DS1 - GDS MODELING 801: WEEK 2

Thesis Progress

Well, I consider this my first week ever working on my thesis! For every finish line there must be a start...

The core of my thesis is figurative work, so getting super-solid base models into zbrush that I can morph into old/young/beefy versions and also very effectively pose with minimal re-sculpt is core for me. This week I worked on my male base mesh. In scrutinizing my go-to base mesh modeling topology habits, I think there are definitely some improvements and modifications I should work through before moving forward. The ear is one of them -- I spent some time working through a better flow for this complex structure. This week I need to spend some time on the nose as well and then work through eliminating some star poles in the face topology.

A few subdivs on the head model shows some of the issues I think need to be fixed. I'm not sure how many of the star points can be worked out, but clearly the area around the nose needs to be topologized differently. I'll be doing some research into options this week.

New all-quad ear structure I'll be integrating.

I have some concerns about the shoulder area:

I will have to do some research on options over the next week. Suggestions here would be much appreciated. I don't want to over-tesselate the base mesh, but having more anatomical structure built in would probably make posing easier and more precise.

Plan for next week:

-- Topology improvements to male base mesh -- First pass zbrush detailing on male mesh -- Start working on female base mesh

INSTRUCTOR FEEDBACK

Since it seems you are going for realism I think edge flow is going to be super important for you in particular and I think you are doing great at observing things that I would be too. You definitely want to avoid 5 polygons meeting creating stars and strange deformation but sometimes it's unavoidable. An artist I really admire is Sergi Caballer whom is a modeler and TD for Disney. He is a master at edge flow. I would look online for videos to see what he does and also look at his website. One thing I've picked up from him is paying attention to landmarks and muscle flow of the body and then make your edge flow follow that. Your base model isn't bad but definitely I agree you need to add more resolution in the ear. I actually build the ears, fingers and toes separately then figure out the math and edge flow to work around those important pieces that may need more resolution.

http://www.sergicaballer.com

Post: Thesis Concerns

I think the one area I have some trepidation about is the 3D printing component. I had planned to invest in a FormLabs Form2 printer mainly because it seems to be the only dominant SLA printer in the market. It is expensive though, and my recent employment lapse has definitely put a financial strain on things. I'm back to work again, but with a significant cut in pay. I have also heard that even though it is widely used, the Form2 has a 50% failure rate, which is staggering. And in terms of use, I am looking for a tool and not a new hobby trying to troubleshoot a quirky and potentially defective piece of hardware. I went to a 3D printing trade show to investigate other options and while there are many, who knows which might be a good bet?

I started looking seriously at the UniZ Slash printer which was about half the price with similar features to the Form2. A friend of mine (who has had other printers) bought in on the initial Kickstarter and was really excited about it. Their software looks really full-featured and easy to use and the output I saw was more than comparable to the Form2. The printer was supposed to ship in March, but here we are in September and apparently they discovered a showstopping flaw in their design late in development that continually pushes the release out a month... every single month! I will wait until my friend receives his and vets it out before dropping two grand on this roll of the dice.

With all that, I've decided to delay that portion of my thesis in hopes that as time passes the technology will settle down, become more stable and hopefully a bit cheaper. Gnomon just released a training dvd on 3D printing using the Form2, so I will have a look at that and continue building my knowledge base on the subject while developing my models. Knowing my luck, I would pull the trigger on a 3.5k Form 2 the second they release a Form3 and drop the price!

In the end though, I may elect to just outsource the printing all together, at least for my thesis samples.

INSTRUCTOR COMMENT

Yes, I have heard that the Form2 does have a failure rate of 50% as well. And all the expenses that go with swapping out new print trays after X amount of prints. I think for the short term a printing service is a good idea. There is an adjunct instructor onsite here at the Academy that has his own 3D printing shop where he has all the printers and is probably cheaper then a bigger printing place. If you want his info, I can give it to you. He's also a very talented 3D modeler/sculptor so would understand the needs you have for your project.