Model a Low Polygon Character in Autodesk Maya 2018
What you'll learn
- Set up a character schematic in the modeling workspace.
- Model characters using simple cylinders and extrusions
- Model hands using cubes and cylinders
- Explore how this low poly modeling technique works with UV mapping
- Map individual groups of polygons with different aiStandardSurface shaders
- Make shaders that have different subsurface scattering effects
- Use Skydome and studio lighting techniques to enhance surfacing effects
Requirements
- You should have a basic familiarity with Maya's modeling interface.
- This is a beginning to intermediate level course.
- Ideally students should complete the Create and Render a Wooden Toy Car in Autodesk Maya 2018 if you are new to Maya or 3D in general.
Description
In this course, we are going to explore low polygon modeling techniques as they apply to a “simple” (and I use that term in quotes) character. Working in low polygon’s means we get to pare down the generally complex character modeling process into a sub-2000 polygon character. Many of these techniques can be "scaled up" to use on characters with higher polygon budgets, but in this era of smartphone games, having the ability to model in lower polygon counts is very relevant and useful.
Who this course is for:
- Any 3D artist who is interested in character modeling from a low polygon standpoint.
- Any 3D artist who wants to learn more about the Arnold aiStandardSurface material
Course content
- Preview09:38
- Preview07:07
- 08:38Adding the Leg
- 08:00Modeling the Arm
- 07:19Attaching the Arm
- 08:03Modeling the Foot
- 09:15Hexagonal Optimization
- 07:47Creating the Hand pt. 1
- 07:32Creating the Hand pt. 2
- 07:22Attaching the Fingers
- 05:43Attaching the Hand to the Arm
- 07:17Finishing the Body
- 07:52Modeling the Head
- 05:19Creating the Eyes and Neck
- 08:04Starting the UV Map
- 08:28Finishing the UV Map
- 06:08Beginning the Skullcap for the Hair
- 08:54Finishing the Skullcap and Extruding the Hair
- 06:39Optimizing the Hair
- 08:05UV Mapping the Hair
- 08:50Creating an aiStandardSurface for the Character
- 05:40Surfacing the Hair
- 06:02Studio vs. Skydome Lighting Techniques
- 06:58Creating Clothing for the Character
Instructor
![Eric Kunzendorf](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 64 64"%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=avatar}
- 4.4 Instructor Rating
- 130 Reviews
- 446 Students
- 7 Courses
Eric Kunzendorf has been teaching computer graphics and animation at the college level for the last two decades at such varied institutions as Jacksonville University, the New Hampshire Institute of Art, the Atlanta College of Art and the School of Visual Arts’ Savannah campus. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in Art history from Columbia University and a Masters of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting from the University of Georgia.
Most recently, Eric has completed courses for Pluralsight (formerly Digital Tutors), a company that has been delivering video courses in Animation and Digital Art on CD, DVD and online for over a decade. Eric has also contributed to several books including “Mastering Maya 8.5”, “Mastering Maya 7”, “Maya 5 Savvy” and “Maya: Secrets of the Pros Vol. 1”. His animations, “Final Project Assignment” and “Mime In A Box”, have made appearances at the Siggraph Computer Animation Festival in 1999 and 2000 respectively. His 2004 animation "The Secret Life of Netsuke" won first place in SEDAF-the Southeastern Digital Arts Festival. His animation “Courage” appeared in the 2010 CitrusCel animation festival in Jacksonville, Florida. Most recently, his animation “Lathe of God” appeared in the 2013 CitrusCel animation festival in Jacksonville, Florida and the 2013 Blue Plum animation festival in Johnson City, Tennessee. He has also exhibited computer-generated prints on the regional and national level.