Low-Poly Model
I've started adding some basic planes (highlighted here in red) that I'll be combining with a transparency map to create fur tufts that I hope will add a little volume to the figure and make it appear more fluffy and less sleek. I saw this technique used by Danette Beatty in a few of her models, and I thought it would work really well here despite the style not being exactly the same.
The actual model geometry is pretty much done now, I've been making sure to check the silhouette often with the model flat-shaded to get a better feel for how it's going to read; this was really helpful for placing the teeth in particular.
Below I've added a few more fur planes just to round off the distribution to something a little more natural.
I had to redo my UV map a few times, as I kept seeing places where it could have been better laid out, and adjusted accordingly. Because of the fact that my texture includes a lot of gradients that have to align at the seams, the more in-line I can keep the edge loops on the texture the better. Below is my initial UV followed by my most recent one.
I've also been very careful about the texel density on this model, because I ran into some issues with that on the last one. It helps that I'm not painting on the facial features this time, but I still wanted to be careful, and with the fur being painted across the whole figure rather than it just being a block colour, it's important that the density is consistent across the model.
Below is my initial texture - used just to block out my colours and identify areas where seams might be an issue - applied to my new UV layout.
In terms of timescale, I'm slightly behind schedule, but I'm still confident that I can get everything done. Ideally, I'd like to have my rig finished by the end of next week so that I have the next week to animate, and then submission week to construct showreels and put together my work for submission.
Wax Model
This week, we were adding shoulder muscles and the beginnings of the upper arm muscles. I found the inverse relationship between the way the biceps sit on the arm and how the hamstrings sit on the upper leg really interesting, and that similar functioning also helps me to remember the positioning better. I'm curious as to how this is reflected in quadruped animals, as their limb construction isn't so dissimilar in terms of what bones are present even if their lengths and positions are varied, so I'd be interested to see how this applies to muscles as well.
BlueZoo Application
I also applied for two internships at BlueZoo Animation this week, for the positions of Visual Development Artist and 3D Artist. I feel that either one of these positions would be incredibly helpful to me in developing my skillset in their respective areas.
I'm aware and have been told by a mix of people that it would be best for me to pick one or the other area to focus on, however as I'd prefer to work at a smaller studio over a larger one, I feel that breadth of ability will serve me well. Depending on what path I do end up taking, I may well end up specialising, but for the moment I'd prefer to keep my options open.
No comments:
Post a Comment