David MK shared the workflow behind the Anomaly Detector project, talking about how he organized the references, analyzed the concept, and built the detector with the purpose of showing a story.

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3D Hard-Surface Artist David MK walks through his complete workflow for creating a game-ready retro-futuristic Anomaly Detector prop, inspired by concept art and the S.T.A.L.K.E.R./Metro aesthetic. The breakdown covers every stage: gathering and categorizing 410 references, building a blockout focused on silhouette and proportions, high-poly detailing with logical transitions and chamfers, mid-poly retopology and UV unwrapping with texel density management in RizomUV, baking in Marmoset Toolbag, and texturing in Substance 3D Painter with emphasis on material contrast, edge wear, decals, and storytelling through damage. The presentation section covers camera focal lengths, 3-point lighting, depth of field, and post-processing in Luminar Neo. A recurring theme is visual storytelling—every scratch, crack, and sticker should suggest a history and provoke the viewer's imagination.

Breakdown: Creating a Game-Ready Retro-Futuristic Detector