Cinema 4D Tutorial: How to Create a Base Model

Learn these simple steps for creating a base model using splines and sweeps on Cinema 4D easily, with Ali Sahba

A base model forms the foundation of almost any creation on Cinema 4D, knowing how to create one that looks good and works well will ensure all your projects stand the best possible chance of success.

Ali Sahba is a multidisciplinary digital artist who tells stories using photography and computer-generated imagery. In this tutorial, they will explain a simple way to create a base model on Cinema 4D.

1. Draw your initial shape

Select the Spline Pen and set your first key in the project. Then you can set your keys and adjust the angles as you construct the first sketch of your illustration’s skeleton. Bear in mind that everything you draw will initially be flat on a 2D plane.

2. Add volume

Go into the Points mode in order to pull your 2D form into 3D. Move the camera around your construction to make sure the points are spread apart well in the 3D space.

Once again, you can adjust the angles of your lines by manipulating the points next to the main key points. Hold Shift to select two key points at the same time.

3. Sweep up

Now, open up Sweep and set your Spline as its child. Then, open up a new Circle Spline and set it as another child of Sweep, above the original Spline. This order is essential to achieve the effect you want. Ensure there are no intersections as that will complicate the design process later on and export.

If you liked this tutorial, you can learn how to combine different digital tools to create photorealistic illustrations from concept to completion with Ali Sahba, check out his online course Abstract 3D Art.

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