[character] - Lauren Freeze
polycounter lvl 17
Hey guys, here's a new character I did for portfolio, I hope you guys like it. I'm not a rigger, so I dont know how to create facial rigging. Brice Vandermoortele CGFX shader is being used.
Replies
there are really good facial rigging tuts (using blender - concepts can be used with any program)
Thanks anyway
does the backstory of the character really matter? This is a showcase of his modeling and texturing ability, most likely from a reference made by someone else.
You took the words from my tongue!
I see his comments directed more towards the story should be read without telling the story, but imbeded within the character herself via pose, clothing, maybe some icon or background.
I love the face. Looks awesome!
har har
lawls were had
Other one? Really not sure what you are talking here, heh, but let me know...
I think if you could address that then this would be a really great piece. Like i said, excellent technically but i think theres another gear in there somewhere to take it to the next level.
Good stuff.
otherwise fantastic
The arms are awesome, very strong and yet feminine
I know you've addressed the story thing twice, but I'm just gonna throw in my two cents (and some will be a rehash of what has been previously said). Commentary and expounding on the importance of story:
First, I'm not asking you to write a two page thesis describing every detail of her life - but keeping some general personality traits and history will help direct a character. Is this warrior reckless in battle, charging into the fray at a moment's notice? They might wear more armor and protection than others, carry more melee oriented weapons, etc. Are they cunning and stealthy, preferring to sneak behind enemy lines? Less armor, darker colors, weapons or gadgets suited for stealth (or lack thereof).
Giving her some sort of story will at least help with your texturing and modeling in the sense that it will force you to add extra details that you might otherwise not - to go above and beyond a perhaps basic concept and make it truly original and special.
For example:
1) Is she a new recruit? A fresh face in the hero community? Then there probably won't be the scars and lines of age that a veteran would have.
2) Or has she faced enemies across the galaxy, been thrown through a few walls, lost a few loved ones and been jaded? Then maybe there's a scar on her face, or even knee, from that one time she saved the world. Perhaps she carries a trinket to remember a fallen comrade or lover. Her face might show a bit more tiredness and wisdom, regardless of her age. Even something as simple as a birthmark - or some freckles.
3) What's her upbringing? Is it a high socialite who was taught proper posture or a streetwise kid who fought for her life? Her stance, etc. would reflect that. I understand that's more an animator thing, but her background would certainly carry over into physical characteristics as well. You said "she's good, but not with a good manner" - how can you sell that even more?
4) How does she use her powers? Yes, she shoots ice beams out of her hands - but do her hands always glow? Maybe she'd have to wear gloves to cover them up so she could go out in public without being exposed as a super. Is she impervious to cold or does she feel temperature like everyone else? That might reflect on her type of clothing and how much she wears, etc. etc.
It's true, you can't judge a book by it's cover in full. But you can certainly pick up clues from one. Our experiences, our personalities, our approach to life - shows through in how we dress, how we wear our hair, our battle scars, our choice of weapons, etc. It's our life, history, etc. that makes us different from a plastic mannequin.
As What's_True pointed out: a story that is able to be read without telling a story - and frubes spoke of a "character with character".
So think about adding little details that make her unique - you have an idea of who she is (your description of her being "good, without having a good manner" shows that) so go with that and push that.
You said you're not a concept artist? But why not? Maybe not in a traditional sense of drawing environments and characters, but I'm sure you have ideas too - let them show through and experiment with them.