very detailed. So I spend around 15 to 20 minutes brainstorming with a simple drawing.

Timelapse of the first steps of modelisations of the vehicle.

Once the initial drawings with views are complete, it’s time to start the modeling process. First, I create a base mesh with the major shapes from the sketch. I constantly have to readjust the shapes until they look perfect to my eyes. Initially, I don’t focus too much on pushing the details, I will take care of it later.

While modeling, I always play with basic materials and colors to find interesting ways to highlight the shapes of the vehicle.

Creation of the scene

Even if the vehicle is unfinished, I start placing a few assets to create the initial lines of the final scene. Then, I conduct a second brainstorming session to generate ideas on what I can improve. This involves observing compositional ideas, considering additional elements on the vehicle, and generating ideas for the overall scene.

Small details makes the difference

What I aim to define in my work are the small yet noticeable details. I pay a lot of attention to texturing because, with simple shapes, it is possible to create an interesting realistic look.

Most of my works that im making are with lot of mechanical parts. I love the look that it gives and also it making the vehicles part of a unic universe.

Snow on tires and more

A 3D model of a BFGoodrich tire by Clayton Sjoerdsma with snow covering it. While working on the small details to enhance the project, I aimed to give a new look to the tires by adding a layer of snow. I have done a simple method that I’m certain to use in future projects. I created a cylinder with a significant number of subdivisions and then applied a simple displacement. By adjusting the settings and adding the perfect texture, I achieved the final result. This simple method was also applied to the wheel covers inside the truck and other exterior elements. It may not be perfect, but it works well.

Environment

I always focus on what the camera sees. That’s why it’s important to place the camera at the right angle at the beginning of the environment creation. It can be observed that many parts are well positioned and aligned, especially the weather station in the background. Also, the scale of objects plays a significant role here. In the renders, the weather station appears to be much larger than it is in the Blender file.

Settings to render

  • Blender 4.0
  • Cycles
  • Samples : 256
  • Resolution : 1920×1080

Compositing

Compositing is one of the most crucial aspects for me, as it is where the entire image transforms into a new identity.
My compositing process is divided into the following steps :

Final project

The project’s name is ‘Yurgo Await,’ referencing the name of the island in my works. You can find more story explanations about it here.