3D character rigging for animation in Cinema 4D Masterclass

Name: 3D character rigging for animation in Cinema 4D Masterclass
Rating: 4.4 (103 reviews)

Create professional full body character rigs in Cinema 4D - Get your 3D characters to another level. Rigging Masterclass

Created byMoy Lobito

Last updated 5/2020

English

What you'll learn

Learn how to create a versatile character rig with switchable IK and FK controllers in Cinema 4D.
Learn about the importance of symmetry in the character creation pipeline.
Learn how to properly optimize your 3D characters for rigging.
Learn how to use the Character Object in Cinema 4D to create the rig skeleton.
Learn how to create a rig base.
Learn how to adjust the character object, so the skeleton fits the character mesh.
Learn how to bind the character object with the character mesh.
Learn how to use the Cloth Surface Object when rigging your characters.
Learn how to adjust the size and position of the character controllers in order to animate the character more easily.
Learn how to properly weight the character elements, so they deform properly when animating the character.
Learn how to use the Weight Tool.
Learn how to use the different weighting commands.
Learn the basics of 3D normalization.
Learn the basics of 3D auto-normalization.
Learn how to use the Update command within the character object.
Learn how to work with layers in Cinema 4D.
Learn the basics of Inverse Kinematics (IK) and Forward Kinematics (FK).
Learn how to gather useful pose references to pose your character.
Learn how to create a running pose.

Course content

7 sections • 35 lectures • 8h 2m total length

Welcome!4:57
Hi and welcome to the course!

Setting up the Cinema 4D file5:22
In this lesson I will show you the file we will work on. Make sure you download the file from the resources section of this lesson.
Character symmetry11:39
In this lesson we will discuss the great importance of working with a symmetrical character when rigging. And we will also cover when it's OK to have asymmetrical characteristics.
Optimizing the character13:12
In this lesson I will show you the different things we can do in order to optimize our character and get it ready to begin the rigging process.
Short quiz to test your new knowledge - Section 2

Creating the rig base14:32
In this lesson we will create the rig base using the Character object in Cinema 4D. We will create the following elements of the rig:
- The Root
- The Spine
- The two Arms, each one with 5 fingers
- The two legs
- The two eyes
C4D Backups5:55
In this lesson you'll learn all about C4D backups. You will learn what they are, why we use them and how we use them.
Working with layers in Cinema 4D8:14
In this lesson you will learn what Cinema 4D layers are, why we use them when rigging a 3D character and how we use them.
Adjusting the character object - Part 19:38
In this lesson we will adjust the different elements of the character object (spine, arms, legs and so on) so they fit the character mesh.
Adjusting the character object - Part 26:35
In this lesson we will continue adjusting the different elements of the character object (spine, arms, legs and so on) so they fit the character mesh.
Adjusting the character object - Part 326:54
In this lesson we will continue adjusting the different elements of the character object (spine, arms, legs and so on) so they fit the character mesh.

Binding the character skeletone with the character mesh14:20
In this lesson we will bind the character mesh and the character object together, so when we move the skeleton, the character moves as well.
Working with the Cloth Surface object in Cinema 4D19:44
In this lesson you will learn why and how to work with the cloth surface object when rigging a 3D character in Cinema 4D.
Weighting the character - Part 117:47
In this lesson we will start the weighting process, so the movement, bending and deformation of the different components of the character look smooth and natural.
Weighting the character - Part 217:11
In this lesson we will continue the weighting process, so the movement, bending and deformation of the different components of the character look smooth and natural.
The weight tool explained21:30
In this lesson you will learn how to use the Weight Tool to manually weight the components of your 3D character.
Understanding Normalization - Normalization basics13:59
In this lesson you will learn the basics of normailization in Cinema 4D.
Understanding Normalization - Auto normalization12:02
In this lesson you will learn the basics of auto-normailization in Cinema 4D.
Weighting the character - Part 314:59
In this lesson we will continue the weighting process, so the movement, bending and deformation of the different components of the character look smooth and natural.
Weighting the character - Part 410:07
In this lesson we will continue the weighting process, so the movement, bending and deformation of the different components of the character look smooth and natural.
Weighting the character - Part 528:01
In this lesson we will continue the weighting process, so the movement, bending and deformation of the different components of the character look smooth and natural.

