DS3 - ANM 375: WEEK 3
Bernard Armature
This was definitely a LOT more of a process than I bargained for this week!
Bernard, being a 2D character drawn to camera and not to consistent 3D space created some havoc for me. I decide to take a few steps back and try to better decipher his forms in-the-round in a way I'm comfortable with: 3D. I created a rough model for him using Maya and Zbrush and derived my turnarounds from that.
I'll be able to refine this model along with my maquette; hopefully working back and forth might be useful given that I little to no experience in physical sculpture. At least it will be fast in terms of vetting out shape ideas.
The armature building went ok. I did elect to counter sink the mount for stability and easy removal. I just used the epoxy putty to secure a bolt within the main armature bend that screws underneath. It's pretty solid.
I felt like the ears being such a major feature needed some reinforcement. The side wing loops are for that, but are very posable and potentially removable if need be. Lastly, added foil and wrapped in the cheap gold floral wire you can get at the dollar store.
Armwrestling Armatures
The biggest challenge for me this week was figuring out what Bernard is supposed to look like in 3 dimensions. I now understand why there are so many figurines out there that seem off-model to me, because from any given angle, they are! A 2D cartoon character is drawn to the camera and trying to nail down a single set of proportions that work for all angles is crazy difficult, if not impossible. I struggled a bit, then decided to try to work things out in 3D on the computer. At least then I can rotate the character and see how one decision affects another in the round.
The armature building went well I think, but I'll be interested to see whether the extra ear 'wings' I built help or hinder the process. Bernard's ears are so big and such a dominant feature I felt that they would need some structural help.
INSTRUCTOR FEEDBACK
Nice digital study- should come in handy!
