CGMaster Academy – Hard Surface Modeling for Characters

Hard Surface Modeling

Hard Surface Modeling for Characters : Throughout this course we are going to take a look at the techniques and challenges of designing and building hard surfaces for characters. This does not only include design, sculpting, and modeling, but especially the focus on creating character hard surfaces with animation in mind from the very beginning. The goal is to get students to look at the subject matter from a new perspective and to take away as much knowledge, tips, tricks, and techniques as possible for use in their own work.

COURSE FORMAT: Standard

LECTURE TYPE: Pre-recorded

FEEDBACK: Individually recorded

DURATION: 6 weeks

MATERIALS: Photoshop, ZBrush and 3D packages such as Maya, 3Dsmax, Modo, or else should be known to follow along

SKILLS LEVEL: Intermediate

PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of ZBrush and 3D packages such as Maya, 3Dsmax, Modo; | Some basic but solid anatomy knowledge is a plus for having a base body model to get started | Basic knowledge of Photoshop

The more you know, the better.

 Week 1 | Introduction / Character Preparation / Hard Surface Talk

Taking a look at the difference between hard surface modeling and organic modeling (deformation) | Design principles and challenges when building hard surfaces for characters | Have a look at the character concept (background story, design breakdown, reference used) | Evaluating design for required range of motion

Week 2 | Design Focus: Basic Armor Blockout and Insight Into Design Process

Quick intro to ZBrush toolset and personal layout for the basic hard surface blockout | Blocking out the basic/primary shapes of the hard surface and clothing | Designing the back of the character during blockout (on the fly design without 2D concept) | Explaining ZBrush workflow, tools used and design decisions while sculpting the concept model

Week 3 | Motion Focus: Range of Motion Tests and Necessary Edits

Using ZRemesher and Decimation Master to create a quick low res version of the base body | Building a simple rig inside of Maya for motion tests |Testing key poses of the character and talking about feedback from the Rigger | Evaluating and applying design changes to the model in order to meet requirements to range of motion and deformation | Testing design changes again on the rig

Week 4 | Editing details, preparation for remodeling | Retopo

Building and using custom brushes for hard surface detail | Sculpting smaller shapes, details and bringing concept sculpt to final | Stage for cleanup and remodeling | Some rules and guidelines for adding detail to hard surfaces | Showing techniques of cleaning up hard surface parts for texture baking

Week 5 | Remodeling | Retopo of the Character

Decimating the character and exporting him into another 3D package (here: Maya and Modo) | Setting up the scenes for retopo | Showing first of two ways of remodeling the character: Sub-D/Highres modeling for offline rendering or texture baking.

Week 6 | Remodeling for Game Mesh

Showing second of two ways of remodeling the character: Low res modeling for real time rendering (games). | Topology guidelines for real time mesh (geometry examples, overpaints): polygon budget, technical requirements for the mesh such as LODs, Uvs, rigging, character variation etc.

Watch the Introduction Video : 

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Direct download links 15 GB :

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