Character Modelling in Maya

Character modelling in Maya.

Using four view ports simultaneously, the front (elevation), side (section) and top (plan) views were all imported as image planes and the 3D model was constructed using the drawings as a guide.

The viewports layout was very similar to traditional draughting construction both traditionally on the drawing board and in AutoCAD.... and modelling in Maya felt more familiar this time!

Lighting tutorial in Maya...

The Maya interface.
On the left of the screen is my 3D view, showing the modeled room and backplate image, of Melbourne in the sunshine!
The red lines above it, indicate a direction light which creates sun light.
I used a combination of direction and fill lights to create sunlight to spill through the window and onto the bed and the floor - as seen on the right hand image (which was the render view).

Looking forward to playing with more lights !

Another view of the same configuration, with the room rotated to show the furniture. The lighting only shows correctly in the render view.

Texturing in Maya and Photoshop

Today's 3D lab task....texturing in Maya and Photoshop!

Here's the reference image of an Ikea room that we are working from....

Reference photo

Maya interface showing the room with UV mapping and applied finishes.

textures are .png files that are created in Photoshop...

UV mapping with textures in right hand bottom panel...

2D character reference ideas

Reference ideas for 2D character animation...images sourced on pinterest https://uk.pinterest.com/andreamcswan/msc-animation-vfx-final-project-reference/

And...

Dobbs, D. Fleming, B (1999) Animating Facial Features and Expressions.Charles River Media Inc

Frazier, C. (2003) The Illustrated Voice. Graphis, Inc

Maestri, G (2002) Digital Character Animation 2. New Riders Publishing

Nie, Y (2011) Illustrators In and Out. China Youth Press

Shulevitz, U. (1985) Writing with Pictures. New York: Watson-Gupthill

Wacom Intuos graphics tablet !

Well I've had my first experience of using a Wacom Intuos graphics tablet....
The depth of stroke and sensitivity towards the line I wanted to create was brilliant...
It was the equivalent of using an electric 0.3 propelling pencil, which converted into 0.9 thickness.... with the slightest of pressure.


Some tests for 2D characters
Played with different neon colours and outer glow settings....

Life Drawing

Proper old school life drawing class at DJCAD...
Great model, dramatic lighting and classical music....

1 minute poses...not enough time to even put masking tape on the drawing!

Creating 'neon' in photoshop CS3

For my 2D character design, I've been researching how to create 'neon' effect in Photoshop...

here's a great tutorial link...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMpk_bk1L0I&index=22&list=PLR6NkeqscAx1G47ES3keltSaZi4DNOpXk

And this is my first attempt, using a sketch of an eye I created in a sketch book....
Just off now to do some life drawing, which will give me some new figures to turn into neon, and practice creating a sharper, sketchier line.....