3D Hard Surface Modeling Services

Hard surface modeling services usually take 1 weak for simple 3D hard surface modeling and 3 weeks for more complex ones.

Multiple factors can affect this time span, such as art style, the complexity and number of assets (characters, environments, objects), quality, budget, etc.

You can contact us right now to get a time estimation for your hard surface modeling project today.

Our entire process of hard surface modeling has 9 main steps:

1. Identifying Your Unique Needs: First, we are dedicated to understanding your unique project requirements, goals, and aspirations.
   Gathering
2. Reference for Concept: Our hard surface modelers will create models that align with the intended design, proportions, and realism. You can give us your references, and we will also search for them.
3. Subdivision and Refining: Modelers use techniques like edge loops, edge creasing, and subdivision surfaces to create smooth, organic shapes or sharp, angular forms, depending on the desired result.
4. Adding Details: Once the overall shape is established, modelers add various details to the model. This can include creating hard edges, chamfers, bevels, and other geometric features that define the object’s unique characteristics.
5. Topology Optimization: Throughout the modeling process, modelers pay close attention to the topology (the arrangement of polygons and vertices) to ensure that the model is efficient, deformable, and suitable.
6. Mirroring and Symmetry: For objects that have bilateral or radial symmetry, modelers often model only a portion of the object and then mirror or radially duplicate the geometry to create the complete model.
7. Boolean Operations: Modelers use Boolean operations like union, subtract, and intersect to combine or cut away geometry, allowing for the creation of complex shapes and forms.
8. Final Adjustments and Cleanup: Modelers perform final adjustments to refine the model’s geometry, smoothing out surfaces, and cleaning up any unnecessary or overlapping geometry.
9. Exporting and Preparation: Once the modeling process is complete, the model is exported to a format suitable for further processes like texturing, rigging, and rendering. This may involve optimizing the geometry, creating UV maps, or setting up proper hierarchies for animation.

There are 4 logical reasons for you to consider outsourcing your project to a hard surface modeling house:

1. Saving Money and Time: Hard surface modeling requires specialized talent across many roles, and hiring them in-house has challenges. A professional hard surface modeling studio houses all the expertise necessary to bring your visions to life efficiently, speedily, and cost-effectively.
2. Creativity: Have you ever considered that you can outsource creativity, too? Apple partnered with Hovey-Kelley for creative ideas when inventing the mouse. Hard surface modeling studios thrive on imagination and creativity.
3. Quality: Practice makes perfect. Hard surface modeling companies produce countless 3D models, constantly honing skills and staying current on industry trends and tools. Their experience enables high-quality hard surface modeling services delivery without wasted time or budget.
4. Scalability: Expanding an animation scale requires growing your team. That’s challenging in-house but not for a hard surface modeling company with access to more artists. Hard surface modeling studios maintain larger talent pools and connections to scale up readily.

There are 4 criteria for picking the best hard surface modeling agency for your projects:

1. Portfolio: A company’s expertise is showcased via its breathtaking art portfolio, and nothing tells better what they are capable of than its past works.
2. Reviews: Read their reviews online and see what their past clients think of them. The most honest on-hand thing you can find in any hard surface modeling company is its online reviews.
3. Communication: First impressions matter – especially when it comes to communication. If they’re slow to respond or just plain rude from the get-go, imagine how it’ll be once they have your money! Trust your gut and work with people who make you feel good.
4. Time and Budget Compatibility: After all, you might find the best hard surface modeling studios in the world, but your time schedule and/or money budget do not meet their demands. Find hard surface modeling services that meet all the previous characteristics as well as your budget and schedule.

We provide hard surface modeling services in the USA, UK, Canada, the Middle East, etc. We understand the importance of seamless collaboration across borders and time zones. Most of our clients are from the USA and here is how our hard surface modeling company ensures efficient collaboration despite time zones and languages:

• A dedicated account manager will be assigned to your project, available during flexible hours, including weekends, to facilitate seamless communication and act as an interpreter if needed.
• All our key team members, including the project manager and those you’ll communicate with, are proficient in English for efficient collaboration.

Here are 3 key managing tips for rushed projects:

• Build in a buffer time (plan for 5 weeks if your target timeline is 6 weeks) for contingencies, iterations, and reviews. Buffer time acts as a protection against any errors or issues related to the project force majeure. This way, circumstances that might not go as planned are taken into account.
• Build in a buffer budget due to the need for additional resources, overtime hours working, revisions, and changes. While some changes might seem minor, they can accumulate, leading to significant increases in both costs and time.
• Consider reevaluating some aspects and changing your project scope and overview by reducing the complexity and number. For example, there is no need to model several unique characters for a crowd at a wide angle; you can have a few and use them in many variations.

Here are 3 common challenges and risks in 3D hard surface modeling workflow and strategies to address them:

• Challenge: Project Delays and Unexpected Disruptions
• Solution: Comprehensive upfront planning, minimizing excessive revisions/edits, maintaining open communication, and building some buffer time (10%-20%) into the timeline for unexpected issues and contingencies like artist illness, emergencies, etc.
• Challenge: Misunderstandings
• Solution: Extremely clear and detailed brief, over-communicate priorities, ask the hard surface modeling studio to explain their understanding back to you (do not just seek confirmation of your explanation), and emphasize crucial requirements repeatedly.
• Challenge: Budget Overruns
• Solution: Pursue a fixed-price contract rather than hourly, conduct detailed scoping in brief, set clearly defined budget limits and contractual provisions, and build in contingency buffers for possible risks.

Here’s what you can expect from our hard surface modeling company:

• Regular Updates: We’ll provide you with regular updates on the progress of your modeling for your feedback.
• Revision Process: We understand revisions are often part of the creative process. We offer a structured revision process to ensure your feedback is incorporated effectively.
• Open Door Policy: We have an open-door policy, so you’re welcome to ask questions or discuss any concerns you may have at any time.
• Educational Resources: We can provide you with educational resources to help you better understand the hard surface modeling process and the creative decisions involved.
• After-Service Support: Our support extends beyond delivery. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about using your hard surface modeling or repurposing it for future projects.