Need help modeling some geometry

[CGPM]

I know I will waste a lot of time trying to figure this out on my own and will problably not do it very well so I am asking for some help up front on how to model the gill slits on this part.  I have most of the head modeled with top and side photo canvases to reference but I don't want to post it here for anyone to download.  I would be happy to let select individuals have it/ invite you to my project if you are willing to help me out with this.  This part will be molded with the parting line in the same plane as the hook/ wire form/ table so no undercuts.  I need to model/ reverse engineer the part to create a lead cast mold for it.  I have modeled it with T-Splines.  The model does not have to be an exact copy of the cast parts, just look good and weigh 5/8 of an ounce in lead.

While we are at it I would really like to know the best way to create the eye pockets as well.  I can do it but have not been happy with my results.

Thanks in advance for any help.

David

[innovatenate]

I started with a Patch Loft after created several sketch to define profiles and guide rails.

I mirrored and stitched the the resulting surface stogether.

Then, I used the Model > Create > Create Form command to enter the Scuplt Environment. Use the Sculpt Modify > Convert command, to convert the Surface Body into a Sculpt (T-Splines) body, roughly in the shape of the surface.

At this point, you will need to use the weld vertices command to combine the bodies into a single sculpt body and then apply Internal mirror symmetry to the body. 

At this point, I simplified the existing T-spline body to get it a bit close to the shape I'd like:

• I used the edit form command to modify existing edges and faces.
• I loop selected edges (double click on an edge to or a couple of faces to "loop" select)a nd deleted them to remove complexity.
• I loop selected edges and used the insert edge command to add more control where the curvature is tighter.
• I also use the Sculpt > Modify > Pull command to pull the sculpt body to the exiting surface body underneath.

I then removed all symmetry and added back the symmetry in the vertical plane only. I use the Sculpt > Modify > Subdivide command on the faces where the gill is.

After subdiving, I use the Edit Form command to push and pull faces, edges and vertices around until I get a gill shape.

For the eye, I used a similar trick. I subdived the head some more and then used ALT + the Edit Form command to drag some "eye" sockets inward on the head.

 

You could also create an independent body and use the combine command to "subtract" the eyeballs from a solid body after the surface is created. 

You I've attached a sample model to this forum thread.

You could probably create this geometry a many other ways. However, I hope sharing this approach has helped! 

Thanks,

[innovatenate]

Here's a Screencast of another method you could use to create the eyes.

http://autode.sk/1pwr9ev

Hope that helps!

[CGPM]

Nathan, thank you for your reply.  I downloaded your model and played with it some.  I lifted the back of the gilles up so the red paint would be visible from more angles which brings up another question I have had in the past.  When modifying T-Splines sometimes a face will get scrunched up and create a fold, which I just did.  How so you clean up the folds and keep the edge curves that caused them?  I have attached some photos highlighting the surface with the fold as well as the model after I buggered it up.

[innovatenate · Accepted solution]

You could insert some extra edges to get a little bit more control over that surface. Check out he below screencast and let me know if it helps!

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/community/screencast/38f52f29-4211-4a30-a52c-f3f72abf787c

Thanks,

[CGPM]

Thanks for the screencast's Nathan.  The eyes I need to model should be 7/16" in diameter, to your model's scale, with a flat bottom for the eye sticker.