Toys, Clay, Box Modelling, T-Splines: Trying to make better models.

[thoreaubakker]

Hi Fusion Fam!

I'm trying to make something similar to the clay models in the images, but digital.

So far, I've made a rough head shape in the sculpt environment, then brought it back and been placing boxes.. As you can see though, the mode isn't very good.

Does anyone have any suggestions for improvements, or perhaps tools I should really focus on? I'm thinking it might just be a matter of plugging away the same tools I'm using, but if any modelling pro's can give a suggestion or two, I'd appreciate it.

t.

[TrippyLighting]

I'd have two questions:

1. What is it you'd want to do with the final model ?

2. What is it you are not happy with ?

In general, there is nothing wrong with your approach to use different modeling tools for the object they are most suitable for. 

[thoreaubakker]

TL,

Thanks for the reply!

1. The eventual plan would be to have as many fabrication options as possible (3DP, CNC), yet also export obj to Maya / other animation software.

2. I'm currently not at all satisfied with the model itself — it's look / proportions, lack of cohesiveness..

*note how the curves of the clay model hug the head, as do the boxes on the sides of ears / face.

Do you know what it would called, or what tool would bend on form to the other like that?

Maybe it's just about doing more homework (that never hurts!).

t.

[PhilProcarioJr · Accepted solution]

@thoreaubakker

I "think" the reason your not happy with the cohesiveness is because of the methods you are using to make your models. Using all the available methods is the right course but, the tools you are using is causing your current feel for the model.

Choosing the right tool for the results you want are the key here.

If I was modeling this I would start with the face shape and get that "Perfect" (Not Close) in the sculpt environment. 

Then you need to duplicate the face and cut the base forms right from that shape using the split face tools in the patch environment. Once you have all your base shapes from that set of operations you can finish building the shapes from there. I think you will be a lot happier with all your forms using this approach.

If I get some more time I will give some more examples. Your going to need them if you plan to take your models into Maya, because that's a whole other set of needed information.

[thoreaubakker]

@PhilProcarioJr

Man, thank you so much for that generous explanation and demo. A custom screen cast was really fantastic.

This was exactly the kind of tip / workflow advice I was hoping for — but way above and beyond.

When you start with that head shape, I noticed you have few faces on it, yet it's a really nice shape.

I've been trying to start with a box, and probably too many subdivisions. Did you start with a sphere, or a quad ball maybe?

(I'm just looking in the create options now)

Thanks so much again for the screen cast — very generous of you.

th.

[PhilProcarioJr]

@thoreaubakker

I started with the quad ball...I will make a screen cast showing that here is another to maybe help you out.

[PhilProcarioJr]

@thoreaubakker

Here is how I made the head...

[thoreaubakker]

@PhilProcarioJr

MAN — talk about above and beyond.

I can't thank you enough for the 2nd and 3rd screen casts Phil.

The second vid added some great value to the first, and I def. learned from the t-spline s.cast too.

You ever think about publishing a set of of online tutorials or anything? If not, you should!

Again, thanks for your generous time man. There wasn't much action on my post at first so I thought I wouldn't get a response really. Yours was way more than I was expecting.

I have a University paper due at 8:30am and all I want to do now is model!

-th.

[PhilProcarioJr]

@thoreaubakker

Your welcome.

I am working on a Fusion training course right now, not sure when it will be completed as my free time is very limited ATM.

It will cover all the ins and outs of T-Splines and hybrid modeling and most important how to use tools in unconventional ways to achieve modeling goals.

Cheers

Phil