Hatchiman
All models (including this one) were created in 3D Studio Max 2009. I have been using this package for many years now and I find it very comfortable for modeling and unwrapping. From here on, the rest of the work will be completed in Maya 2009, as I am learning that it is more versatile than Max, in particularity with animation and effects.
Blendshapes for facial expressions. There are only eight expressions (four for each side of the face) as not many expressions are required for this piece.
A rig was completed in a matter of three days thanks to Anzovin Studio's The Setup Machine. I have added the floating joints on each side and the center in order to help control the coat.Again, this rig is a simple one and it is designed to accomplish only the animation required in my specific shots.
Gondola
Please note that the textures on all of the models are quite basic at the moment. I am using a simple Surface shader with a painted texture. In the following weeks I will begin to work on the rendering style and I am prepared to build upon these shaders.
The Gondola has a separate controller for the boat and the oar. It is rigged so that the lantern will swing and maintain it's arc when the boat it tipped. This was accomplished with the help of Maya's constraint system.The Tower
The tower has two forms. On your left it is closed proper, and on your right it opens it's massive jaw in order to suck in Hatchiman. I still need to add the beam of light that will be projected from it's eye.
Blendshapes are used to control each of the tower's teeth individually. The top slider of each tooth controls it's sharpness, while the bottom controls it's position. After constructing this system I have discovered the sharpening blendshape does not make much of a difference and I will probably not use it at all.
I have decided to use blendshapes in order to maintain the tower's "flowy" effect.
This is a quick painting that I did over a render of the model, this is a step towards the rendering style that I am going for. I would like to smudge the model's edges into the background.
The tower has two forms. On your left it is closed proper, and on your right it opens it's massive jaw in order to suck in Hatchiman. I still need to add the beam of light that will be projected from it's eye.
Blendshapes are used to control each of the tower's teeth individually. The top slider of each tooth controls it's sharpness, while the bottom controls it's position. After constructing this system I have discovered the sharpening blendshape does not make much of a difference and I will probably not use it at all.I have decided to use blendshapes in order to maintain the tower's "flowy" effect.
Quick Paint Test
This is a quick painting that I did over a render of the model, this is a step towards the rendering style that I am going for. I would like to smudge the model's edges into the background.
Is the first image actually the 3d model rendered? If so, that looks amazing. It would be great if you can add the smudge fx like you drew at the last one there, but I think the first image looks just as good.
ReplyDeleteOnly thing I would suggest is the facial blend shapes could be pushed a tad further. If reading the character's expression is only through the eyebrows, I think you should try to make it more apparent. I can't wait to see more progress.
Keep it up! :)