• Joe demonstrates how, once a level of technology is decided on, the appearance and features of the mechanics are much easier to design. Throughout the tutorial, he discusses the balance between using imagination over using real-world design elements and the importance of building up a visual design vocabulary to help make informed design choices, leading to appropriate mechanical designs. By walking through every step, from initial sketch, to refinement, detailing and final rendering, Joe shows his process of balancing imaginative features with real-world design to deliver a convincing, yet unique and creative mechanical design. He also discusses how to frame your mechanical design around the needs of the story or setting, ensuring that the context will help drive your creative decisions along the way. This tutorial offers various techniques and processes for creating and refining a mechanical design that is intended to not only look cool, but also communicate its function at a glance. 

Topics Covered:

• Mechanical Design
• Concept Design
• Importance of Reference
• Digital Painting
• Communicating Function
• Shape Refinement
• Correct Proportions
• Story Driven Design
• Decal Application

Chapters:

• Plan and Reference
• Rough Sketch
• Adding Limbs
• Mechanical Details
• Bringing the Sketch Together
• Refining the Sketch
• Adding Modules
• Adding More Modules
• Basic Colors and Shading
• Beginning Details and Cleanup
• Changing Colors and Additional Detail
• Ammo Belt Detail
• Additional Cleanup and Refinement
• Proportion Check and Final Tweaks
• Decals and Stickers
• Finishing Touches