Modelling tips - Do's and don'ts

[znuk]

Hi. I am about to start a model of a BMW M3 (like the 3D world needs more cars). the last car I tried to make was a mitsubishi lancer and it started okay but then as it got more complicated and detailed, errors I had made at the start became more obvious and very anoying.
One of the main problems I remember was that my model didnt seem to be as neat or accurate as other peoples.
My aim is to make a photorealistic model and before I start (In a week or so after I reformat my computer) I would really appreciate tips on modelling. If anyone with experience could give me some things to do and not to do, that would be great.

Here's the link to my lancer thread which isnt really worth the read (sorry about that paint - waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaay too glossy):
http://forums.3dtotal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3504&highlight=lancer


Thanks, Michael.

[Mike-3DT]

Well I would say that one of the main ways to get a good mesh is to try & keep it all quads for one - yes I know people might argue that its not as important as it's made out to be, but I find it a good working practice, smoothing issues aside.
Another major thing is to make every vertex count. It sounds stupid, but it's something I've learned from realtime modelling. Look at your mesh & evaluate every vertex in it. Are they all there for a purpose? Did you cut in a few extra edges to try & fudge a part? Every time you cut in a new edge or add a vertex it must be there to add to the model in some way, even if its just volume rather than surface form. (Deciding which method, either volume or surface is a good way to start too - both have pro's & cons & work better with certain modelling techniques.)
Lastly, stay away from booleans. They pretty much suck.

[znuk]

Okay, thanks. Thats exactly the sort of advice I want. If anyone has anything else they could tell me like that it would be sweet.
I find that booleans A) crash my computer B) destroy the mesh C) not work properly or D) combinations of the above :(.

thanks mike:)

*edit*: With doors, bonet (hood), boot, should I make the mesh of the whole car and then cut out the doors (if so, how), or should I make each piece individually. I guess you can do either way but what do people prefer and why?