Extrude, insert edge loop, repeat. Modelling in Maya.
Extrude, insert edge loop, repeat. Modelling in Maya.
The work process so far has led to the point where I had an idea of how the model I was about to build would look like. At the next stage we were asked to prepare model sheets – a minimum of two different perspectives of the model – from the front and the side view. I started with rough pencil sketches, but then moved to a digital drawing. My drawings were used as planes in Maya, reference images for the character. During every modelling session in Maya we were given many useful tips that made our work easier and more efficient, for example, to group planes and create a separate layer which will allow us to turn it off, if needed at later stages of work.
After I had my workspace ready, I started a process called box-modelling, where from one poly-cube a whole model was created. The cube with extra subdivisions added was a base for my character. I then moved vertices and added extra edge loops to achieve the desired shape of the body. Next, it was time to extrude a neck, head, legs, and hands.
It was an extremely time-consuming process, which came with much trial and error. I was not always satisfied with the results and had to start modelling from scratch, not to mention Maya freezing every now and then. Modelling during the live sessions seemed easy and pleasant, but only until technical problems occurred; or until I accidentally pressed some odd key combination on my laptop’s keyboard and lost half of the menu in Maya; or until I discovered that I had moved faces at the back of the model while modelling some of its front elements, and could not figure out how to fix it; or until my little companion lost her patience and was much louder than my lecturer.
Working on the model in Maya, among many other things, we have learnt that it is important, especially for game design, to always have quads as elements of a 3d structure (which are polygons with four edges and four vertices). Therefore, we paid extra attention while modelling, extruding, sculpting and cleaning-up our models.
It has been said that modelling – in simple words – is about extruding and adding edge loops. It is a process of creating, bringing an idea into life.
At this stage of work, I knew that I had a lot to do to achieve the result I would be happy with. On one hand, I enjoyed seeing how from a simple cube I could model my character, but on the other hand, I was frustrated with not being able to work continuously but having to pause and then start again, and again, especially that my designated work time is like a gold dust now.
The model I wanted to build and animate was inspired by the L.O.L series – little figurines, or dolls with chubby bodies and enormous, square shaped heads. My model would have a few details such as eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as ears. Hands would be like the Lego or Playmobil characters, without fingers. I considered dressing my character in some clothes, or simply keeping it without any clothing, but assigning a bold-coloured material to it. The original L.O.L series dolls tend to be very glamorous with hats, jewellery, and bags, but I think I may prefer the style of the big animated productions, where characters wear one to none, piece of clothing or accessories.