Approved Model of Ned
This model is just what I was hoping for with “Ned” the little boy from the world of SOlomon Fix. Humans are very difficult to make in 3D, usually because the temptation is to try to make them look real. Usually the results are something hellish, not quite human, not quite synthetic…the closer to “real” you get the more something doesn’t seem quite right, like in the Final Fantasy movie.
Contrast that with The Incredibles or even Woody from Toy Story, the characters are rendered CARTOONS and they look comfortable in their own skin. In this sense, 3D is much more like puppet animation. Look at the humans in Davey and Goliath, The Nightmare before Christmas, even The PJs and you have broad forms of cartoon expression, not a feeble attempt at realism. The realism in puppet animation and 3D should come from the textures and light-sourcing, not the sculpt of the character.
The above model of “Ned” still needs real hair which we are trying to figure out. They stuck lumpy hair on him just to occupy the space his real hair will occupy. But I like this model, he makes me want to see what he would do…where would he go? What would he say?
»
On April 10th, 2006 at 12:00 am
I think that’s called the “Uncanny Valley.” The more realistic a 3d model is, the more it looks like something that would hide out in a dark alley waiting to feed on brains or something…:P
On April 12th, 2006 at 12:00 am
I hope this dosen’t turn out like My Pet Alien.
On April 15th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Doug, Ned looks amazing!!!!!!!!! -Steve
On April 20th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Hey doug, depending upon how you feel about the stand in hair, you may be able to grow the final hair from that geometry, and then hide the geometry during the render. This would work like a jello mold (but not as tasty), giving you total control over the shape. The only isuue is that you can sometimes see a pelting effect in certain areas. Depending upon how the hair is groomed, this may or may not be a problem.