How do you design a 3D environment or scene?

2 Model your assets

Once you have a plan, you can start modeling your assets using a 3D software of your choice. Assets are the objects that populate your scene, such as buildings, trees, rocks, furniture, etc. Depending on the level of detail and realism you want to achieve, you can use different modeling techniques, such as polygonal, sculpting, or procedural. You can also use existing models from libraries or online sources, but make sure they match your style and quality standards. Try to keep your models as simple and optimized as possible, and avoid unnecessary polygons or vertices.

3 Texture your assets

Texturing is the process of adding color, detail, and realism to your models using images or materials. Textures can enhance the appearance and feel of your assets, and convey information about their properties, such as roughness, reflectivity, or transparency. You can create your own textures using software like Photoshop or Substance Painter, or use pre-made ones from libraries or online sources. You can also use UV mapping, baking, or projection to apply your textures to your models in a precise and efficient way.

4 Light your scene

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of 3D environment design, as it affects the mood, atmosphere, and realism of your scene. Lighting can also help you highlight the focal points, create contrast, and guide the viewer's eye. You can use different types of lights, such as directional, point, spot, or area, to simulate natural or artificial sources of illumination. You can also use shadows, reflections, or global illumination to add depth and realism to your scene. You can adjust the intensity, color, and angle of your lights to create different effects and moods.

5 Render your scene

Rendering is the final step of 3D environment design, where you generate an image or a video of your scene using a software or a hardware engine. Rendering can take a lot of time and resources, depending on the complexity and quality of your scene. You can use different rendering techniques, such as ray tracing, rasterization, or real-time, to achieve different levels of realism and performance. You can also use post-processing effects, such as color correction, depth of field, or bloom, to enhance the appearance and feel of your scene.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?