In this part 1 of 2 part tutorial we will learn some tips and tricks on our way to model a volcano from scratch! So enjoy the lesson!

So let's start..First let see some of the volcan images.

.: Types of Volcans :. 

We will model good old one, probably the one you learned first about as kid!

So let's create a cone with following settings

Then simply delete the top faces as shown in image

Now select all the border edges..TIP you can do this easily by going to Selection -> Select border edge tool and double click on one edge.

Now let keep extruding it..simply follow images below

Now let modify it a bit using scale.

Now let's just delete the bottom, because if we leave it like this, later on when we subdivide it, we will get some artifacts we don't like.

Ok so we got so far pretty good base mesh, but we want some details and more "natural" feel right? So let's convert it to SubDiv and then further tweak it with more resolution.

To do this, simply select model and go to Modify -> Convert -> Polygons to SubDiv.

Now let's work some more on the top of volcan...Simply select every third or so vertex and tweak it..

Looking at it now it seems we need a bit harder edges over top..So with model selected go to Edge selection mode, and select these edges

And with them selected, go to Subdiv Surfaces -> Partial Crease Edge/Vertex and hit it twice..

Pretty nice!

*To get some more resolution to the model, feel free to crease bottom edge..

Sculpting

Now let's take some time to sculpt on volcano surface..In the same menu (Subdiv Surface) chose "Sculpt Geometry Tool" and click on it's optionbox..

Now take your time and simply just make the surface look randomness..I can't really create step-by-step tutorial on this step, simply feel free to sculpt as you want!

This is mine!

And that should wrap up this part 1 out of 2 part tutorial..In the next one, I'll be showing you how to apply effects and wrap up this project!

 Cheers!