[agentxi]

anytime someone mentions a space station orbiting a planet or moon or something, I keep thinking of an Old American Gas Service Station from the 50's that is basically just floating out there.(of course it would have the stylistic changes of having to be in space) but that's basically what I'm thinking of.

Anyways, Seeing more of your "style" or concept art would really help. If you don't have any concept art, I probably suggest you draw it out on paper... just small thumbnail pictures... and if you find something you like, take it into photoshop and color it for further testing. I know this step keeps you away from maya, but it will also save you hours of heartache and headache as well. Drawing a small 3" x 5" sketch is faster than doing it all in 3d then go, umm, no that's not going to work.

Even if you aren't an amazing concept artist. I would suggest sketching in blocks and shapes, Other people might not know what you are drawing, but I'm sure your brain will convert all the scribbles into the actual shapes and the look you want. (i'm a horrible traditional artist, yet i still sketch out ideas, even if it's "chicken scratch" and people are like, what's that!) it gives me direction of where I would like to take the model. You could even use photo's and just manipulating them enough to get the look you want, then go from there.