The first step would be to remove these diagonal edges - they prevent you from adding cuts within your existing 4-edges surfaces, which is the most fundamental way of adding detail to a polygonal model.
I kind of like those branches and leaves :) You could just tweak some details (better integration) and change the lighting/colors on them. It should not draw the attention. Have fun with the next steps!
I think it is a step in the right direction. They need to lead by example. If it goes well, other states will follow. Just like medical marijuana. http://www.thefreshscent.com/wp-content/post_imgs/1206/medipot-states.jpg
Thanks Josh! But in the first frame of the Gif you already have turned this into a painted-looking tile-pattern - in fact, that's the step I don't understand. Could you tell us how you got there?
There's nothing immediate, to be honest. Maybe a brush here or there, but nothing that will really help you consistently skip over retopo or UV mapping altogether. In the meantime, take it slow. Baby steps. Annoying, but it needs to be done.
Android support would be cool and it would bring UDK one step closer to a possible Linux port. EDIT: I'm still wondering if there will ever be a UDK web player, that would really awesome too.
urmille : thanks for your comment and opinion! Here is a little update: Close - Up with a new shoulder piece. Next steps: 1) Anatomy corrections 2) Building up the background 3) More refining :)
And a quick update on the environment. Everything is now (Properly!) UVed, and i built some Lamps to make it a bit more interesting. Next step is to work on the texturing so that everything isn't the exact same :P
This is awesome I'm really glad to see companies stepping up to help one another, i had heard about this the other day but reading the post is awesome :D great job EPIC :D
Messed with vert painting on my brick to test it out and its awesome. Will definitely be taking advantage of that. Next step is doing normals passes on most stuff while fixing the textures and making stuff pop.