I am alive! Promise! Just having an, ahem, interesting couple of weeks shall we say, that may lead to something rather cool. Watch this space. Sadly, I have lost a little of my mojo because of it (and I recently discovered Supernatural) so am being a bit slow. Expect major increase in output sooooon!
Have been having a bit of an artists epic block the last couple of weeks, combined with a rather busy work life. So I thought I would sculpt something for the sheer fun of it; one of my favouritest animals ever. About an hour in at this point.
Malaysian Tapir, finished! One of my favourite critters. I had the fortune to work at a zoo a few years ago and in particular, with Brazilian Tapirs. One of my fondest memories.
It was just over a year ago that I decided I was going to roll up my sleeves and get to grips with 3d. I had been fiddling around a little bit but nothing serious, was working more on 2d at that point, but had rapidly fallen in love with the 3d side of things. So I decided that it was time. And it has been an interesting year!
This week brings another milestone, because as of this week, I am working on my portfolio full time. I worked my notice at my job, took a week off to chill (aka watch Supernatural marathons and listen to really loud music), and from this week, it is all about the 3d! It is both really exciting and really scary. Hopefully this time next year I will have a fabulous portfolio and on my way to becoming a junior in a games company. I am still waiting to hear a final bit of information that will make this path a little clearer, until then things are still a little vague as to ultimate goals, but should hear soon.
So, yes! going to be an interesting year, I hope.
(more tapir pics at http://www.allyalbon.com)
@Carabiner - I get the feeling that all pigeons are slightly confused.
Ghostbusters scene is pretty much done! Husband gave a couple of suggestions that I will finish up tomorrow, but then it is done, done, done.... phew. Biggest project yet.
So because I couldn't bear to look at Ecto 1 anymore, I started on my next big project, slightly different, more about prop assets (and an environment). Any guesses at this early stage?
I also really need to crack down very soon and start learning how to use Max too, seeing as it is still a more common package in the games industry...
Next project! (I still need to do a final presentation of the Ghostbusters scene, it has been a busy weekend).
Because I love the show. And because it is a good excuse to create a ton of props for a character that likes costume changes. I would like to model his attic room too with his bar and lots of fun bits. (Klaus too, perhaps?)
@KierKieran - good point!!! completely and utterly forgot! The fish are still happy, the ice texture still complicated (although I can see a lot of improvements to be made now)
Some images here and I have posted more on my website (www.allyalbon.com)
I’ve been a busy bunny and am terribly behind in my modelling – but it is for a good reason. I can’t quite recall if I have said this before, I think not, but part of the reason that I am about to work full time on my portfolio is also because I am moving house – from the UK to the USA!
My other half has gained employment and after about eight months of wondering whether we would receive the visa or not (it’s a lottery), it is all official and we are all legal and for the first time in my life, I have managed to take a good photo for my passport. So I am currently packing up the house and am so excited that in less than a month, we are starting a new life in the USA. I can’t wait!!!
So entries may be a little bit sporadic from now on as I panic prepare for a new life!
For now, have a small Roger update.
Well, I am now in the USA.
Still adapting, slowly – talk about a culture shock! The last week has been utterly, utterly wonderful though…
It many be a new country, a new life, but some things don’t change: back to the portfolio with no excuses – full time arting from now on, baby!
Working on a tutorial on next gen style modelling in Zbrush (but with a different creature and working on a low poly model too). Quetzalcoatl – say that three times fast while drinking your coffee.
Yeah, cos I don’t have enough to finish as it is.
Quick new project - found a lovely concept piece online and had to model it - the challenge : to finish in two days (including today). Eep!
I am soooooo buying the new version of Marmoset as soon as humanly possible.
Hey there, I really liked how the Ecto-1 and Firehouse are coming along. Don't get discouraged about modeling cars; they're somewhat deceptively hard, especially if you don't have the best of references where accuracy is king! You did a good job with getting an accurate game-res model and that's something to be proud of.
Thanks guys!
Because I have the attention span of a ferret, and because this international move has taken a lot of my attention/energy, I completely forgot I had not posted my final version of the Ghostbusters Firehouse and Ecto1!
Great fun project, looking back there is a lot i would change, but definately a milestone piece so far.
