How to create a simple rig like this...

Anonymous · ‎03-18-2019

I've got a simple character that I'd like to rig with the option of rounded/curved elbows and knees. The short film in this blog post has exactly the kind of rig I'm looking to create:

https://jcisse8.wixsite.com/portfolio/avocado-man

Though an image of the rig is provided on this page, I can't figure out how it was done. I found a video from 2010 detailing something similar, but again with no instruction on how to do it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz030gmUj2g

I'm new to rigging and have only ever created a basic cartoon skeleton, but it seems like the creators of these rigs were similarly inexperienced - so hopefully it's not too difficult!

If anyone could help me out with this, I'd be very grateful!

Thanks so much.

Anonymous · ‎03-19-2019

create the joints first, then create curves you need (like the face). the connect those curve to driven key in Maya.

good day

Anonymous · ‎03-20-2019

Hey, thanks for replying!

As I say, I'm new to rigging, so I'm still not sure exactly how to go about what you've suggested... I was hoping someone might be able to point me in the direction of a video tutorial or guide that I'd be able to go through, step by step. I have access to Lynda/LinkedInLearning, but I'm yet to find anything!

Thanks again.

dinofiguera · ‎03-20-2019

Hello,

Are you sure that you need a control to switch from a sharp elbow to a smooth one?
If you only need a smooth bendy look, there are various ways to do it very easily.
Take a look at this very simple rig I made:
I rigged the character with a normal human skeleton but instead of binding the geometry
to the limbs, I am binding a NURBS curve (which is always smooth) to them.
Then The NURBS curve will deform the limbs via wire deformer (fast and reliable).
The degree of bendiness of your limbs will be depending on the curve resolution,
meaning that the more CV you have in your curve, the more the bending will be sharp.
Hope this helps,
D