First Character Model (WIP)

[Void24]

This is my first attempt at character modeling. He is 1800 polygons and might end up in UT2K3 if I can figure out how to get him there.

Below is my progress so far. Any and all tips, comments, and/or critiques welcome.

Concept:
http://www.nicdaniel.com/junk/dudeconcept.jpg

Orthogonal reference drawings
http://www.nicdaniel.com/junk/dudeorth.jpg

Completed model
http://www.nicdaniel.com/junk/dudewire.jpg

Completed Shading Groups
http://www.nicdaniel.com/junk/dudesmooth.jpg

Completed UV mapping (holy dang what a pain in the neck)
http://www.nicdaniel.com/junk/dudeuv.jpg

[creatix]

Clean up your wireframe as much as possible. Try and think about having your lines flow according to the contours of muscles.

I think if you do that your wireframe and therefore your entire model will read much better.

Also, by cleaning up your wireframe you can save a ton of poly's and apply those to the face.

Add in some muscle detail in the face a little so it doesn't look so flat.

Its an amazing job going from concept to full 3d as a first model. For a first character model its a fabulous job. My first character was not even half of what this one is.

My best advice as you go along (if you choose to leave this as is and move on and learn) is to start thinking of the anatomy as much as possible, rather than seeing it as box modeling or whatever method you use. Good luck!

Great job overall, just tweak the frame so the lines flow like muscles and I think you will see amazing results.

[Void24]

Thanks for the input!

I think ill just call this model a learning experience and move on. now that I have a better understanding of maya's tools, I can do another model with less energy devoted to technical aspects of modeling and more devoted to anatomy and technique. So ill probably leave this dude as he is (especially considering that cleaning him will probably kill his UVmapping :().

EDIT: maybe I should have posted before I did the UVs

Your advice makes sense and I will definately keep it in mind on a second model. Thanks for the comment.

[Howdy]

I like the head. the chest bothers me. I think it is because it tilts outward at the chest and inward at the stomach. if it was all level it would look more like the drawing.