OCEAN BUOY 3D MODEL

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OCEAN BUOY 3D MODEL

I created this 3D model of an ocean buoy for Discovery Channel, using the buoy from the movie The Shallows as a technical reference. Modeling was done in Modo, and I originally did the texturing in Modo as well, but decided to revisit the project recently to see what I could do with Substance Painter. Substance is a fun texturing program that allows you to use a variety of procedural brushes and “smart” materials that facilitate the rendering of, among other things, rusted metal. Perfect for reproducing the look of a piece of iron that’s been tossed around in salt water.

I used the aaocean plugin for modo to create some rough-looking water, and a nice hdri of a cloudy sky to light the scene using global illumination. To complete the image I composited some waves washing up against the buoy in Photoshop.

About the author

Curtis Sayers

Curtis Sayers is a technical illustrator. He strives to communicate complex ideas and information with dynamic visual solutions.

“I worked with Curtis on a few projects for Discovery. He has great detail in his illustrations and executed my vision perfectly. Curtis is talented, responsive and dependable.”

Bill Hartman
Discovery Communications
“Clarity powered by drama. That’s a fitting description of Curtis Sayers’ work. Often infographics can be cold and calculating veering toward the mundane, but Curtis has the rare ability to explain complex systems in a warm, inviting, and entertaining way. This quality helps a designer immensely to bring a magazine page to life. If you hire the right guy you’ll reap the benefits. Curtis is the right guy.”

Ted Lopez
Air & Space/Smithsonian
“My company needed someone who could illustrate manufacturing and production line scenes from beginning to end. Curtis’ technical, yet simplistic style was just what we were looking for. Curtis is a pleasure to work with. He quickly grasps complex concepts and turns out exceptional visuals with very little revision required.”

Michele Spinale
Markem-Imaje
“Curtis has the innate ability to absorb the technology and perfectly harmonize the critical details with artistic style and flare, enabling his visualizations to appeal to technical and marketing audiences alike.”

Ryan McMeniman
Ward Hill Marketing
“Curtis is an amazing artist. He’ll not only illustrate your vision but will enhance it to appeal to both professionals and laymen as well. He is easy going and fun to work with, too.”

Moshe Alamaro
More Aqua, Inc.
“Curtis is a creative problem solver and can transform complex data into simple, elegant solutions. Working with Curtis is a breeze and I know that I can rely on him to follow through and execute the job beautifully.”

Tanya Mysko
Fidelity