SwillG:
Creative

Thank you.

Meanwhile, I've embarked on another, rather silly project. I'd just watched Logan (super gruesome movie ) and that new girl with blades is inspiring me to something.

@nija
kool! keeping an eye here.
as usual, ur pace is impressive!

also queuing a couple of pictures collated from various artists on pinterest, hoping one of them also grabs u 'to something'.
would like to see a model of a more stylized character...lol, thats more my kinda thing actually.

I will pick that guy with Android jetpack when I finish this Logan girl.

I never really like Cartoons, I must confess....

But I like the huge money they generate in us and China.

I grew up consuming lots of films with my gran ( a serious film addict) when Hallmark was Halmark, perhaps that's why I don't get the ish with cartoons a times.

And if I watch a 3D animated feature , it tends to be those with characters that r closer to the uncanny valley. Such as Tekken, Warcraft, Avatar, Polar Express.

But I will take up this challenge, who knows if my first 3D job will be to do a stylized xter.

Thank you for your mentoring.

Ok, What did I do this evening.

a. I watched Resident Evil: final Chapter. I wish I can sculpt the double winged dragon there and I wish I can start doing Geometric tracking.

b. I decided to do stylize eyelids/Eyelashes (I mean you don't have to waste time grooming), so I fired up a tutorial by Danny Mac on youtube. That guy is good for eyelashes. Search him up

c. I learnt how to do watermarks. I am going Pro, baby!....coughs!

If U want to learn how to do a simple super attractive eyelash? Alright Go Here

nah, its official...we definitely have to play with one of your characters!

loving the character development so far.
yeah, we differ on our tastes...never quite figured out why, with the power to create anything, one would choose to create something lifelike.
i am surrounded by that on a daily, guess thats why i escape into toon-land, lol.

following...
good job!

why on earth didnt u sign on the Sango project?

OKX:
nah, its official...we definitely have to play with one of your characters!

loving the character development so far.
yeah, we differ on our tastes...never quite figured out why, with the power to create anything, one would choose to create something lifelike.
i am surrounded by that on a daily, guess thats why i escape into toon-land, lol.

following...
good job!

why on earth didnt u sign on the Sango project?

There were many requirements that I couldn't fit into then. One example, is Sango's clothing, muscle physique and secondly, I was just thrilled observing, more like watching WWE Wrestlers doing there thing in the ring. The fun part is always being the spectator. Just imagine being in the audience watching Gottfried Leibniz and Issac Newton Argue out Calculus.......so I took up pop-corn, began watching and learnin una methods, frustrations and challenges overcomed.

and I would be immensely gratified if U would breathe life into any of the xters. Imagine her swinging off a roof and landing with a bounce ala Scarlet Johansson in 'Ghost in a shell"

Ok, began adding some folds to her trousers. Its not yet Uhuru.

working on boots...

See levels...

Just imagine.

Another curiosity....

Lately, I am struck by a dearth of ability. So , I am mostly staring aimlessly at my collections and then struggling to rig a xter in Maya. I wonder why some days go like this. I have everything at my disposal, near constant light, a very responsive mouse, abundant data....yet, its seems something in my soul is siphoned away.


Well, let me keep staring at these curiosities and hope that this rig turns out good.

Credits
The gal posing is by the nigerian maestro Nuurdin. I think he renders with Mental Ray

And the strawberry salad is by a 14 year old Finish boy. This Niggur renders with Blender Cycles and yet Andrew Price had the effrontery to say the rendering x still not realistic. Its realistic to me!

In these days, the conflict between wanting and needing to Model, and understanding you might have to sleep instead, is especially strong.

U r weldone bro. Ur characters are wonderful. Sorry, do u model them with Maya or blender or did u use sculpting software like z brush or mudbox. The reason for this is I can basically model stuffs in Maya but I want to be as good as u r now. Can u kindly tell me the story of how u started and the software's u r working with. Thanks bro.

fashtundejay:
U r weldone bro. Ur characters are wonderful. Sorry, do u model them with Maya or blender or did u use sculpting software like z brush or mudbox. The reason for this is I can basically model stuffs in Maya but I want to be as good as u r now. Can u kindly tell me the story of how u started and the software's u r working with. Thanks bro.

Well, It all boils down to the when I first visited this Art thread. It was a chance thing really. Kazuna Cobalt's work appeared on FP, was it 2014 ending or thereabout. I saw those creatures and horrible things that He likes to model and instantly began to follow him like a disciple.

Ofcourse, I already had a thing for films. I love watching action sci-fi like the avengers and I always love femme fatale like Scarlet Johanson. I like strong women kicking butts and I am sure i'm not alone. But One thing is to like to do CG and one thing is to be prepared to open the softwares.

