ABOUT

The Changes

For this second go at the E30 M3 I focused on a few key details that might cue you in to what I'll be experimenting with next. Instead of the usual update or refresh of the same design, I left the model exactly as is. What I did change was everything else around it.

The first change is in the lighting. The HDRI is gone in favor of pure black void, with all set lighting now being provided by an overhead simulated sun. This allows me to better draw out some uncanniness perhaps more common on sci-fi photography / imagery.

The second and possibly biggest change to the setup is the (virtual) camera. I've been tinkering with the settings to achieve a more adequate look to this new theme / direction. If you're a 3D artist yourself you can experiment with a similar look following linolafett's tutorials on YT. They provide an excellent base for this kind of atmosphere. A few things had to be changed or even entirely rethought to achieve the same look on LuxCore with a much smaller subject so be ready to put some work in if you're using my renders as reference.

Finally, there are a bunch of minor adjustments throughout, along with a new NASA livery, better paint reflections and a new set.

The Concept

When I set out to render and finish the first series, a thought kept bugging me - I've seen countless artists give other types of vehicles a shot, I've done a few outlandish creations myself, but what if I went just a bit further away from my comfort zone? Well, this is me preparing to make the leap. I'm not saying goodbye to cars, not now and not ever, but I do wanna try my hand at making something a bit more "out there".

And so, as a middle step, I kept the model and changed everything around it. Welcome to the moon - there's no sky, no buildings, nothing but space dirt and sunlight. I pondered and even experimented with "erasing" the shadows like what we've seen in photos taken on the moon. I ultimately decided that there wouldn't be much harm in it given it helps us better read the render and place the objects in a 2D image.

The Goal

I've been focused exclusively on automotive design creations when it comes to portfolio work for about a year and a half. In that time I've managed to master mechanical 3D modelling, explore a few different rendering engines and achieve an amazing level of photorealism I though previously unachievable. It is therefore time to find a brand new direction to explore. Something new, something that will better allow me to focus on and develop my style.

The third series of this E30 will be somewhat otherworldly as I plan to convert it into a full-blown moon-ready vehicle. I'll be looking into taking the most successful moon vehicle designs and adapt them to suit both my style and this platform. I look forward to showing you the finished product. So for now, please enjoy this second series with a car on the moon.