You will already know the basics of modeling in SketchUp. If you haven't done so already, why not spend half an hour reviewing the great SketchUp tutorials on the website at http://sketchup.google.com/training/videos.html. These take you through all the main modeling functions of SketchUp. In this section, we will look at low polygon modeling techniques that are especially relevant for visualization, animation, and games end uses.
Tip
Did you know?
The beginners tip that makes the most difference to newbies is "create groups and components so all your geometry doesn't stick together".
In SketchUp, everything you create is formed from a wire frame, over which is stretched a skin. You can see this process happening when you draw any shape with the pencil tool. The lines are the frame, and when a shape (polygon) is complete, the frame receives a skin (surface). These surfaces are actually all made up of simple shapes (polygons) which you can't see...