How would you start to model this?

[alanestrada]

This is an easy cartoon character, but this sketch is the only thing I got, should I draw down the ortographic views to start? Im trying to model this with this image as reference but I find it too hard.

Im using nurbs and I'm starting with the head shape, is that right? I started with a cube and then with the knife I started to give it shape little by little.

Should I have started with the eyes? how would you model eyes like that?

if anyone could give me some advice on how to start this or what's the usual workflow I would apreciatte it, Im very inexperienced.

[flakester]

Howdy alanestrada.

First off, I would suggest doing some readng up on subpatch [nurbs] modeling, a great place to start is here (http://www.lightwiki.com/Fundamentals_of_Subpatch_Modeling), where Richard Culver takes you through the basics of all things subpatch - including edgeloops and stepping up & stepping down for detail. A very handy resource.

For where to start on the model... I'm not sure that there is a hard and fast rule, it may also depend on what you want to achieve after the modeling; is this for static shots or for animation - that sort of thing.
That said, the head in general is a good place to start. I find it sets the relative scale of the other parts for you if you know what I mean.

I personally would just take a few minutes to sit down and visualise the character in my head, breaking down the object into component parts - and seeing how best to fit and link them together. If the character is for animation, then I'd also apply some thought to the flow of polygons around and between body sections to aid the deforming.

Hope that helps.

Nice character btw, kind of a cross between Bullwinkle and Hong Kong Phooey. :thumbsup:

flakester.

[Surrealist.]

Thanks for the mention flakester. And all good points.

I would add that you can map that picture to a polygon in modeler for reference and keep that off and away from your model. I have done that with pictures that were not side or too view.

Another thing that comes to mind is that if you can draw at all, maybe take a moment to sketch out what he front and side views might look like with his arms stretched out the way you would model it and use those sketches for reference.

I always have a pencil and paper handy because sometimes it is easier for me to make a quick sketch of something I want to try out. Just an idea. :)

EDIT: also note the Subdivision Modeling Workshop thread in my sig for some more resources.

[shrox]

Start with a cube. Use bevel to extrude the top and front face of the cube. You will now have an "L" shape, there is your basic starting point for the head of that character.

[flakester]

Thanks for the mention flakester. ~

Absolutely no worries - good input and info for the community deserves people being pointed towards it.
I hope to be contributing to the Wiki myself in the coming months too.

flakester.

[Tom2007]

(As mentioned) I think if you want reference images to help you model you will need to redraw character so you have a front view and a side view. And then you can load those both up - one in your back view and the other in your side view in modeler.

Also, if your new to subpatch modeling you could start with an easy part of your character, like the torso/shirt. In that case you could start with a basic subdived rectangular box, and then you multishift or smooth shift out the appropriate polylgons to make the sleeves and the collar.
And you can use various tools like move, stretch, drag to shape the box into a torso.

[Surrealist.]

Absolutely no worries - good input and info for the community deserves people being pointed towards it.
I hope to be contributing to the Wiki myself in the coming months too.

flakester.

Good to hear. The wiki is a good thing. Love to see more input there. :)

[alanestrada]

Thanks everyone for your advice.
I will review all the information you've sent me.

I remembered seeing a wolf tutorial on the book "Essencial Lightwave 8" by Timothy Albee and I used it as reference...

the downside is I guess I followed too close, because my deer has a canine look and kinda far from what it should be....

Let me know what you think of it so far (I will read all the material you suggested and rework from scratch the model)

[AmigaNewTek]

This is an easy cartoon character, but this sketch is the only thing I got, should I draw down the ortographic views to start? Im trying to model this with this image as reference but I find it too hard.

Im using nurbs and I'm starting with the head shape, is that right? I started with a cube and then with the knife I started to give it shape little by little.

Should I have started with the eyes? how would you model eyes like that?

if anyone could give me some advice on how to start this or what's the usual workflow I would apreciatte it, Im very inexperienced.

Thank you for opening this thread. I have the same problem. I should convert in 3D two characters. One similar to the one showed by you, for the another one, i have only the right side blue print. I will keep an eye on this thread.

[alanestrada]

Here's a little update on the deer.... I think it still should be more rounded...
opinions?

[alanestrada]

And here's how it's evoluted. Maybe it's useful for future reference.

[alanestrada]

Im having problems with the hands, they don't look right.

Please advice. What am I doing fine? what is missing? what should be changed?

I'm attaching the model (see last layer) and 2 pictures showing today's update.

Thanks in advance.

(If you could help me fix those hands...and other details) I would apreciatte it.

Thanks again.

[flakester]

I'm no expert on these matters - but I'll see if I can find some time a little later on today to have a look at your model.

flakester.

[alanestrada]

Thanks a lot Flakester. Here's an updated version. Only one layer in this model.
I think the hands look a little bit better...it now has feet but the tail is missing. does it have any resemblance to the original artwork?