Samurai

@scifieric: Regarding those last two renders and their popularity- it might be worth casting your mind back to any changes to render/post settings you had for them? Looks to me like there's a bit more contrast in them (as well as some changes in color temperature). I'm not sure about the color temperature having a big impact outside of personal preferences, but the contrast may be highlighting some of the material details (like the weathering on the dish, for example) and making it more apparent to a wider group of people.

Just a thought, in case you're trying to replicate based on positive reaction!

Looking fantastic Eric- almost like you could pick it off the screen. While the modeling is top notch, the work you're putting in to materials, lighting and rendering really combines to "sell" the project.

Eric, thanks for sharing these. I'm going to re-download Blender and have a go at following along.

I've been playing off and on with Blender for a little while now, and struggle hugely with the interface- it doesn't seem to have any logical purpose (to my eye/mind). I've been out of the loop 3D-wise for some time, and although I'd like to pick it up again, I'm yet to find tutorials that are at the "not quite beginner, not advanced" level I need currently, that also incorporate a familiar subject matter that holds my interest. Hoping yours do the trick!

Will share any feedback with you directly.