SketchUp Powers Theatre Scenic Design - Google SketchUp Workshop: Modeling, Visualizing, and Illustrating - page 160

Step 5: Presenting Preliminary Design Sketches and
Ground Plans
Objectives : To obtain support for discussion with the director and the
creative team, and approval before more detailed 3D modeling and
design continuation.
Data : Printed sketches and ground plans.
Tools : SketchUp Pro.
I bring the preliminary computer model to the production meeting in case
clarification or possible instant manipulation/modification/editing are needed.
Step 6: Preliminary Design Approved - More
Detailed Modeling
Objectives : To refine and, possibly, revise design.
Data : Meeting notes, preliminary SketchUp model.
Tools : SketchUp Pro.
I start adding more detail to the design, for example, using the Follow Me tool
for all trim, crown moldings, and pipe.
Tip
When I work on a particular group or component within the model, I
usually isolate it from the rest of the model. This makes all-around access
easy. Also, it is less taxing on CPU and RAM resources. I go to View, select
Component Edit from the drop-down menu, and select Hide Rest of
Model. To Unhide, I need to only uncheck the latter option.
To create crown molding, I simply draw a profile or pick one from the mold-
ing supplier's catalog (check if a CAD drawing is available on their Web site
for importing purposes) and attach it to the top of the wall. I then select the
edges to which I want to apply the molding, and then pick the Follow Me tool
and select the profile.
Step 7: Adding Colors and Textures
Objectives : To refine and, possibly, revise design.
Data : Meeting notes, preliminary SketchUp model.
Tools : SketchUp Pro, Photoshop.
I apply materials from the expanded SketchUp library. I then export the front
view of each set element as a JPG image.
In Photoshop, I add highlight and shadow, and modify textures as needed.
I then project images back into their original space in the model.