Before starting a model in 3D, make sure you have a complete set of concept artwork. Conceptual art of what you wish to model should be drawn from multiple angles, and character sheets should be used if you are creating a character model. Character sheets should display the height, proportions, weight and clothing detail of your figure. Load the images into the 3D programto speed up your work flow: Use them as references to know where to place your vertices.
When modeling an everyday, ordinary object, don't bother to make up a new set of concept artwork. For example, say you want to create a 3D model of a toaster. Instead of wasting time and energy drawing a picture of a toaster, run to your kitchen, grab your toaster and bring it back to your work desk. Having a real life object to copy from can be extremely effective when creating 3D models, as the item is already in three dimensions in front of you.
While the idea of making your own textures might sound time consuming, it can really save you a lot of time, money and effort in the future. Purchased texture packs can cost a lot of money, you can't always remember what textures are there when you need them and they can sometimes be more of a challenge to alter to fit your finished models. Create your own texture library from photos you take while walking, textures you've painted on the computer or have gathered from other image resources. Categorize them in a way that you know where they are, right when you need them.
While manipulating vertices on your 3D models, select groups of vertices at once to control large areas. Do not limit yourself to moving vertices, either. Form your models by altering faces and edges as well. Select edge loops to manipulate around the circumference of your model, erase extra faces and don't bother to model anything that won't be seen. For example, when modeling a character, do not model the body and clothing separately. Make the clothing part of the body.