Following this mentor, I started with Blender, there's a thread here known as "3D ethusiasts for blender", I stalked every artist there. I downloaded Andrew Price's nearly 100 tuts. I never knew what I was doing or the 3d categories to put my interests in. I made the mistake of thinking that 3d is everything 3d, so it means i must learn all of them. So the first year (2015) was hectic and frustrating. I was only able to model Onions and cups and I hate that fact

I wanted to do xters and present them like Kazuna and Xothermilk and CGNIYI them. I wanted to make my xters jump with acute precision like OKX's. I was mad and mad and mad......I nearly gave up. Infact for two months I refused to open Blender. How can I just be doing Onions and Cups and Bread.

Then after a while, began folowing Liam shaw on Youtube, He was my first tutor in Zbrush. He specializes in creatures with muscle anatomy and i loved his British accent. Then, It was Michael Pavlovitch and the Forgemaster and countless Gnomon Workshop torrents that i stole off the net. Is stealing torrents a crime against God?

Sooner, I started using Zbrush and Blender together. Zbrush for the roughing out and Blender for the finessing. I discovered that because of my first exposure to the aforementioned mentors, that I was a Character person and not an Andrew Price (Environ) person. Its always good to know who you are in CG. Super important.

I am not yet Pro, esp in areas of Hard-surface clothing for my xters . I would kill to do a cyborg one day. but i sure love what I do.

Now I use 4 softwares basically - ZBrush, Blender, Substance Painter and Maya.

With Maya, I didnt bother learning how to model. I strictly focus on rigging and maybe xter animation. Since that's the only thing She knows how to do. You can kick me there

nijabazaar:


Well, It all boils down to the when I first visited this Art thread. It was a chance thing really. Kazuna Cobalt's work appeared on FP, was it 2014 ending or thereabout. I saw those creatures and horrible things that He likes to model and instantly began to follow him like a disciple.

Ofcourse, I already had a thing for films. I love watching action sci-fi like the avengers and I always love femme fatale like Scarlet Johanson. I like strong women kicking butts and I am sure i'm not alone. But One thing is to like to do CG and one thing is to be prepared to open the softwares.

Following this mentor, I started with Blender, there's a thread here known as "3D ethusiasts for blender", I stalked every artist there. I downloaded Andrew Price's nearly 100 tuts. I never knew what I was doing or the 3d categories to put my interests in. I made the mistake of thinking that 3d is everything 3d, so it means i must learn all of them. So the first year (2015) was hectic and frustrating. I was only able to model Onions and cups and I hate that fact

I wanted to do xters and present them like Kazuna and Xothermilk and CGNIYI them. I wanted to make my xters jump with acute precision like OKX's. I was mad and mad and mad......I nearly gave up. Infact for two months I refused to open Blender. How can I just be doing Onions and Cups and Bread.

Then after a while, began folowing Liam shaw on Youtube, He was my first tutor in Zbrush. He specializes in creatures with muscle anatomy and i loved his British accent. Then, It was Michael Pavlovitch and the Forgemaster and countless Gnomon Workshop torrents that i stole off the net. Is stealing torrents a crime against God?

Sooner, I started using Zbrush and Blender together. Zbrush for the roughing out and Blender for the finessing. I discovered that because of my first exposure to the aforementioned mentors, that I was a Character person and not an Andrew Price (Environ) person. Its always good to know who you are in CG. Super important.

I am not yet Pro, esp in areas of Hard-surface clothing for my xters . I would kill to do a cyborg one day. but i sure love what I do.

Now I use 4 softwares basically - ZBrush, Blender, Substance Painter and Maya.

With Maya, I didnt bother learning how to model. I strictly focus on rigging and maybe xter animation. Since that's the only thing She knows how to do. You can kick me there

very inspiring. I'm experiencing ur first year experience now. I already stopped opening Maya for 3months now. guess its because I am also learning everything together. I think I should break it down just like u. I have learnt a lot from ur story.

tirigbosa:

very inspiring. I'm experiencing ur first year experience now. I already stopped opening Maya for 3months now. guess its because I am also learning everything together. I think I should break it down just like u. I have learnt a lot from ur story.

Something about Maya that I don't understand. Your stories are quite similar to mine. Started 3D believing 3D is everything and guess what? with Maya. I haven't even opened it in 6 months. I discovered 2 months ago that animation is what I'm really into. And its quite interesting how much I've learnt to do in few weeks. It's as though the knowledge is there untapped. My next project is focusing on perfecting lip syncing with the software I am using and adding a special type of animation to the video -kinetic typography.

