CGTalk - Beast of Burden - Character

ZrO-1

07-07-2002, 11:09 PM

I love those sketches, they are really goregous. I just think that the characters really skirt the line when dealing with rule #5 for this challenge. A few of the other people in this challenge have caught slack about that, and their models weren't any more humanoid that these are.

Don't get me wrong I love the characters, and I think you've got some great skills. Just being a bit of a stickler for the rules.

Drongo Stabbins

07-09-2002, 03:47 PM

Hello folks!

I know these characters are "skirting the boundries" a little...
However I'm only going ahead with this after the reply I got from Mr L. Dragon...
I really dont want to cause any upset so if the moderators/judges
have any problem with the characters then let me know soon...
and I will withdraw without question...
Thanks again for the great feedback...
more coming soon...

http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/Character%203a.jpg

http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/headc1a.jpg

dmonk

07-09-2002, 04:12 PM

That model is awsome. I think they should let you keep it in.
If people don't think it qualifies they should just not vote on it.

well whatever happens I hope to see more of this piece.
excellent work!

:drool: :D :thumbsup:

NGKrush

07-09-2002, 06:14 PM

really nice style in your concept work
and great info in the character sheets

looking forward to your updates :thumbsup:

iC4

07-09-2002, 07:23 PM

great sketches and also great modeling :thumbsup:

Brain_Donor

07-09-2002, 08:39 PM

jeepers :surprised

drongo... excellent work.....

cant wait to see it finished :)

ZrO-1

07-09-2002, 08:47 PM

Dam drongo! That looks awesome so far! :eek:

Goregous modeling of the head. And very nice character layout drawings as well. I have a question: On the man that is pulling the burden, does he have a mouth? Or is it sealed over like that part in the Matrix with Neo being interogated. I couldn't tell for sure from the drawings. :p

Drongo Stabbins

07-10-2002, 09:34 AM

ello again...!

ZrO-1: The "beasts" mouth is sealed over a bit like the matrix thing...
You will see that he has large ears...
And the creature he his carrying has a large mouth...
serving to emphasize the "burden"
The "burden" talks...the "beast" listens....

Brain_Donor: fanksing glue!

iC4-:much appreciated!

NGKrush: Thankz!

dmonk: ThaNKz...and I agree!

A bit of usless info....
"Drongo Stabbins" was a character in a short running comic strip in Judge Dredd Megazine in th early 90's...It was called "Strait Jacket Fitts" and was created by Rodger Landridge...its funny stuff and worth finding out about!.....

seeyazoon....

Pancreas

07-10-2002, 10:37 AM

I love your style, its so.. wossname. I don´t care about the 5th rule, i´ll vote you, yeah.
I like the drawings and the detail of the ears and mouth. It´s a kind of Driving Miss Daisy story.

:thumbsup:

Synergy

07-10-2002, 12:09 PM

Originally posted by lildragon
these guys are great man :thumbsup: I would love to see them in 3D, you're well within guidelines :) nice concept

a su salud

For the people wondering about the 5th rule, I think lildragon cleared it up already.

I realy like the concept, and your modeling looks gr8. Keep it up, hope to see more.

toxichimp

07-10-2002, 12:23 PM

Looking great already, can't wait to see the owner/burden in 3d :D

Rex

07-12-2002, 05:17 AM

The character looks so great and just like alive!great job ~and only one question about his mouth,It's not done yet or you don't want him have one? :applause:

Check out my challenge

Beast of Burden (http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12984)

Drongo Stabbins

07-13-2002, 12:08 PM

Just a quick thanks for the replies....

Pancreas: BIG thanks!

Synergy: Really appreciate it!!

toxichimp:Fankz!

Rex: Thanks! And heres an earlier reply to the same question;

".....You will see that he has large ears...
And the creature he his carrying has a large mouth...
serving to emphasize the "burden"
The "burden" talks...the "beast" listens...."

Thanks again!
And more new pics tomorrow night!.....
seeyazoon....

Drongo Stabbins

07-17-2002, 09:13 AM

Apologies in advance for the render quality...
But Im not going to start doing decent renders till near the end...
The model has since been rigged and is poseable...
more pics of that soon....

http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/bodyc1a.jpg

Brain_Donor

07-17-2002, 11:09 AM

haha looking nice my friend.....

look forward to seeing him posed..

derwolpertinger

07-17-2002, 01:24 PM

hehehe-saw your entry for the first time now-and i'm pretty impressed! :D i really like it. what you could improve are the fingers-they look a bit to straight right now as i think.:shrug:

Drongo Stabbins

07-22-2002, 05:18 AM

Well Im about 1/3 of the way through the final character!
Hair, Finger-nails and the Rope are ready and will be added
to the character below near the end...

derwolpertinger: Thanks! did a little reworking on the fingers...

