Alien Artefact 2 300 word rationale

I have tweaked this model since artefact 1 because of numerous constructive criticisms. This will I hope make this character's head sculpt feel more believable

I have continued to use the polycount forums to gain other perspectives and fresh eyes on how the character is developing. It was expressed to me that the fundamental structure of the facial features were still a bit off, because the character is near enough to human anatomy, that veering to much from human skull would look off. I made sure to evaluate whether these points were valid or just personal opinions. But I did agree on all counts that they needed adjusting to improve believability.Some of the points I rectified, the character didn’t have distinguishable eyelids, his cheekbones were too low, no discernible chin and his ear area was also addressed to show more detail. I used reference for all these areas from human skulls to lizard anatomy.

 There was also a number of comments about the facial features not having enough wear and tear on them, E.G in the way of wrinkles and a look of battle weariness The character has developed its own story, I envisioned this alien to be a battle weary warrior that has seen enough of battle, and has become a nomad wondering from place to place, robed to hide the worn battle armour underneath and seeking a more peaceful existence. I wanted to show that this character has a calm demeanour but that was not always the case. This story developed a life of its own over time sculpting.This creates a more believable character, placing that character in a context to inform the viewer what drives this character, and where he comes from.

I posed the character to look more natural, looking straight on models can be a bit lifeless, placing them in a pose can help you understand the characteristics and express their demeanour.

  

Client project

Here are a few more images of the sci fi car

Character Concepts

Very rough concepts for the aliens body

Artefact 1 300 word rationale

The first artefact was an exploration into creating a believable character, which is set in a sci-fi genre focusing on sculpting and texturing techniques. The process was an organic one whereby I created the head sculpts without reference images. The model started out from a Zsphere to create the base mesh, then I laid down certain landmarks for the head shapes, brow areas, jaw line, cheek bones etc. I had in mind that I wanted some form of an alien, but with solid connections to something more human like. 

Alien creatures tend to be based upon animals and creatures that we have seen in the wild to root them in reality. Lizards, sea creatures even insects, In my mind's eye I saw him as a kind of lizard, amphibious creature that had evolved.  When I sculpt or model, I am quite explorative trying things to see how they look and feel. The texturing was completed in zbrush using the polypaint toolset which is invaluable way of laying texture directly onto the 3d model without using 2d application like Photoshop. From the feedback I received from the focus group during the artefact presentation and the polycount forum community. It was highlighted to me that the scales and lack of ear area were not helping the character to feel as believable as it was intended. 

 With a number of tweaks to the bigger forms, removing the scales, and adding more subtle skin details painting a texture for his eyes, I believe he is on his way to expressing a more believable and interesting character. There was also an idea of continuing on and creating his body. Because I did not concept the head, it was created loosely seeing where the sculpt progressed. With that said he has developed  a distinct character to him so using the way he looks what kind of background I am imagining for him I will conceptualise his body in keeping with the style of his reptile head. 

Client project

A few test AO renders.

Client Project Update

Here a few screenshots of the Syd Mead inspired car, its been a slog in parts but i've enjoyed the processes greatly. Theres still a way to go, but the modelling stage is not far from completion.

First life drawing class

So I've finally managed to get myself to life drawing classes, I found the class very useful and relaxing. I will be posting images every week I go.