So the first thing is to really know what you are good at. I sure will get bored modelling a cup. But setting scenes, animating characters and adding different effect seem like playing a video game to me. awesome

@akinolaa
If u don't mind me adding, even in animating, there are stages of growth. It starts with the basics, and that is essentially mastering timing and spacing.

The challenge with software like iclone is oversimplification, and heavy reliance on presets.

While I encourage artists to utilise whatever tool they are comfortable with, if u truly want to master character animation, then u need to separate it from all the other areas, leave effects for now, leave camera movement, forget render quality or great sound effects.

Animate to a static camera, preferably two static cameras and ensure your animation is solid from all views.

Whether it's stylised or realistic animation, there are still fundamental rules to follow. Master those, and don't be in a hurry to showcase your finished movie 'masterpiece'.

Submit ur work to sites like youanimator.com and visit the 11secondclub.com regularly to have ur work dissected and critiqued by industry experts.

We need to move from just moving characters to bringing them alive, with thought and emotion. That's what's lacking in most of our work.

If u can, stay away from motion capture in any form, for now.

Good luck and good start so far.

I Love all this.

We will gradually get there. And then start talkin of collabos. And then start makin little money. And then start making fine fine films and animation.

And then Hollywood starts outsourcing little little jobs to us. We wont mind charging them little little amounts until finally gbam....we explode like India.

ALMOST ALL HOLLYWOOD VFX THEM X NOW outsourced to small companies in India.

From rotoscoping to Texturing to just title runs.

And i think we should set higher standards for ourselves. WE should push and aim to make our works perfect. Lets set each 3d project (in whtever area) as if We are submitting an assignment to Steven Spielberg. As if a We are setting up a pitch demo for A Samsung ad.

Lets not relax and say Nigerian standards. We shoule think Globally and create locally.

Definitely pple will discourage us, NIGERIA will attempt to frustrate us. But in the face of adversity of whatever kind, our passion for 3D should neva wane.

I hate typing wt Technoe

OKX:
@akinolaa
If u don't mind me adding, even in animating, there are stages of growth. It starts with the basics, and that is essentially mastering timing and spacing.

The challenge with software like iclone is oversimplification, and heavy reliance on presets.

While I encourage artists to utilise whatever tool they are comfortable with, if u truly want to master character animation, then u need to separate it from all the other areas, leave effects for now, leave camera movement, forget render quality or great sound effects.

Animate to a static camera, preferably two static cameras and ensure your animation is solid from all views.

Whether it's stylised or realistic animation, there are still fundamental rules to follow. Master those, and don't be in a hurry to showcase your finished movie 'masterpiece'.

Submit ur work to sites like youanimator.com and visit the 11secondclub.com regularly to have ur work dissected and critiqued by industry experts.

We need to move from just moving characters to bringing them alive, with thought and emotion. That's what's lacking in most of our work.

If u can, stay away from motion capture in any form, for now.

Good luck and good start so far.

You have spoken the truth.... However iClone is serving the purpose I so desire right now. I teach in a British International School. Whatever the numbers are, it is scientifically proven that students tend to remember what they see. Animation is what I look forward to introduce into the classroom as a learning aid as I can design my lessons the way I want with appropriate words and all unlike downloading videos online. Aside making my work easier, it's a plus as I've placed this skill on the high table on my CV.
And some of my students have keen interest in animation cos they saw me work on a few project before and it's my desire to inspire them.

But I agree with all you said up there. If ever I wanna go into animation full time, I'm sure I already have a good start.

@ okx, akinola, nijabazar.....from what I've read up there, are u guys saying its possible to learn animation without going thru d modelling , rigging etc stages?
I don't have vib for those stages Especially that rigging where bones are added. I'm not just getting it.

tirigbosa:
@ okx, akinola, nijabazar.....from what I've read up there, are u guys saying its possible to learn animation without going thru d modelling , rigging etc stages?
I don't have vib for those stages Especially that rigging where bones are added. I'm not just getting it.

Yes... but obviously you would need to have access to models to animate. but a considerable knowledge of modelling would help. I got really bored while learning modelling. Animation has been a whole new excitement for me

@nija
I hope we r not derailing ur thread.

@tiri
Look at it like learning to drive.
Even if u don't intend to be a mechanic, electrician, panel beater or vulcaniser, the more u know about those fields as concerns ur car...the more efficient u will be as a driver.

It doesn't mean that the lady next door who doesn't know jack about what's under the hood, can't get d car to move, or arrive at d same destination as you.

But because of ur deeper knowledge, u offer a superior experience.

Sometimes the models u are given may not quite perform as u wish, and u may have to tweak a few settings or create a few custom settings on d rig.

Even when one specialises, u still need to have d general knowledge as a base to build on.
But u don't have to go in depth, just enough to understand what's going on.
I don't particularly enjoy modeling and would rather animate, but unless u find urself in a highly professional production pipeline, you will most times need to rig or fine tune the rig for d model u r given based on certain motions.

