If the size of an object in the scene is quite small and therefore some detail would not even be visible in the final image resolution, it’s obviously better to keep it more simple. Once I’m satisfied with the shape of an object, I can already start detailing most of the time, where I always try to keep the distance to the camera in mind. More and more smaller objects will be added to the scene and the primitives receive the most necessary modifications to refine their broad outline. I then start to block out the environment using primitive shapes, like a box or cylinder almost exclusively and try to match the composition to my preferred sketch I made earlier or modify it again if I feel the need for it. Even in a fantasy landscape, it’s still very important that everything looks believable and physically plausible. Searching for proper references is what usually comes next in my production process. After that, I think about a colour scheme and maybe do a rough coloured sketch or even some photobashing, to get a more precise idea of which direction I want to go with the environment. I usually start to paint or 3D-blockout some black and white thumbnail sketches in order to determine the composition and depth of the scene.

3ds max building design