Game Art | Project 2: 3D Character

  

12/5/2023 -  2/6/2023 | Week 6 - Week 9
Game Art | Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
Shofwa Alyadiena | 0350019

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Jump to

1. Instructions
2. Tutorial
3. Process
4. Feedback
5. Submission
6. Reflection

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Instructions 

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Tutorial 

This was the first time I was able to use ZBrush, as I didn't have the chance to use it last semester. I was completely lost- luckily, June, a group member from my Minor Project module, was available to teach me some basics. Otherwise, I've also used my free time to get myself familiar with the application.

Fig. 1.1 App Exploration 1 

Fig. 1.2 App Exploration 2

Fig. 1.3 App Exploration 3

If you'd like to see the final of this character, check out my Minor Project blog. 

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Process

Since the last project, I've chosen to 3D model The Harvester, which was better for me to do since the general shapes were kinder to my beginner skills. At this point in time, I still wasn't confident with ZBrush, so I tried to do it in Blender first. I drafted a character turnaround for this specific reason.

Fig. 2.1 Orthographic view (8/6/2023)

Fig. 2.2 Blender Block-Out 1 (8/6/2023)

Fig. 2.2 Blender Block-Out 1 (8/6/2023)

Fig. 2.2 Blender Block-Out 1 (8/6/2023)

After the first feedback session for this project, I adjusted the side profile of the character as well as bent the arms a little forward to create a more 'realistic' feel.

Fig. 2.3 Side Profile Adjustments 2D (15/6/2023)

Fig. 2.4 Side Profile Adjustment 3D (15/6/2023)

At this time, I also realized Blender's remesh for this character was difficult to utilise- or at least, I haven't understood it well enough. I decided to try and model the head alone in ZBrush and see where it takes me. I was only able to use one brush for this; I didn't know how to access the move tool or how to add meshes; since I couldn't use last semester's tutorials into practice (long story!).

Fig. 2.5 Head Side View (15/6/2023)

Fig. 2.5 Head Front View (15/6/2023)

Fig. 2.7 Head Back View (15/6/2023)

There was a break between the previous and the next attempt. Basically, I managed to figure out how to Append (add mesh), move, mirror, and remesh. It really proved to be much easier!

As usual, I had too much fun that I forgot to take progress shots in between the progress updates.

Fig. 2.8 3D Progress 1 Front View (22/6/2023)

Fig. 2.9 3D Progress 1 Left Side View (22/6/2023)

Fig. 2.10 3D Progress 1 Back View (22/6/2023)

Fig. 2.11 3D Progress 1 Right Side View (22/6/2023)

I then slapped the material to the character, and proceeded to add details where I was able to see the model better.

Fig. 2.12 3D Progress 2 Front View (23/6/2023)

Fig. 2.13 3D Progress 2 Left Side View (23/6/2023)

Fig. 2.14 3D Progress 2 Back View (23/6/2023)

Fig. 2.15 3D Progress 2 Right Side View (23/6/2023)

This feedback session, I was advised to simply work in a higher poly count. So I did that.

Fig. 3.1 3D Progress 3 Front View (25/6/2023)

Fig. 3.2 3D Progress 3 Left Side View (25/6/2023)

Fig. 3.3 3D Progress 3 Back View (25/6/2023)

Fig. 3.4 3D Progress 3 Right Side View (25/6/2023)

I then tried to render it rather than taking a screenshot, but I apparently messed around with the file much earlier than when I finished the sculpt because it kept exporting like the image below:

Fig. 3.5 Render Attempt FAILED (25/6/2023)

I had to ask around about how to fix it. Turns out I just added a Kid's Crayon filter. Moving on, I learned how to start painting the character.

Fig. 3.6 Character Painting Front View (25/6/2023)

Fig. 3.7 Character Painting Left Side View (25/6/2023)

Fig. 3.8 Character Painting Back View (25/6/2023)

Fig. 3.9 Character Painting Right Side View (25/6/2023)

Fig. 3.10 3/4 View for Photoshop Editing (25/6/2023)

Finally, I rendered a blank 3/4 piece to edit in Photoshop.

Feedback

• Just use ZBrush!
• Add a neck.
• Bend the arms.
• Add a gradient to the final colouring.
• Add a mouth.

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Submission 

Fig. 4.1 Game Art Project 2 Final Slides (25/6/2023)

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Reflection: 

Experience 

Since I was finally able to get ZBrush, I gotta say it's the most fun I ever had. I really enjoyed the process, and I was finally able to use the tools I missed out on last semester! I really wished we were able to focus on 3D modelling more than the concept art.

Observation and Findings 

Taking the example from real life and from the feedback sessions, I was able to try out different shapes on characters and especially from observing my peer's workflow I was able to follow along and find a flow that was most comfortable for me. I'd say I was able to get ZBrush's basics quicker than I expected, and it really got me excited.