Brain_Donor:Fanks fur thy sloppert!?!!

http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/mph7a.jpg

http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/mph8a.jpg

tubby

07-22-2002, 06:59 AM

yah!!! i saw this earlier in the challenge and couldnt find it no matter how hard i tried. damn, i love your concept and model. its easily one of my favorite ones in this challenge.:)

Virtuoso

07-22-2002, 10:07 AM

:love: ......................Just fantastic................spot on perfect concept, and the CG is just as nice already. Very original look and design as well. I love the characters, very in-depth and fun. A bit contrasting to one another, but that's what will make it extra fun and double good.

This is one of the best in a very good field thus far.I am looking forward to more, keep it up.Very nice..........:applause: :)

Drongo Stabbins

07-22-2002, 08:28 PM

Phew!

Virtuoso: Thanks for the great comments!! Really, really
appreciate it! :beer:

tubby: Thanks for taking the time to find this oddity again!
Gald you like it! Really appreciate the comments!:beer:

Still workin' on the big mouthed, smelly one, or "burden" as he/she should be better known! Images of him/her soon!

Drongo Stabbins

07-24-2002, 09:02 AM

Im about 1/2 way through this character now...
(the image below is a couple of days old)
more images when the model is finished...

http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/head%20ch2k.jpg

Brain_Donor

07-24-2002, 09:17 AM

YIKES DRONGO!!!!

U'VE REALLY NAILED THOSE SKETCHES!!!

TIS LOOKING LUVERLY....

:airguitar :airguitar :airguitar

AIRGUITAR SALUTE!

erilaz

07-24-2002, 10:19 AM

ARRRGH!

I scrolled down the page and that image freaked me out!:eek:

On closer inspection, it was revealed to me that you are one mighty fine modeller. Beautiful.

Virtuoso

07-24-2002, 11:43 AM

Top notch, totally spot on, and so very fun and original. Such a very smooth and in-depth feel to it all............I think I cannot express the words on how much I enjoy your creations................excellent................Oh how I would love to see them run free in my multi-million poly sets...........

Just finish it, no other crits or comments at this time.............:love: :applause: :thumbsup: :)

Drongo Stabbins

07-24-2002, 11:49 AM

Brain_Donor: As always, thanks for the great support!!

erilaz: Thankz for the kind words! much appreciated!

Music listened to so far today:
Pay it Forward (soundtrack,score):Thomas Newman
Elusive Light & Sound: Steve Vai
Remember Shakti: John Mc Laughlin & Shakti
Flexable Leftovers: Steve Vai
Make a Jazz Noise Here: FZ
Oracle: Michael Hedges

its all relative?

Drongo Stabbins

07-24-2002, 11:52 AM

whoopz!...

Virtuoso: Too kind! thanks yet again! Very much appreciated!

ZrO-1

07-24-2002, 03:01 PM

Drongo man, those models are absolutly incredable. That is some of the best character modeling I have ever seen. (makes me want to go back and start my crappy cowboy over) Really fantastic work so far. I can't say how good I think this work is. Really awesome! :thumbsup:

KnightWhitie

07-26-2002, 02:03 PM

Interesting concept. I will very much like to see it finshed. Much props.:beer:

pit

07-26-2002, 05:14 PM

I´m VERY impressed by your work - no critz at all!! - this is a fine piece of ART!
:thumbsup: :buttrock: :love:

Drongo Stabbins

07-29-2002, 08:24 AM

Well I got the other character finished...
The image below is just from a couple of TEST renders...
So will be adding more over the coming days, untill I get one that Im happy with...

Just to note... I had added Hair to the models, (as seen in the sketches) However it looked a little too 'cosmetic' for the purpose of this challenge...with the focus being modeling...

So...more detailed images to come...including wireframes etc...

http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/NJ1.jpg

mebamonster

07-29-2002, 08:32 AM

I love it! I love it! I love it! I want to see MORE!!!

tubby

07-29-2002, 09:12 AM

drongo you are kickin butt!!man, you put a lot of realistic poses into such freekie characters! very nice, i dont have anything to critisize , just wanted to comment on how impressed i am!!!:)

Brain_Donor

07-29-2002, 06:03 PM

excellent drongo//////

looks really well balanced.....

see ya soon

Rhid1en

07-29-2002, 06:54 PM

Very impressive! You've done a great job modeling these characters and really capturing the life of them. Great expresions! The only thing I can think to critique for you is, how does the wheel work? It doesn't look like it's organic or actually part of him, though he's been modified to be attached to it; so shouldn't the peddals be offset so that the weight on the wheel could be shifted and actually move? Right now it doesn't seem as though his legs would be of much use other than to attach and balance to the wheel. Maybe it's a motorized wheel though? If so, maybe you could attach a generator and stearing collum to it or the chair being towed?
Very cool though! Just don't quite understand how it would work! :rolleyes:

Brain_Donor

07-29-2002, 07:19 PM

surely he could use his hands/arms to pull himself along.... make it even more painful for the poor guy .... increase his burden.

dunno if this is how it would actually move... but thats tthe impression i got///

Daxx

07-29-2002, 07:31 PM

Great Great Great Character!! But Your BOB I think it's outside this contest : not human shape :((((((((

Drongo Stabbins

07-29-2002, 09:17 PM

ZrO-1:Thanks!

KnightWhitie:Thanks!

mebamonster: thanks!...there will definitley be more to come!

tubby:thanks! thanks! thanks! really appreciate it!

Brain_Donor:As always...thanks for the support!!!!...appreciate it!

Rhid1en: Thanks for the comments...really appreciate it!
If you have a wee look at the intitial sketchs you will see the 'beast' balancing on his hands...this is indeed how the duo get around and why it is posed in a kind of 'swimming' action
the 'beast' pulls them along with his hands...(correct Mr.Donor!)

Daxx:thank you...however this issue has already been dealt with... by lildragon...if you have a look at the initial posts on the thread...this work is very much within the 'contest'...

Thanks all again...really appreciate the support....more renders very soon.....

Drongo Stabbins

07-30-2002, 04:38 AM

Some more rendering...

http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/NJ2.jpg
http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/NJ3.jpg
http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/NJ4.jpg

Virtuoso: Thankz again! really glad you like it! appreciate the
comments...

new poses/renderings soon...

Steve Warner

07-30-2002, 05:24 AM

Drongo Stabbins, this has got to be some of the finest CG I've seen in lately. You've got a clear command of the techniques and your personal style is just oozing out. This is just some damn fine work, man! Creepy, surreal, and totally hysterical! Love it!

Mind my asking which app? The render is beautiful!

Steve

Drongo Stabbins

07-30-2002, 05:42 AM

Steve Warner: Thanks for the comments! too kind! really means a lot! :beer:
Good question about the whole app thing...its about time I mentioned it...
Im using Max4 and the last three renders (the sepia ones) were done using Brazil...all the rest were with max's scanline thingy...
no photoshoping...except for the coloured borders...
Thankz again!...

phil

07-30-2002, 07:51 AM

awesome - nuff said

Virtuoso

07-30-2002, 10:12 PM

:love: ....................as I have said a couple times already, but just better each and every time.

The only one crit I can give, and it is a very small thing.....................The toes on the creature on the throne should be flexed just a bit as the hands are, not quite so rigid,a small correction, but still 5 stars all the way.....................:beer: :)

Drongo Stabbins

07-31-2002, 02:38 PM

New pose...
More rendering...

http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/NJ8.jpg
http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/NJ6.jpg
http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/NJ7.jpg

Virtuoso: Totally agree with the foot thing! Thanks again!

Drongo Stabbins

07-31-2002, 02:39 PM

And this one....
one more pose to come...

http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/NJ5.jpg

spec0r

07-31-2002, 05:17 PM

The talent on this board is amazing.

I really like the concept, not to mention the modeling.

Excellent work Drongo!

Drongo Stabbins

08-02-2002, 05:38 AM

just-fur-phun

http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/NJ9.jpg

Drongo Stabbins

08-02-2002, 05:41 AM

The wireframes...

http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/CWireframe.jpg
http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/JWireframe.jpg
http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/NWireframe.jpg

Drongo Stabbins

08-02-2002, 05:43 AM

The Final Images!
(I hope?)

http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/NJ10.jpg
http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/NJ11.jpg
http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/NJ12.jpg

tubby

08-02-2002, 05:43 AM

lol. you gotta great sense of humor!:) :) nice work. i love your renders, really nice.

