Week 05 - Mid-term Critique. 3D Model - Kid Version 2.
We had our mid-term crit session on Thursday to showcase our progress and obtain feedback. I presented the character designs, 2d animatic, 3d block test, Mr. Knox’s and Kid’s 3d models, and a short rig cum cloth test for Kid. As I expected, most in the audience weren’t too impressed with how Kid’s model turned out. After reviewing my original designs and taking into account a couple of suggestions, I dived back into XSI and started tweaking. I created a newer, simpler set of hair, enlarged the head and eyes, and adjusted his overall proportions to make him look younger.I believe it’s a significant improvement over the old model. What do you think?

I’ll quickly re-do the rig and cloth test on him and I’ll post up a clip soon. I’m hoping the next set of tasks (rigging Mr. Knox) will be an easier affair. Unfortunately, this weekend will mostly be taken up by the research project. I’m scheduled to deliver a presentation to an audience of tutors and fellow students on Thursday. Wish me luck!
May 27th, 2006 at 2:25 pm
Kid v2 looks much better then v1. The new hair suits him. The younger look is also more appealing I think. The face is cuter then the first one that’s for sure.
I just noticed the eyes are a little bloodshot. Has he been crying or not sleeping at night or worse taking meth? ;p.
May 27th, 2006 at 4:13 pm
Don’t worry about the eyes. Since I haven’t seriously gotten into texturing the characters I’ve been using the preset shaders that came with XSI. Definitely needs some tweaking to get the right look but at least it’s a start
May 27th, 2006 at 8:10 pm
How’s modeling in XSI like? Box based or NURBs?
By the way, you got my e-mail the other day?
June 9th, 2006 at 9:23 am
Hi Ahmad,
On first glance on the concept art for the character, I thought u are doing a malay boy.
U know what, it might be a good idea to do a malay boy. It already got a significant appearance. Supporting with it’s character’s traits and giving it some unique child-like pose or gestures, plus appropriate psychological acting performance, i personally think it’ll be a great piece. An one-of-its-kind! Do consider, my friend….
June 12th, 2006 at 2:38 am
Lay Jin,
XSI takes a little getting used to but once you get a handle on its workflow you should have no problems using it - i didn’t. It took me a couple of weeks to get familiar with basic functions and another couple of months to fully appreciate its strengths. I like XSI. And it’s all sub-divisional modeling for me on this project. No NURBS thanx.
Isaac,
Hmmm.. I don’t think it was a conscious thought to make the boy malay-like. When I designed him I didn’t have a specific race in mind, but I sorta wanted him to lean away from the typical european/caucasian look. It’s hard to give a kid a unique look without being obvious or ending up generic though. One can interpret what the snobbish businessman and the innocent little kid represent culturally, politically, emotionally etc. in his/her own way I guess, which is something I do actually hope to incorporate into the short film. A little lesson everybody can take away perhaps? Simple, predictable, obvious? Maybe. Hopefully not boring.
Thanx guys! I really appreciate your feedback!
June 18th, 2006 at 11:46 am
woa woa Mr Ahmad! Long time no see didn’t know you are on a project! lol, looks nice and ‘jiayou!’