May 4, 2025
Nimbus 08
Intergalactic Cargo ship
*Please note - Detailed process of this project is available on Behance
Year
2025
Project TYPE
Academic
Category
3D Graphics
Product Duration
3-4 Weeks
Description
The Nimbus 08 is a versatile cargo vessel designed for long-haul missions across the cosmos. Its sleek, aerodynamic design and powerful ion engines allow it to traverse vast distances with efficiency & speed. Detachable Voyager module, which can be separated from the main vessel for independent exploration and scientific missions collecting valuable data and samples. The Nimbus 08 is built for it’s gigantic capacity to ship cargo over stellar distances. It has two huge cargo sectors in it’s belly with an in-built hydraulic elevator to move cargo easily.
Research
I studied multiple spaceship, airplane and fighter jet silhouettes and got inspired by natural aviators such as peacocks, bats, hawks & Flycatchers etc. From ten explorations, I finalized one design and created blueprints to visualize it in 3D, which also served as a reference during the modeling process.
Development
With multiple sketches of the spacecraft from different angles, I created a perspective view to guide the form. Using this, I began blocking out the structure with mesh panels. The model was UV unwrapped into 8 texture sets (2K each), with proper tiling, material setup, and color IDs for efficient texturing. In Substance Painter, I baked multiple maps, applied a dual-tone futuristic scheme, and finalized with wear, tear, dust, scratches, macro details, and decals for added realism.
Impact
I focused on a core principle: form must serve function. By designing the Nimbus 08 as a versatile cargo vessel with features like detachable modules and internal hydraulics, I ensured the final model was not just aesthetically pleasing but also told a believable story and had a clear purpose. The final execution was a testament to my technical proficiency. From meticulous UV unwrapping and efficient texture set management to the detailed work on wear, tear, and realism, I ensured every step of the process was production-ready. I am proud to have brought this concept to life with a high level of technical and creative execution.
