Qfyilyi

I’m trying to model this kettle with a pyramid pattern on the lower side of the kettle. The problem that I am facing is that I have a Subdivision Surface modifier on the object to give it that smooth round look. If I try to model each individual pyramid, the Subsurf smooths out the pyramid.

What is the best way of achieving this look?

You can model the pyramids either scaling extruded individual faces to 0 and then removing doubles(w->r), or you could poke the faces(alt+p) and then select the middle vertices by the amount of adjacent faces or connecting edges(shift+g menu) and use Shrink/Flatten(alt+s) to move them outwards in the direction the surface is facing. You could then grow selection(ctrl++) and bevel(ctrl+b) the edges so they remain sharp(ish) after Subdivision Surface modifier. You could crease the edges(shift+e) instead of beveling to have them completely sharp with the Subsurf, but that would be a bit unrealistic since edges are rarely completely sharp.

Edit mode:
Enable face select

Select a ring of faces by having cursor in between adjacent face

Separate by selection

Poke

Object mode:
Select new object

Edit mode:

Select all

< I > inset
Select individual in tool properties

Scale
Drag outward

Object mode:

Parent new object to original

Adjust settings / remove subsurf modifier on child object

The most direct method is to just use poke faces.

If they are not extruding much and you don't need a close-up shot, it might be a better idea to do it with a normal map.

Use Smooth Vertex tool on selected vertices. Or separate, by selection, pyramids, that are poked faces made with Alt+P ,and give the rest Smooth shading (Tools).