Adjusting the character controllers - Part 113:50
In this lesson we will adjust the position and size of the skeleton controllers, so we can access them more easily when animating our 3D character.
Adjusting the character controllers - Part 29:25
In this lesson we will continue adjusting the position and size of the skeleton controllers, so we can access them more easily when animating our 3D character.
Adjusting the character controllers - Part 38:42
In this lesson we will continue adjusting the position and size of the skeleton controllers, so we can access them more easily when animating our 3D character.
Inverse Kinematics and Forward Kinematics explained8:46
In this lesson you will learn the differences between IK (Inverse Kinematics) and FK (Forward Kinematics).
Adjusting the character controllers - Part 49:13
In this lesson we will continue adjusting the position and size of the skeleton controllers, so we can access them more easily when animating our 3D character.

Weighting the character - Part 634:09
In this lesson we will continue the weighting process, so the movement, bending and deformation of the different components of the character look smooth and natural.
Weighting the character - Part 714:50
In this lesson we will continue the weighting process, so the movement, bending and deformation of the different components of the character look smooth and natural.
Weighting the character - Part 813:55
In this lesson we will continue the weighting process, so the movement, bending and deformation of the different components of the character look smooth and natural.
Using the Update command9:29
In this lesson you will learn how to use the Update command to update the default pose of the character object.
Weighting the character - Part 934:18
In this lesson we will continue the weighting process, so the movement, bending and deformation of the different components of the character look smooth and natural.
Weighting the character - Part 102:25
In this lesson we will continue the weighting process, so the movement, bending and deformation of the different components of the character look smooth and natural.
Organizing the file8:03
In this lesson we will organize the C4D file, so the animators can use it to pose or animate the character.

Requirements

Students taking this course should know the basics of Cinema 4D and 3D in general.
Students should have Cinema 4D installed in their computers.
Students must have the desire to learn and practice new 3D skills starting from Day 1.

Description

In this course you will learn everything you need to know to rig a 3D character in Cinema 4D using the Character Object. I'm going to cover everything, from the very basics, all the way to the more advanced stuff.

We will start by learning about the great importance of character symmetry and character optimization. And you will learn how to properly optimize your characters before rigging them.

Then, we will create the base rig using the Character Object. We will create the full skeleton including the spline, legs, arms, fingers, head and eyes. And to make the rig more useful, it will have both IK and FK controllers which we will be able to switch with just one button.

After that, you will learn how to adjust the Character Object, so the skeleton fits the character mesh. Then, we will bind the Character Rig and the character mesh together. Later, you will learn different techniques to properly weight your character. And, as a bonus, we will pose the character in a very dynamic running pose.

Those are the main topics we will cover, but you will also learn how to work with the Cloth Surface Object when rigging a character. How to properly use the Weight Tool. You will also learn the basics of normalization and auto-normalization in Cinema 4D. And of course, you will also learn about Inverse Kinematics (IK) and Forward Kinematics (FK).

This course is packed with lots of valuable information that you'll be able to apply in any character rigging project you work in the future.

By the end of this course you will have a clear understanding of how the 3D character rigging process works in Cinema 4D, and you will also be able to create your own rigs for your own characters.

So, get ready to learn a lot, and I'll see you inside.

Who this course is for:

This course is for students who want to learn how to rig a 3D character in Cinema 4D.
This course is for anyone interested in improving their Cinema 4D skills.
This course is for 3D sudents who want to take their 3D rigging skills to the next level.
This course is not for complete Cinema 4D beginners, although they will also enjoy and learn a lot from it.

3D character rigging for animation in Cinema 4D Masterclass

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 5min

Preparing the character3 lectures • 30min

Rigging the character - Creating the rig6 lectures • 1hr 12min

Binding and weighting the character10 lectures • 2hr 50min

Improving the rig5 lectures • 50min

Weighting the character - Part 27 lectures • 1hr 57min

Posing the character3 lectures • 39min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: