Finding sources for 3d art creation UVs and Animation

[NothingLikeit]

Hi,

I'm learning how to create 3d objects and I've run into a bit of a road block. I've got some practice with low level poly modeling under my belt but I'm struggling with the actual mapping process. I've learned how to work from background images to create the desired object.

But now I need some advice on how to actually breathe life into that object via texturing and animation.

My questions are:

What kind of sources should I use for my texturing process? (IE should I draw a sketch and render the details in Photoshop? or should I use refference images and free hand render it in a graphics program?)

What kind of refference should I use when animating? (Should I "act out" the animation I want and try to mimic it on screen? Watch gameplay replays obsesively? Make flip books? etc.)


As always I'm curious to know what kind of techniques and tips you all have found useful in your past/current projects.

Thanks for any help in advance.

Marvin H.

[esrix]

For sources for texturing: anything you want. If you want to paint it straight in PhotoShop, go for it. If you want to get photo textures and clone-stamp them into your texture, go for it. (I'd strongly advise using your own photos if you go that route). The professionals in the "big name" companies do both. As long as it gets the point across and the player doesn't have to stop and look at that tree and think "Is that suppose to be wood?"

I'm not an animator, but I know it is a requirement that you be able to act so that you can imitate the emotions and feelings of the character as they animate. It also depends on the type of feeling you are going for; a more cartoony animation could call for exageration. However, if you want realism, you'll find a lot better references in live-action movies and tv shows. Get a couple of DVDs, pop them in the player and put them on mute. That way, you can focus on how they move.

Hope it helps.

[NothingLikeit]

That helps alot actually. I was actually thinking of sketching my models myself and using that sketch as a background image while modeling and then rendering that sketch in photoshop. My thinking that it's easier to skin something when I have definative lines that come from a drawing. Has anyone tried this?

Also I tried to animate by first sketching out stick figures at each key frame and then created the keyframes in my animation package. The results were less than stellar. I was thinking about creating little flip books like the ones I created in my Intro to Animation class. They helped me think about motion in it's most basic state. My only issue with that is it may take longer than the key frame sketching process and there may be a shorter option that would achieve the same result. How's my thinking? Am I on the right path or should I rethink this method?

[esrix]

For modeling: it's a good chance that your method might work. If you've dabbled in traditional 3D sculpture, it might also help to make a small sculpture of the model in something like Sculpey (which you can bake and harden) or in plastecine (which never hardens and is completely reworkable).

For the animation aspect, I'm aware of the technique you are using, and it does make sense to do it that way. Be wary of your angles that you sketch and how they relate to the position of your model in the 3D animation package. Also, make sure you have a good grasp of the timing and how to work animation curves, as that will really help with how your animations turn out.

[Farmergnome]

Sketching front and sides for modeling purposes helps (model sheets). Texturing is a little more difficult tho, might suggest jump over to www.cgtalk.com, and check out the game forums, theres lots of valuable info about game modeling and texturing, aswell as tutorials n shit that people have posted.

[NothingLikeit]

thanks for the replies so far all. Does anyone know where I can find good sources for refference? I'm looking mostly for structures and infantry uniforms.

I have been able to find a few good images online in the form of toy or miniature pictures. The only problem with these sources are they're either too low res or they're too small to use as refference. Also a trip to the library got me lots of period pictures but the pictures were either too small or the subjects weren't in a good position to use. (IE every soldier was in an action shot. Not too good for creating a uv map or model sheet)

[Reactor]

Have a look here- www.sxc.hu
It might not have what you want, but it's a great site to bookmark.