Character modeling request

[dersutton]

I've been modeling in Maya for a number of years but recently I have taken an interest in developing my character modeling skills.  Have examined a number of tutorials on various sites including Youtube but I have run into an issue that I would like assistance with.

I've attached an image to illustrate the style I'm working on.

Most of the video tutorials concentrate on either just the head or body modeling.  Very few concentrate on the combination of the two and here is the problem.  I'm quite pleased with how both worked out for me but I'm now having issues combining the two parts.  My neck usually has more geometry than the neck region of the body and I'm having trouble combining the two because I have a large concentration of geometry which causes pinching and deformation.  

My head modeling is based on creating separate elements  i.e.  eyes, lips, nose, and then combining all to form the head.  I don't like box modeling so I've ignored that approach.   

I would like to know if anybody can suggest a decent tutorial or training course that teaches how to model a realistic character without going overboard on realism.   I simply wish to assemble a full character without distorting the neck region. 

Thank you.

[damaggio]

Could you please share an image of your wireframe?

[stephaniebellgardt]

I would recommend sculpting a character in something like ZBrush, working on the entire head and body as one unit rather than merging separate pieces together (with the exception of things like eyes and teeth.) That lets you focus solely on the anatomy and design of the character before worrying about topology. Then you’d take it back into something like Maya, where it’s much easier to map out your topology once you’ve already got a solid base of the whole character. Sculpting/designing a character is a different discipline than retopology. I can recommend FlippedNormals, who have good tutorials on both.

[dersutton]

Here is the wireframe.

[dersutton]

Hi

I understand what you're saying.  I just would like to complete a model in one program to fully grasp the process.  I suppose it's a mark of grasping the software and skills associated with it.    I do intend to get back into Zbrush but for now I simply want to finalize the model for my own satisfaction.

[damaggio]

It will be easier to work with one mesh however that depends on your project needs, it's simpler for texturing and painting weights if you are going to rig it in the future, you can easily attach the head and terminate some of your edge loops into 4 sided triangles or leave it separated from the body and hide the seam.

There are many full body modeling on the internet if you need more guidance.

Also is a common practice to have a standard body and swap different heads if more characters are needed , just carefully hide the seam under the shirt.

[dersutton]

I think for this project I'll do as you suggested and just minimize the geometry around the neck.  

Thanks