For the ~unitedmodellers contest, week 1.
Since I was told the model had my definate signature on it, I decided for a texturing job that strays from my usual style

There isnt all that much complicated stuff to explain how I built this this, so I'm gonna detail how I came up with the idea. In my opinion this is pretty much the most important process in modelling something, and also the most frequestly overlooked.
-----------
Ok, so I start with some paper, and a rough idea in my mind, I decide that I'm going to go for a fairly minimalistic, smooth and flowing design that also packs a lot of engine power. So I start with what I know, fairly simple aeroplane-like engines. I decide on having three to add some complexity and visual balance to the model.
I didnt want to have them just jutting out from the ship, so I want to have some sort of connecting structure, almost like very basic tentacles. I move onto the body design for now.
Since it's going to be smooth, I think of objects I already know that have nice smooth curves, for example a whale. This basic shape works nicely because the tail is the perfect connector for the bottom engine. I like the tail idea that I also use it for the other two engines, but since it's a tripod-like getup have two on opposite sides, bending around the original one.
I draw out some different possibilities, and come up with pretty much what you see here for the connectors and engines.
For the body, I know I need some sort of window and I also want to have a fuel supply underneath. Since I'm going for minimalistic these will just be stretched spheres. I adjust the sketch of the body to look like it was built primarily to house these objects, rather than just being slapped over the top.
After I have scanned the final sketch into 3ds max and built the model, I post a WIP on the internet and ask some friends for advice. An antennae gets suggested, one that follows the basic curve of the body. I liked the idea, so that was the final added touch to the design
-----------
There really aren't any tutorials I can link to on this, but here's a link to a great document which really helped me understand the nature of creativity: [link]
Yeah i know it's kinda wierd, just read it all ok? (oh except for that huuuge chunk of text near the start, thats just boring )

And if that's not enough like a tutorial for ya, heres some gool ol' mesh modelling: [link]

Whoa, that was looong... It damn well better help someone