Course Introduction

Demo Reel

Course Description:

3D Modeling for Real-Time Environments covers polygon modeling techniques relevant to producing high quality textured meshes viewable in live-video situations. Emphasis is placed on converting high-poly geometric details into low-poly geometry utilizing a variety of alternative modeling methods.

You may download the course syllabus:
VCP 219 3D Modeling for Real-Time Environments Syllabus

Blackboard:

You are expected to use blackboard. Blackboard will be used for:

• Assignment descriptions/rubrics
• Assignment submissions
• Grades
• Email
• Announcements
• Etc.

Here is the link:
Blackboard

Assignments:

You will have 4 Projects. These are weighted equally and in total will be due by the end of the semester.

Projects:

1. Cartoon Model
   1. An exaggerated caricature model that would be suitable for an animated movie will be produced.
   2. Technical aspects of 3D modeling (ZBrush & Maya) will be covered in class. Student will complete and make adjustments to the model outside of class.
2. Human Model
   1. A realistic humanoid character is produced that would be suitable for visual effects.
   2. Lectures on anatomy will be given outside of class. Some technical aspects of 3D modeling will be covered in class. The remaining class time will be utilized for working on projects.
3. Creative Model
   1. Students are encouraged to think “outside the box” and create something truly unique. A “blue sky” assignment.
   2. Lectures on character design will be given outside of class. Class time will be utilized for working on projects.
4. Animated Character
   1. Using one of the models from a previous project students will rig, motion-capture, and animate a small sequence.
   2. Rigging, motion-capture, and animation will be covered in class. The assignment will be completed in class and outside of class.

3D Modeling Pipeline

3D Modeling Pipeline Overview:

To produce high-end assets the following is the most typical workflow

• Character/Set/Prop Design (research, exploratory, & turnaround)
• Base Mesh Generation (low poly)
• Low/Medium Resolution Sculpt (silhouette)
• Retopology
• High Resolution Sculpt (anatomy, accessories, details, surface)
• Poly Painting
• UV Layout
• Bake Comparative Maps
• Combine Models, Texture, Lighting to Render

Base Mesh Generation:

The first step in actually producing a high-end model is to produce a base shape you can sculpt onto. It is important to make sure all elements are present in at least a silhouette level.

• Production and Object Specific
• Can be almost entirely completed this way or just roughed in
• Box-Modeling
• Primitive Modeling
• Edge Loop Method
• 3D Scan
• Dynamic Mesh
• Software Specific Mesh Generation
• Future??

Sculpting:

This is very similar to traditional sculpting. It is important to work broad to specific. Develop the whole form overall and slowly tighten the model and work in more and more details across the entire figure

• Low Resolution Sculpt (silhouette)
• Medium Resolution Sculpt (anatomy, accessories)
• High Resolution Sculpt (details)
• HD Resolution Sculpt (surface)

Texturing:

Once you have the “skin” of the model you need to “paint” it. This involves prepping the model by rebuilding it if necessary, filleting the figure into UV islands that are flat and paintable, painting color, shininess, bumpiness, etc. onto the surface of the model.

• Retopology

  The process of producing a new mesh with better geometry over top of geometry that is poor

  Can be done before sculpting, after sculpt, sometimes even after texturing, or not at all if the base mesh is accurate enough

• UV Layout

  Basically taking your 3D model and flattening it into a 2D version

  You typically complete this before texturing but it is possible to complete it after in Zbrush

• Texturing

  Painting color, specular, bump, transparency, etc. information on the model

• Bake Comparative Maps

  Automated process of producing texture maps on typically low poly models from their high poly version.

Pixologic ZBrush

Pixologic ZBrush

ZBrush is the industry standard three-dimensional sculpting software. It is capable of generating geometry using a variety of methods. The brush engine is the best the best on the market. Although its strength is in producing organic geometry such as character models it is also used to create and manipulate hard-surface models. The interface of ZBrush is very “unique” but the results of the software is hard to ignore.

Mesh Generation: Dynamesh

ZClassroom Lesson – DynaMesh Overview

Pixologic Sculptris

This is a free sculpting software that allows you to produce a model in a completely traditional not technological way. It uses a process called dynamesh to dynamically generate geometry onto the surface as you manipulate the model.
You can download the software here:

This model only took about an hour. Done traditionally, a model like this may take up to eight hours.

Basic Sculpting

Standard brush on sphere (With no modifier, adds to the surface. With the alt modifier, subtracts from the surface)

Assignment 01

Assignment 01 Tutorial Video

ZBrush Videos


Sculptris Videos