Aeon Flux/my first human model (cont.) [lots of pics]

[Just3dsMaxphile]

This is the continuation of the thread below:

http://forums.3dtotal.com/showthread.php?t=31787 (<--!!nudity!!)


So, there's a lot of problems with this mesh that I can see now. Be nice, it's still my first one. I just wanted to get it to a good stopping point. I didn't really texture it. Just messed with a SSS skin shader a bit, and made a quick shiny black, and a metal texture. Yes, her hair is the same as all her black leather clothes. This is probably as far as I'll go with this model. I've learned a lot from it and I think I'm ready to start over on a new one. I doubt I'll do another Aeon for a while though. Maybe I'll do one of my own characters.

I know nothing of character modeling or animating. I am originally a comic book artist, turned graphic designer, turned multimedia engineer. I taught myself how to use 3ds max for conceptual product rendering, and now I am interested in learning about characters and animation to satisfy the fantasy side of my brain.

I have some questions for everyone...

1. What is the best way to "put everything together"? By that I mean that right now this model is about 10 separate pieces (boots, gloves, hair, etc.) They're just positioned next to eachother. Some of the objects have multiple elements (like the metal knee things are part of her boots.) But, if I want to animate this character, how do I make everything move together? (I have not started learning about IK and bones and stuff yet)

2. How do people do poly hair that looks so good? Is it just a matter of good maps that are masked at the ends to make it look like strands?

3. How do I get nice soft shadows with mental ray? I can only do Shadow Map which, with the defaults, looks crap and ray traced which are really sharp.

I bought the 3ds Max 7 Bible, so hopefully this should help me fill in the gaps of info, but any input from you guys would be much appreciated!

Anyway, on with the pics already:
http://pornimated.redirectme.net:1234/images/aeon_proj/aeon1_render12_wires.jpg
http://pornimated.redirectme.net:1234/images/aeon_proj/aeon1_render12.jpg
http://pornimated.redirectme.net:1234/images/aeon_proj/aeon1_render12a.jpg
http://pornimated.redirectme.net:1234/images/aeon_proj/aeon1_render12b.jpg
http://pornimated.redirectme.net:1234/images/aeon_proj/aeon1_render12c.jpg
http://pornimated.redirectme.net:1234/images/aeon_proj/aeon1_render13_wires.jpg
http://pornimated.redirectme.net:1234/images/aeon_proj/aeon1_render13.jpg
http://pornimated.redirectme.net:1234/images/aeon_proj/aeon1_render13a.jpg
http://pornimated.redirectme.net:1234/images/aeon_proj/aeon1_render13b.jpg
http://pornimated.redirectme.net:1234/images/aeon_proj/aeon1_render13c.jpg

[insomniac]

Nice first person. I really liked the whole aeon flux cartoon when it aired so many years ago. I like your model it seems to have the same characteristics as the cartoon version. anyway I'm not really a max user but i can give you some anatomy help if you would like.

At the moment the navel is too low in relation to the hips and the rest of the body so try moving it upwards. her waist is far too square, at the moment it looks too boxy and is apparent in both front and rear views. She has no armpits, also her groin comes out too far and gives her a slight manly appearance if you know what I'm trying to say. I'm guessing that you are trying to give her a stylized look so thats all i'm going to say for now.

I'd really like to see it finished and animated too. nice work and a good first human. ;P

[Just3dsMaxphile]

Thanks, insomniac. Your comments are all pretty much inline with what I have noticed, and others have told me as well. I can't wait to get started on my next character, I've learned so much from this one.

[vim_the_good]

I remember watching the cartoon on MTV many years ago. Is she not meant to be taller... More anorexic looking! Anyway you have finished your model now. Maybe after you have a few models under your belt you could come back and revisit this one to see how much you have learned.

[Just3dsMaxphile]

Yea, it's true. She was almost frail looking in the cartoon. But, I just attribute that to Peter Chung's stylization, which I love. But, in the spirit of the upcoming live-action feature, I wanted to do my own, more "realistic" version of Aeon Flux (seeing as they're gonna completely change the costume for the movie.) I think my version could actually pull off some of the stunts she does.

I will definitely do a Season 2 version, and maybe a "red" Aeon when I get more experienced.

[Rych]

it is good your doing your own twist on this, the one thing you have to look out for is makingthe figure square, right now she is square you need to round out her side, the other thing is if the live action had that outfit it would be a NC17 film................LOL Not that I would mind the old outfit :evil:

Rych