ZBrush modeling

3D sculpt inspired by mixed martial arts.

Space Switching Video Series

A video series explaining the concept and scripting a tool to setup and interact with space switching setup for rigs.

Rigid Bodies Simulation

Small project with simulated rigid bodies and nParticle effects.

Maya Muscle Tutorial

A tutorial on using the spline deformer on custom geometry to create muscle flexing and stretching behavior.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Sneak Peak: The Advanced Back Rig Tool

Its still in the works but I'll be coming out with it soon. Just wanted to show how the interface is looking. Enjoy!



Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Ray Depth Tool

A useful little script I wrote to quickly change reflections and refractions settings for raytracing, caustics, final gathering, and more, via an input value.



Watch demo @ https://vimeo.com/61238087

Script @ http://www.creativecrash.com/maya/downloads/scripts-plugins/c/ray-depth-tool

Enjoy!

Base head model

For a realistic bust that I want to do I modeled this base head. Like I mentioned it in the previous post, I will eventually rig this head. The steps to completing this project will be broken down as such:

Shading and Lighting

1. Base modeling (done)
2. ZBrush detailed modeling
3. Texture painting
4. UVing, Displacement and Normal map exporting
5. Skin Shading

Rigging

1. Joint Layout
2. Animation controls Layout
3. Rig setup
4. Weight Painting
5. Blend Shapes
6. Clean up

Here are some screenshots and turn around of the current base mesh for the head.









Mouth Model

So in preparation for a realistic face model that Im working on, I modeled quickly this mouth. Including teeth, gums, tongue and the mouth cavity. Its still animator friendly since the intention is not only to do a realistic bust but to design a facial rig as well. Here is a quick expose of the model and reference image I used.





Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Script for Arm Rigging Tool

This is the first in a series of modules for a rigging tool Im developing. This is for arm rigging. Basically it allows for a FK setup, IK setup, and FKIK switching. Requirements include having the joints and control icons already laid out. I'll be uploading one module at a time accompanied by a video demo on it. This script was coded with python. Enjoy!

Video demo:
https://vimeo.com/60654095

Script file:
http://www.creativecrash.com/maya/downloads/scripts-plugins/c/arm-rigging-tool

Friday, February 1, 2013

Goal Setting

Hello guys,
This post will be a little different from the usual ones. Im going start a habit, I already have been implementing in my life, here with this blog. That is goal setting. On the first day of every month, starting today, I will post a list of goals I want to have accomplished, related to my work, by the end of the month. It will include things I might want to improve on, start on, finish, or do entirely from start to finish. This will keep me accountable for doing these things I set myself up to doing. As part of a requirement as well, I will have to post at the end of every week, so that is 4 times a month, progress pictures and brief note on where I am currently with that project and what I plan on doing with next. So lets get down to business.

This month I plan on working on 3 separate projects. I chose them based on areas that interest me and that I want to put more time in. So here we go,

1. Male model in Maya
       Things to look for:
                - Complete model: with teeth, gums, and tongue (for production rigging)
                - Anatomically correct shapes
                - Good edge flow
                - mid-level resolution
Some reference videos:
          vimeo.com/19135810
          vimeo.com/19138914

Also look in CRI and CDC reference folder.

Level of Completion GOAL: Entirely modeled

2. Auto rigging script
      Thinks to look for:
              - Modular coding
              - Individual systems (arms, legs, back, etc...)
              - Requirements: Joints and control icons in position

Level of Completion GOAL: Have at least standalone functions for building each separate rig system.

3. Bust Modeling
        Things to look for:
                 - Accurate head proportions
                 - Accurate head and face landmarks placing
                 - Identifiable gender and age of model (male / elder)
                 - Realistic

Level of Completion GOAL: Entirely modeled with finer details such as skin pores and wrinkles.

So there we are. 3 separate projects. I'll keep posting as work on them.

See you soon!!



Lip Sync Animation

This is short lip sync animation. The lip sync itself can definitely be better. I think I've improved a lot on blocking out my poses and breakdowns, and creating nice moving holds, anticipation, drag, and overshoot. I think I made good use of arcs, and overlapping action. I'll keep practicing.

https://vimeo.com/58762205

Monday, January 28, 2013

ZBrush Modeling

So this was a character I did inspired on a sport I really enjoy watching, MMA. With the UFC getting really popular, with even a game released, I decided to make my own character. This was also a good opportunity to practice some anatomy and have some FUN!

Some work in progress picks and more completed ones. I still want to tweak some things on the anatomy like the insertion of the latissimus at the humerus, and make the serratus anterior more pronounced, as it runs back under the lats and inserts at the scapula. Also making the rib cage more defined. But this a fun one to work on. As a finished piece I want to texture, pose, shade and render it nicely. Make him hold the champion's belt.

So here are the pics, enjoy!

















"You looking at me?"


Some Animation tests

A little animation with some jumps and walk cycles. In order in which they were done:

https://vimeo.com/58419450 (Jump)
https://vimeo.com/58419449 (Animating with Prop)
https://vimeo.com/58419447 (These is just a strong poses exercise)
https://vimeo.com/58419446 (Basic Walk)
https://vimeo.com/58419445 (Short Story Emotion Change)

A quick lip sync animation is in the works, coming SOON!


1212 CRI Final Video

I know its been awhile since I last posted something, but this is worth the wait. :)
This was a project done for a Character Rigging course.  Enjoy it!