Insert Edge Loops to Make Smooth Appear... Smooth? Always?

[jdeclanflynn]

So, here's a newb-question 😁

Is one required to always insert edge loops close to existing edges if one wanted a smooth appearance to their  polygon model? I've attached an example. 

I can clearly see, for example a cylinder, after pressing 3, the ends near the caps appear sharper when adding edge loops close to the cap's edge, but I wonder if that's the case, as a good workflow, to always insert edge loops very close to edges if you want your model to appear smooth before actual smoothing?

Am I missing something?

Thanks to all in advance.

[damaggio]

Yes you need edge loops for SubD or crease edges or you can just do polygon modeling with the desired subvisions, however the decision is made on the asset usage and final destination.

the question should start with showing the model, the purpose and where is going to be used.You could keep both also one for rendering in Maya high res and one low res for game

[jdeclanflynn]

Understood @Anonymous - that would have been helpful. Thanks for the correction. And thanks for the reply. You saw the model. Purpose = water pipe bracket (hanger from ceiling), game environment asset + high-res render vs game play.

[damaggio]

In general game models have one the high poly with all the details and the low poly where the high detail is going to be baked into but it doesn’t have to be always this way, your model is simple all you need really is a bit more subdivisions on the big curve, not SudD loos.

[jdeclanflynn]

Okay, thanks. I'll seek some videos on this too.  Appreciate it @Anonymous

[damaggio · Accepted solution]

You might just need the additional loops here....