Help with basic poly modeling

[markf]

I am trying to learn poly modeling. I have been through several tutorials including Todd Daniels' - Poly Modeling book. I'm confused on a few basic things. Attached is an example.

 

I added the edge (arrow) at lower left to control the curvature of the corner. It creates the five sided n-gon above (5).

 

I don't really need to continue the edge I added around the entire ring of the model. That seems to add un-needed complexity to areas that don't need it. I'm just trying to control that corner curvature. Is it proper modeling technique to just end it as I have? Or is there another termination technique that I should be using? Or should I just continue around the entire ring so no 5 sided polys get created?

 

I think this is pretty basic technique question but I just don't get it. I hope someone here can offer some help with this. This situation comes up again and again with the upholstered chair I am trying to model.

[anton]

What I would do is continue the edge to the left and make a complete loop then divide the large polygon in 2 the get quads.

 

Check the green lines on the attached image to see what i'm saying.

 

Here is a link to an excellent tutorial explaining some basic techniques for poly modeling: Learn the inorganinc modeling fundamentals in 3ds max

[markf]

Thanks Anton. I'm going to check out that tutorial.

 

As for my modeling question. I am not clear about terminating in a triangle. I re-modeled the chair and just connected complete rings to avoid the termination issue. I’d like to understand where, when , why and how to terminate edges, but that seems to be eluding me for the moment.

 

Attached is my current effort. Lower right turbo smooth off, edges on. Lower left turbo smooth on.

 

I am hoping that some of you can comment on how my model looks and the way I modeled it. I would like to add the wrinkles at the arm rest corners that are show on the reference photo. Can anyone give me any advice on how I might add that detailing?

 

Thanks in advance for any help!

[edgemaster]

Basic poly modeling is something that gets easier with practice. Its kinda like an instrument. You just gotta keep practicing and pretty soon you'll hit the right notes. I guess what I'm saying is in basic terms. Just model like 20 chair models and I'm pretty sure by the 20th one you'll see a big difference on how you do things.

[anton]

What edgemaster is saying is the truth. Just like everything practice will make you better at it.

 

Now, for your issue with the edge loops unless you really need to terminate them in order to save every polygon (for game assets most of the time) you would keep them there. The most important thing is to make sure you model doesn't have any shading issues.

[markf]

Thank you for your replies! I'll keep practicing my poly modeling and piano .