Plus, pigeons.
More pics/videos for the true Ghostbusters fans at http://www.allyalbon.com/ghostbusters-firehouse-and-ecto1
Bet you all thought I had forgotten about him He has become my weekend project!
Humans have always been a weak point and this dude is my first human model, but I am not displeased with him. Made him slightly older and fed up of Skeletor’s shenanigans. I giggle over his hair.
Found out today this character is NOT Scott Bingington, it is in fact SCOTCH Bingington, which is even better.
Zbrush Transpose Master is my enemy. This is the third time posing him without it doing some really weird stuff to me. We are not friends.
So I have had a horrid cold for most of last week and have not felt up for much; but there is always time for some sculpting - and Heman needs his bestie...
Aaand onto no 3! I just got my sticky paws on the Marmoset Toolbag 2 demo, so am attempting to actually do presentation pics of at least 4 models that are finished and simply awaiting a bit of glamor... perhaps by this weekend.
A little bit more on the great steed - he is starting to look a bit fiercer,
Today I put my name down for a three month environment creation/cryengine course that starts in January - both v excited and v nervous as I have not done an intense tutor led course before, so I am going to throw myself in as fully as possible. Looking forward to some learnin'! Now I need to find an environment to build...
Woot! Finally gained the courage to sign up for a 3 month online course in environment modelling, starting in Jan (And paid for it too - ow) and I CAN’T WAIT! Looking forward to some tutor led learnin’
I start in a few days and I am meant to be using 3ds Max. As a total Maya tart, I figure I had better crack on learning! So I am in the middle of a tutorial to build a tank! I can certainly see the appeal of Max - it’s a lot more “sensible” than Maya in places!
I have been told that Tearjerker is missing his hair. I used the wrong base texture and didn't notice. D'oh! Will be updated.
So I started a new course a couple of days ago - totally excited, however it does mean that my personal projects are on the backburner... but I managed to wrap up on my second Roger model – Scotch Bingington! One of the best episodes by far…
Hey Ally, I was just wondering what online courses you'd recommend? or even ones you wouldn't! You seem to have really enjoyed doing the last few and I'm looking for some good ones
Thank you!
Andromeda
Hi Andromeda - I have been using Digitaltutors for a year now - its great, but it does require you to go trawling the internet to solve problems, which I don't think is a bad thing. I am mostly self-taught by trial and error. I haven't done any proper "courses" until now and am currently learning with Futurepoly which has been amazing so far.
I'm learning how to use cryengine! It is insanely awesome, hair ripping out frustrating, and gorgeous all at the same time!
I am in love with seeing models in engine! And it changes your perspective of the model insanely. Have completely changed my workflow since starting in engine. Hopefully finishing up this house today, and then on to my major project (and hopefully working on some more Roger costumes too!)
Thanks, Carabiner - the railing is a flat plane with a detailed normal map - worked surprisingly well!
_________________________________________________
Soooo now that the course is going well and I am getting slowly more confident in Cryengine, I am going to start on my own scene - an abandoned castle that was once the pinnacle of the country - so lots of statues, decorations etc... I am both excited and terrified to get started, especially after youtubing other people's projects... but here is my Max blockout and time to start getting some individual assets happening.
Replies
Have been having a bit of an artists epic block the last couple of weeks, combined with a rather busy work life. So I thought I would sculpt something for the sheer fun of it; one of my favouritest animals ever. About an hour in at this point.
It was just over a year ago that I decided I was going to roll up my sleeves and get to grips with 3d. I had been fiddling around a little bit but nothing serious, was working more on 2d at that point, but had rapidly fallen in love with the 3d side of things. So I decided that it was time. And it has been an interesting year!
This week brings another milestone, because as of this week, I am working on my portfolio full time. I worked my notice at my job, took a week off to chill (aka watch Supernatural marathons and listen to really loud music), and from this week, it is all about the 3d! It is both really exciting and really scary. Hopefully this time next year I will have a fabulous portfolio and on my way to becoming a junior in a games company. I am still waiting to hear a final bit of information that will make this path a little clearer, until then things are still a little vague as to ultimate goals, but should hear soon.
So, yes! going to be an interesting year, I hope.
