Video version
1 Idea
In 1880 young Nikola Tesla proved the existence of the Ether and capability to use rotating magnetic field to create the lift force directed upwards. Tesla believed that the technology was the common heritage of mankind, thus he sent packages with the detailed description of the technology and all the instructions for the production of “Ethereal engine” to Governments of all the major world powers. The British Empire, wanting to establish the status of not only the greatest sea power, but also the greatest air power, first managed to build a shipyards and lay the fleet of armored airships on them. Invulnerable to anti-aircraft fire, carrying a heavy armor, well-armed and maneuverable airships of Her Majesty’s Air Fleet started to terrify enemies of the Empire.
2 Sketch and references

3 Workflow
Before speaking about modeling, let me briefly explain how my workflow is organized and say few words about folder structure. I find it really easy to underestimate the meaning of organized folder structure and then to lose track of project. Thus, it’s highly advisable to create some sort of structure that will protect the project from chaos and entropy.
Layers
I often return to sketch phase to take a look at what can be improved and changed about composition.
Sometimes modeling of the details distracts from seeing overall picture. When it happens, it’s cool to return to sketch and continue searching for the impulse that drives the composition.
If nothing comes to mind, try searching for the pictures of cg artists that inspire you. Or generate some random shape to start the ball rolling (who said fractals?).
4 Addons and viewport acceleration
Blender proves itself as a reliable tool to make this kind of stuff. Scene contains nearly 7 mln. polygons and many layers of things – and continues to be manageable.
5 Environment modelling



6 Details
7 Zeppelins – in search of a concept
Ship concepts were reworked at least three times. Nevertheless, all three versions are shaped like a zeppelin – thought stubbornly refused to depart from steampunk motive. The first version of the ship was a funny fish with a harpoon and a soft belly.

Ship details

8 Lighting
9 Render Layers
10 Render passes


11 Smoke simulation

12 Final compose and post-processing



Her Majesty’s Zeppelins

Conclusion
Links
Anonymous
interesting making of !!!! I congratulate on the first place on a render.ru!
Anonymous
Thanks so much for this write up! As someone kind of new this piece is really inspirational to me. I would love to have a print of this, is there one up for purchase anywhere?
Gleb Alexandrov
Thank you! I hope we will see it printed. But not for now.
Marcotronic
Wow!!! You are a crazy genius! One of the best 3D images I have ever seen.
Marco
nonamegiven
This is crazy good. Really genius with all the detail and work you put into this. Fantastic man!
Gleb Alexandrov
Nonamegiven, really glad you like this revisited making of.
John Cardozo
Awesome work, wonderful!!!
Ryan Sweeney
“While processing hdri, I was trying to tint one side of the “sphere” in cool tones, and the opposite side in warm”
How does one accomplish this? Do you multiply the environment texture with some sort of mask?
I enjoyed reading this lengthy breakdown. I will make something cool someday
Ethan Lew
This page is definitely going to be added to my bookmarks. So informative 😀
Spencer Magnusson
Holy zeppelins Gleb! Fantastic render and clear walkthrough of your process!
D Brown
Wow! Every single one of your steampunk pieces blows me away, every time. You sir, are a huge inspiration to me. Thank you!
es
Hey Gleb, pressing shift z toggles viewport render
Catherine Cook
IT has totally inspired me. Thank you
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