Design a Futuristic Spaceship with Interactive Controls

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Creating a New Design Concept with Shape Generator
3. Using the Big Medium Small Settings in Shape Generator
4. Creating a Simple Spaceship Generator
   1. Using the Blender Version of Shape Generator
   2. Using the Houdini Version of Shape Generator
5. Creating Other Setups with Shape Generator
6. Adding Basic Parameters to the Generated Shape
7. Changing the Extrusion and Transform Parameters
8. Exploring the Big Medium Small Tab
   1. Adding Different Size Objects
   2. Controlling the Number of Medium and Small Shapes
9. Understanding Hierarchical Collections
10. Applying Design Theory to Shape Collections
11. Customizing and Controlling the Shape Generation
    1. Changing Seed Values for Shape Generation
    2. Controlling Scale Settings for Shape Collections
    3. Using Boolean Controls for Subtraction
    4. Adding Materials to Shape Collections
    5. Changing the Master Seed Parameter
12. Saving and Revisiting Shape Generator Setups

Creating a New Design Concept with Shape Generator

In these videos, I'll be covering how to quickly create new design concepts using the Shape Generator. This powerful tool automatically combines big, medium, and small objects to generate interesting ideas. We'll start by creating a simple spaceship generator to demonstrate the workflow.

Using the Blender Version of Shape Generator

To begin, open Blender and create a new shape using the Add menu. Access the Mesh Shape Generator to reveal a temporary side panel with adjustable parameters. Set the master seed to cycle through different random shape combinations. Once applied, the shape becomes unchangeable.

Now, access the Shape Generator panel in the Properties panel by pressing the End key. Select the generated shape and adjust the parameters as desired. For a more blocky shape, set the extrusion's max rotation and slide settings to zero. Stretch the object in the y-direction by adjusting the transform tab's y-scale.

Using the Houdini Version of Shape Generator

If you prefer using Houdini, you can integrate Shape Generator using the Houdini Engine. This allows seamless integration with other tools, such as 3D Studio Max.

Creating Other Setups with Shape Generator

While the example workflow focuses on a spaceship generator, Shape Generator can be used to create other setups as well. Whether it's architectural pieces or organic shapes, the tool provides a versatile approach to design concept generation.

Adding Basic Parameters to the Generated Shape

Upon creating the base shape, expand the extrusion section and adjust the max rotation and slide settings to achieve a blockier shape. Stretch the object in the y-direction to alter its proportions further. Additionally, you have the option to bevel the edges for a smoother look.

Exploring the Big Medium Small Tab

The Big Medium Small tab contains all the settings for adding different-sized objects to the base shape. These objects are organized hierarchically in collections: one for large shapes, a sub-collection for medium shapes, and another for small shapes. Following design theory, it's recommended to start with one big shape.

To make the design more interesting, increase the number of medium and small shapes. However, avoid adding too many objects, as design theory suggests that a small number of shapes can yield intriguing results. In case you lose your selection, simply click on any object to bring the panel back.

Understanding Hierarchical Collections

To visualize the different collections of shapes being assigned, enable the "Use Coloring" checkbox in the Shape Generator panel. This feature colors the different object collections for greater clarity. Please note that these colors serve as guides and not actual materials.

Moreover, each collection of objects has a distinct scale, following Cynic's Design theory. You can observe these scaled shapes by changing the viewport shading to Matte Cap Object, making it easier to differentiate the collections.

Applying Design Theory to Shape Collections

The Shape Generator provides various controls to customize and control the generation of shapes for each collection. By adjusting the random seed values, you can keep collections of shapes that you like. Altering the seed values also influences how the small shapes are scattered in relation to the medium shapes.

Additionally, the scale settings for each shape collection can be controlled. While it's recommended to follow the default values based on design theory, feel free to modify them to suit your preferences. Another setting to explore is the boolean controls, which allow you to perform boolean subtractions.

Customizing and Controlling the Shape Generation

Under the boolean operation tab, you can specify whether the original shapes are hidden, and choose between Blender's fast and exact boolean methods. Experimenting with these controls enables you to carve the smaller shapes into the core shapes, adding more intricate details to your design.

You can also assign materials to each collection of shapes. Setting the material in the first material slot will apply it to the entire mesh. By adding materials, you can enhance the visual appeal of your designs. Adjust the settings until you are satisfied and switch to the rendered view to see the results.

Lastly, don't forget to adjust the master seed parameter at the top of the panel. This paramount parameter drives the random element in all other settings, enabling you to generate different random shapes that conform to your customizations.

Saving and Revisiting Shape Generator Setups

Once you're content with your custom shape and design, you can save the file and revisit it later. Alternatively, you can save the setup as a preset for future use. Shape Generator offers several bundled presets to choose from, allowing you to streamline your design process further.

In the next video, we will explore Shape Generator's iterator function, which automatically renders various combinations using the master seed value. After that, we'll learn how to bake our chosen object for further editing. Stay tuned for more exciting possibilities with Shape Generator!

Highlights

• Learn how to create new design concepts quickly using Shape Generator
• Generate interesting ideas by combining big, medium, and small objects
• Create a simple spaceship generator with adjustable parameters
• Utilize the features of both the Blender and Houdini versions of Shape Generator
• Apply design theory to shape collections and customize scale settings
• Control the generation process using seed values and boolean operations
• Enhance your designs with materials and save your setups for future use

FAQ

Q: Can I use Shape Generator to create other types of designs apart from spaceships? A: Absolutely! Shape Generator can be applied to various setups, including architectural pieces or organic shapes. The tool's versatility allows for endless possibilities.

Q: Can I modify the parameters of a generated shape after it's applied? A: No, once the shape is applied, you cannot go back and change its parameters. However, you have the flexibility to adjust other settings and further customize the design.

Q: Is it possible to animate the generated shapes? A: While Shape Generator primarily focuses on design concept generation, you can certainly animate the shapes by utilizing Blender's animation capabilities.

Q: Can I use my own materials with Shape Generator? A: Yes, Shape Generator allows you to add materials to each collection of shapes. Simply assign the material to the first material slot, and it will be applied to the entire mesh.

Q: Are there any pre-made presets available in Shape Generator? A: Yes, Shape Generator offers bundled presets that you can load and customize according to your needs. This feature helps expedite the design process by providing ready-to-use setups.