Most times it is just to increase efficiency and production value, as well as the marketability of d artist.

Correct... And if i should add, its gonna be useful to know at least something about eveything just like the comment above has said. I discovered this after my first few animation project. But i made it on a need to know basis and not really learning how to do 10 things at a time because i wanna know something about everything. And to use the illustration above, having a knowledge about the mechanics of a car will come in handy especially in tight situations. However, its always good to know what you really wanna do, more like why do you wanna learn 3D. The answer may guide you on what exactly you need to focus on. The more you enquire the more you know.

thanks for the responses and advises @ all.
@ Nija, its true the topic has been diverted. just that I need some clarification. I love 3d but the frustration is so much.
@ okx, akinoola, I now understand. I think I also want to animate. I av not done any before but seriously , I want to explore that area too to know if that is where I should be.

@ everybody, of course, i have animated objects before. please how can I get started with animating a character? the software I use is maya.

@tiri
I suggest u open a dedicated thread on starting animation and we will meet u there.

The thread topic will also draw the wider audience of animators, so u will get more feedback.

Let's allow this thread to its purpose.

@OKX, derail kwa.

u know itx not easy to generate content . This discursion x my kinda vibe na. i luv it.

in fact if we can make it a hub....i wont mind at all

@nija
I hear u...lol

U talk of collaboration.n possibly taking a bit of hollywood...well, I believe that pigs will eventually evolve to fly....so sure, we will...lol

U know d average school in developed countries teach animation as part of their regular curriculum for art classes like we learn maths n English here.

Imagine teaching ur 12yr old son d basics, and let him practice til his young adulthood. These r d artists we have to compete with in d talent market.

Truth is, do an online search of these kids school projects n u will b humbled. Most of us will find it difficult to get an internship (unpaid) position in any good studio out there, myself included.

And d problem isn't really about ability, but method.
We lack d discipline to study n practice for as long as it takes. We muddle thru a character with tons of flaws, slap on mocap or hideous animation, do a machine intensive render that ignores all d principles of composition and happily post it online alongside a phone number advertising trainings.

Naturally, d uninformed throw some impressed comments and mediocrity is celebrated n recycled.
Dare to express a contrary opinion and u have fired d first shot in an ego-war.

So until we drop our egos, drop d hating, learn d basics n practise hard n long....it will be a cold day in hell before Hollywood comes knocking.

We need to listen more, be less defensive, more encouraging and less exploitative of newbies and kill dis habit of unrealistic tutoring fees when there r gaping flaws in our work still.

Was exposed to a studio where for six weeks all u r animating is various objects hitting d ground. In that period u learn a lot about weights n how it conveys volume.....building on that, u animate shapes giving them character by their movements alone. That takes another six weeks.

Not saying it must take that long,but therein lies d difference between the trailblazers and d perpetual followers.

But like I said...pigs will fly one day, so.....

Before nko, pigs must definitely fly....and vultures must sing Amazing grace.

LETS MAKE IT HAPPen, no matter how stupid it looks d first time

Anyone who still goes to al those quacks while Youtube x alive is indeed stupid

Lets just try.... i dey beg.

the person wey invent Rigging needs to be locked up....for causing global warming...and headaches.

I luv to alarm. Dont mind me, its very educating sef.

sometin x wrong wt d shoulders

And i learnt somethin last nite...they call it Corrective Blendshapes

i dont even fully understand it but i just love the phrase....Corrective Blendshapes. Corrective Mayashapes, Modoshapes, MAXshapes, TbossShapes, HoudiniShapea.

Good work OP and Keep it up.

AAinEqGuinea:
Good work OP and Keep it up.

Thank u. Do snoop in frm time to time and critique my attempts. Happy Good friday.

Well , i am done wt this Xmen fan art of mine. it took one whole month...choi

What did i learn?

Corrective blendshapes.
Skin shading in Blender.
Hair Simulation in Blender
Rigging in Maya....though there r still technical challenges .

Problems noticed:

Working wt fibermesh in zbrush cant easily be transfered for re-sim in Maya or Blender.

How on earth can one make curly hair

Rigging a female requires putting bones for the breast region....discovered this rather late. If u notice, while bent, the Logan girl breasts lost all firmness and seemd to sag unaturally.


What i must do in next project:

A face rig....
Pay more attention to normals and uv
pose balance
And belts and buckle.

So this afternoon, i decided to redo my Yeshua's skin shader. The previous one was done in zbrush.

i will redo the beard too and see if i can improve on my skin...

Dont be bored, if it seams i am repeating a previous work....its Jesus' season anyway and I am paying tribute.