Have you ever rushed into modeling a 3D game prop only to realize something just felt “off”? Maybe the proportions were skewed, or the details looked bland. The secret ingredient many beginners overlook is quality reference material. Before you even touch your modeling software, taking time to gather the right visual references can make the difference between a mediocre model and a stunning game-ready prop. In this article, we’ll explore why reference gathering is a game-changer and how to do it effectively.
Why Reference Material Is Your Secret Weapon
Every 3D artist—from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals—knows that great art builds on great references. We might think we know what an object looks like from memory, but our brains tend to fill in gaps or simplify details. Think of a common object like a bicycle or an old lantern. You see them often, but could you model one accurately from scratch without looking at any pictures? Likely not!
Our visual memory is imperfect; we remember the general idea of things, not the exact reality. By using reference images, you bridge the gap between the fuzzy image in your mind and the real-world details that give an object authenticity.
References keep you honest and accurate. If you want your game prop to have believable proportions, correct structure, and realistic textures, studying photos or real examples of that object (or similar ones) is crucial. For instance, a reference photo of a vintage telephone shows exactly how the handset connects to the base, where the cord attaches, and any subtle ornamentation you might otherwise miss. Without references, it’s easy to make mistakes that break the realism.
Even highly creative or fantastical designs benefit from references. If you’re crafting a sci-fi gadget or a magical artifact, grounding some elements in reality will make it more convincing. For example, a sci-fi gadget might borrow design cues from real machinery or historical artifacts to make it more believable. By blending real-world influence, your original prop becomes more relatable and richly detailed.
Let’s bust a myth right now: using references is not cheating. Some newcomers worry that looking at photos or other art will make their work less original. In truth, professional 3D artists often gather a whole library of references for every project. Far from hindering creativity, references inspire it. They expose you to shapes, textures, and ideas you might not think of on your own. The goal isn’t to copy a reference image outright; it’s to learn from it and elevate your own design. As one veteran artist put it, “I haven’t done a single piece without at least a handful of reference images.” If the pros rely on references, so should you!
Finding Inspiration in Everyday Objects
When starting a new game prop, one of the best reference sources is the world around you. Everyday objects can provide fantastic insight if you take time to observe them closely in real life.
Need to model a medieval wooden barrel? Examine a simple wooden bucket or a wine barrel. Notice how the metal hoops wrap around the wood slats, and how the wood grain runs and where scratches typically appear.
Designing a sci-fi weapon? A look at a power drill or a Nerf toy blaster can spark ideas for shapes, grips, and mechanical details that make your design more believable.
There’s immense value in stepping away from your screen and studying physical items up close. Pay attention to how materials look under light, how edges wear down over time, or how pieces fit together. These real-world details can take your prop from good to amazing.
Online Goldmines for Reference Images
Of course, we can’t always find or photograph every object we want to model — this is where the internet becomes a 3D artist’s best friend. There are countless online resources for reference images, but a few stand out for game art in particular.
One of the most popular platforms among artists is Pinterest. If you haven’t used it before, Pinterest is essentially a giant visual search engine where you can discover and save images on virtual boards.
Search for any keyword (say, “steampunk lamp” or “medieval sword reference”) and you’ll likely find a treasure trove of photographs, concept art, and design diagrams. Pinterest’s real strength is that it will suggest visually similar images once you start pinning, leading you down a rabbit hole of relevant inspiration. It’s perfect for building a mood board or style board for your prop.
Besides Pinterest, good old Google Images is also handy. Use specific search terms and try adding words like “reference,” “blueprint,” or “details” to narrow down technical results (for example, “vintage telephone reference side view”). Even online retailers can be surprisingly useful: websites for furniture or gadgets (think Ikea or Amazon) often provide multiple product photos from different angles.
While gathering images online, remember to check the image quality. Clear, high-resolution pictures with good lighting will serve you far better than tiny, dark ones. Also, try to collect a variety of views: a couple of wide shots for the overall shape and some close-ups for surface details. The more complete your reference set, the easier it will be to recreate or reimagine the object in 3D.
Organize Your Reference Library with PureRef
Now that you’ve collected a heap of awesome reference images, how do you manage them? Enter PureRef – a simple but powerful tool that many 3D artists swear by. PureRef is a lightweight application made for one thing: displaying and organizing reference images in a convenient way. Instead of juggling multiple image windows or browsing through folders, PureRef lets you create an infinite canvas where you can pin all your images, arrange them, and zoom in or out as needed. Think of it like a digital corkboard for all your visual inspiration.
One big advantage of using PureRef is efficiency. You can drag and drop images from your computer (or straight from the web) into PureRef and then freely move them around. While modeling, you can keep the PureRef window always on top (or on a second monitor), so your references are literally right beside your 3D workspace. This beats constantly switching between different image files.
PureRef is also great for comparing references. Let’s say you found five different photos of old padlocks. In PureRef, you can display them all next to each other, instantly spotting common features or differences. This helps you form a general understanding of what a typical padlock looks like beyond a single example. You can then model your prop to capture that essence.
The tool is free (with an option to donate) and very easy to use. If you prefer not to use specialized software, you can achieve a similar result by making a collage in an image editor or even using presentation slides. The key is to avoid having a messy folder of random files or a cluttered desktop of images. A well-organized reference board keeps your creative process focused and inspired.
Using References Effectively (and Creatively)
Gathering reference material is only half the battle. The real magic comes from how you apply those references in your modeling process. Start by studying your images closely and identifying the key characteristics that will define your prop. For example, if you’re modeling an old lantern, your references might reveal that its top is wider than its base, that the wood has vertical grain with dark knots, or that the frame has vents on the sides for airflow. Observations like these will guide your modeling and texturing choices.
It often helps to sketch or jot down ideas after looking at your reference images. Whether you do a quick doodle of the prop or write a list of “must-have” features, this step forces you to digest what you’ve seen and plan how to incorporate it. Remember, references are a starting point and a support, not a final destination.
For instance, if you’re looking at several antique lanterns, you might take the handle design from one, the glass pattern from another, and the rusted metal texture from a third to create a brand-new lantern that still feels believable. By combining the best elements from multiple sources, you ensure the result is original yet grounded in reality.
Do’s and Don’ts of Reference Gathering
- DO gather a variety of reference images: Get more than you think you’ll need, and from diverse sources. Combining real-life photos, online finds, concept art, etc., will give you a broader perspective and plenty of ideas to draw from.
- DO pay attention to details: Little things like the screws on a machine or the stitching on a leather bag can elevate your model’s credibility. Make sure your references cover those fine details — or find separate close-up references for them.
- DON’T rely on memory alone: No matter how familiar an object seems, trust the reference over your brain. Our minds can trick us, but a photo won’t lie about where parts are or how they look.
- DON’T forget the context: Consider where and how your prop exists in its world. If you’re modeling a worn-out mailbox, references of mailboxes are great — but also look at how metal rusts or paint peels in real life. Those contextual details will help your prop tell a story.
Conclusion: Level Up Your Art with the Right References
By now, it should be clear that collecting the right visual reference material is an essential step in game prop creation, not an optional extra. It lays the foundation for accuracy, fuels your creativity, and guides you when you’re unsure how to proceed. The extra time you spend up front hunting for references — whether you’re snapping photos of everyday objects, digging through Pinterest, or assembling a PureRef board — will pay off with a faster workflow and a far better final result.
So before you dive into your next 3D modeling project, take a moment to do some reference gathering first. Embrace the reference-gathering adventure, because your future self (and your portfolio) will thank you when your props look so believable that viewers feel they could reach out and touch them.