How to approach modelling multi-geometric objects?

One thing i've been having trouble with  recently is how to approach multi-geometric objects. Whether to do it all on one mesh, create multiple meshes, use boolean, how to texture it, it's been difficult for me to figure out how to do it. 

As practice, I tried to make a record player to practice making multi-geometric objects, because I didn't believe I could make something like a weapon or a car or vending machine yet. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8-rR78NfTc&feature=youtu.be


I really wanted to go further with this, but I wasn't sure what I was doing/what to do. One thing I was overwhelmed by was how I was going to make the detailed textures like the lines on the record or the felted "pads" on the side, or the leather texture of the suitcase, should I sculpt it and bake it? Would I need to retopologize it to bake it? Would I just take a texture from somewhere? Do I actually sculpt it on the mesh with multiresolution? I was quite dissapointed in my progress in this and wanted to go further, which is why i'd like to ask for help from all of you. What can I do better, and what workflow do people use for making multi geometric objects? Thank you.

  • Kaj Suominen(louhikarme) replied

    With objects likes that one general rule to follow is if the objects are separate pieces in real life, have them separate objects in blender aswell.
    However, you asked great questions and those are actually questions that you will go through every project. Because you need to make decisions on how to make those objects or textures depending on your time or dead line.

    I know that is vague answer. sorry about that. :)

    but choices you need to do. a record you could make with procedural material (circles, some noise in there etc) or get a picture and use that. Suitcase, model it first, then on sculpt mode add some dents. maybe not need to retopo, but could be depending on sculptin detail level.

    again, decisions need to be made and that is not always easy i know. the more you do the more you understand what you can do. and don't be afraid to fail. failure is the best teacher. and you will remember better what works and what doesn't. :)