This image shows the first part of the modelling process. The cat was actually originally designed using a cartoon dog turnaround image I found, and I made minor tweaks to accentuate the feline features e.g. the slimmer figure and the longer neck as well as the thinner longer tail.
This step is after the entire body was sculpted in two parts, but before combining and welding. I did come across a lot of problems but did manage to solve them eventually. Long story short, if your mesh isn't correct, you will be punished for it eventually. I assumed this would be the right way of modelling a 4 legged animal? in two parts, upper and lower separately.
The below images show the orthographic images I used to base this model around. They were not as helpful as I would liked them to have been, but considering this model is supposed to be basic, I think the desired task has been carried out quite effectively. These images also show the tweaks in slimming down the cat, and after the 2 pieces had been welded together. (I hate merging vertices in maya 2011)
These below images are just some shots of the mesh and the finished product. Just to mention, Kin is modelling the head to the cat as I have decided to get a jump start on putting the props into our scenes. all things considered, I fell my ability to model organic pieces has increased after following Alan's tutorials through this project. Also, the cat wont have much rigging, just a bend deformer in the tail, and a spine to give it a slightly more realistic feel than just standing there.
Looks great Elliot.
ReplyDeleteWhen i saw the picture of the model with the orthographic I thought, "Hold on, thats a picture of a dog, I wonder if he knows" I think I underestimated you for a second there. I imagine this would be pretty tricky to rig, good job you've got a way around that.
Thanks Sam.
ReplyDeleteI ran into a bunch of problems when modelling this, and it is modelled to be rigged (to some extent). Although like I mentioned, its barely even in the animation so doesn't really need a massive rig.
quite happy with how it turned out in the end... even if it is a dog.
It looks pretty decent, though I'm not sure how it's going to deform when skinned. Some of those main distortion areas might not give the best results. Maybe throw some joints and a quick skin in the mix and check it out?
ReplyDeletethe cat is literally in the scene for about 1 second tops.
ReplyDeleteEven when it is in the scene, its seen from behind, and it's only standing staring back at another character - any movement it may or may not take on, is going to only be a subtle twitch at most.
For the purposes of getting this project finished in time and looking effective, an intricate control system would be counter-productive in my opinion.
Fair play then mate. Understandable.
ReplyDeleteSorry if my comment sounded sterile, I appreciate the input Jon. Plus the phrase "it looks pretty decent..." from you, is a bloody compliment haha.
ReplyDelete