(more tapir pics at http://www.allyalbon.com)
Determined to get this model finished in next week (or so!). Keep being distracted by the last of the summer sun…
It may not look it, but this car has one of the most complicated uv layouts I have done so far. Still got it all onto 0-1…. just.
They are for my Ghostbusters scene!
Ghostbusters scene is pretty much done! Husband gave a couple of suggestions that I will finish up tomorrow, but then it is done, done, done.... phew. Biggest project yet.
So because I couldn't bear to look at Ecto 1 anymore, I started on my next big project, slightly different, more about prop assets (and an environment). Any guesses at this early stage?
I also really need to crack down very soon and start learning how to use Max too, seeing as it is still a more common package in the games industry...
Because I love the show. And because it is a good excuse to create a ton of props for a character that likes costume changes. I would like to model his attic room too with his bar and lots of fun bits. (Klaus too, perhaps?)
But for now; Alien butt.
On that note, you promised you'd post the finished picture of your happy/sad fish cart with the not-so-simple ice texture. *poke poke*
Some images here and I have posted more on my website (www.allyalbon.com)
My other half has gained employment and after about eight months of wondering whether we would receive the visa or not (it’s a lottery), it is all official and we are all legal and for the first time in my life, I have managed to take a good photo for my passport. So I am currently packing up the house and am so excited that in less than a month, we are starting a new life in the USA. I can’t wait!!!
So entries may be a little bit sporadic from now on as I panic prepare for a new life!
For now, have a small Roger update.
Still adapting, slowly – talk about a culture shock! The last week has been utterly, utterly wonderful though…
It many be a new country, a new life, but some things don’t change: back to the portfolio with no excuses – full time arting from now on, baby!
Working on a tutorial on next gen style modelling in Zbrush (but with a different creature and working on a low poly model too). Quetzalcoatl – say that three times fast while drinking your coffee.
I am working, honest. I just keep forgetting to post and most of it consists of zbrush crashes anyway…
Quick new project - found a lovely concept piece online and had to model it - the challenge : to finish in two days (including today). Eep!
I am soooooo buying the new version of Marmoset as soon as humanly possible.
Because I have the attention span of a ferret, and because this international move has taken a lot of my attention/energy, I completely forgot I had not posted my final version of the Ghostbusters Firehouse and Ecto1!
Great fun project, looking back there is a lot i would change, but definately a milestone piece so far.
Plus, pigeons.
More pics/videos for the true Ghostbusters fans at http://www.allyalbon.com/ghostbusters-firehouse-and-ecto1
___________
Roger dressed up as Tearjerker, with obligatory Martini two olives.
Should have this textured by end of day, hopefully!
(I broke the tearjerker model and am building up the impetus to fix him again)
Humans have always been a weak point and this dude is my first human model, but I am not displeased with him. Made him slightly older and fed up of Skeletor’s shenanigans. I giggle over his hair.
Zbrush Transpose Master is my enemy. This is the third time posing him without it doing some really weird stuff to me. We are not friends.
Hope y'all had a great time!
A little bit more on the great steed - he is starting to look a bit fiercer,
Today I put my name down for a three month environment creation/cryengine course that starts in January - both v excited and v nervous as I have not done an intense tutor led course before, so I am going to throw myself in as fully as possible. Looking forward to some learnin'! Now I need to find an environment to build...
I start in a few days and I am meant to be using 3ds Max. As a total Maya tart, I figure I had better crack on learning! So I am in the middle of a tutorial to build a tank! I can certainly see the appeal of Max - it’s a lot more “sensible” than Maya in places!
Tearjerker!
So I started a new course a couple of days ago - totally excited, however it does mean that my personal projects are on the backburner... but I managed to wrap up on my second Roger model – Scotch Bingington! One of the best episodes by far…
Thank you!
Andromeda
I'm learning how to use cryengine! It is insanely awesome, hair ripping out frustrating, and gorgeous all at the same time!
_________________________________________________
Soooo now that the course is going well and I am getting slowly more confident in Cryengine, I am going to start on my own scene - an abandoned castle that was once the pinnacle of the country - so lots of statues, decorations etc... I am both excited and terrified to get started, especially after youtubing other people's projects... but here is my Max blockout and time to start getting some individual assets happening.