Drongo Stabbins

08-02-2002, 06:02 AM

tubby: Thanks yet again for the great comments!

tubby

08-02-2002, 06:05 AM

hey no problem, you deserve them all. do you mind me askin what your light setup looks like for those renders. i too am using brazil but its a challenge for me to set up nice looking lighting like yours.

Drongo Stabbins

08-02-2002, 06:19 AM

Hey Tubby...

Im just using three lights in these renders...
one over each of the heads of the characters, to bring out the reflections in the eyes...(so everything else is excluded)
and one general light which I move around depending on the composition...
Then in Brazil I set the bounce (in the GI settings) to 2.
which ups the render time a bit, but is well worth it...

anything else, I would be glad to tell you what little I know...

Artifex

08-02-2002, 06:37 AM

I have to say the modelling is verry nice. My favorite caracetr is the fatsy one. He's real cool. Stylish and superbly well modelled (great wireframes).

Nice one!

tubby

08-02-2002, 06:54 AM

hey thanks for the reply drongo, that helps a bunch actually, i think i have a similar setup(without the lights on the eyes), i just need to play with the angles more. i was hoping there was a "make a kickass composition" button, but i guess not. thanks for the compliments on my work, yah, i really suck at setting up a good shot, that backpack takes up the whole image, your right about the boulder thing(i kinda knew):) :) . thnx again, i appreciate it:beer:

Drongo Stabbins

08-02-2002, 07:13 AM

Artifex: Thanking you kindly! Really glad you liked it!....

tubby: Its only a matter of time before that button appears! :)
Glad to be of help!

erilaz

08-02-2002, 09:48 AM

Hee. Mr. Stabbins, your work reminds me of nightmares I used to have as a kid. Freaks me out, but is so very cool! :thumbsup:

Speaking of remembering horrible nightmares, does anyone know the opposite of nostalgia?:shrug:

zeb

08-02-2002, 11:07 AM

It's a finest modeling here... u've got great artistic skills

:applause: :applause:

Drongo Stabbins

08-02-2002, 04:43 PM

erilaz:Thanks! I'm sure the opposite of nostalgia must be the eqivilant of having preminitions...seeing or remembering in a good light....................eh?................Thanks again!...

zeb:Thank you very, very much!..... really appreciate it!....
And your work...well...what can I say.....Brilliant! Thanks again!

I have noticed that the page with all the images on it...
page 4....
Takes a while to load up....and sometimes does not load all the images...
If you have this problem....simply hit the refresh on your browser....the images are there!

Thanks....

Brain_Donor

08-02-2002, 04:53 PM

once again mR. stabblock .... very very nice.....

one question tho.... What is 3d?

Drongo Stabbins

08-02-2002, 05:05 PM

good question Mr. Donock....
but should the question not be where is 3d?......
Thanks again!!!!!!!!!

mebamonster

08-02-2002, 08:35 PM

absolutely amazing work!! Not only do you have amazing concept and modeling skills, but your artistic eye is right on for composition and lighting. I wish I had something to critique...something useful to say...but I am unable to find anything!

Drongo Stabbins

08-03-2002, 02:39 AM

Thank you mebamonster! I really appreciate that comment! Much too kind!.....

Now that this challenge is slowly winding down, Im going to try and get a look through as many of the threads as I can...
There is some really great work here!...
And for the few who have kept an eye on this one throughout...
A really big thanks!....
It's been worthwhile...:thumbsup:

Steve Warner

08-03-2002, 03:58 AM

Drongo, we're the ones who are privileged. Thanks for the increadible eye candy. I'll be keeping an eye on your work from here on out. :)

Best wishes,

Steve

TES

08-03-2002, 11:18 AM

Oh that small goblin or what is it is a big wretch.............I like your renders.......

Drongo Stabbins

08-03-2002, 04:29 PM

Steve Warner:Big thanks! very very much appreciated!

TES:Thanks!....Glad you like the renderings.....

pit

08-03-2002, 04:39 PM

You know i love you characters, so i won´t repeat that - i have to crit a little if these are the final renderings - IMO the highlights are far to strong - they are "burning" out part of the model and that´s a bloody shame!!!!!!! Nuf said - still exeptional !

Drongo Stabbins

08-03-2002, 06:06 PM

Pit: thanks for the comment...In defence of my decision to use the light/render set-up that I did; I would say that it was to help accentuate the form and volume of the models.
I would suggest a look at William Bouguereau's Nymphs and Satyr or indeed some of the painting of John William Waterhouse. What the highlight 'burns' on one side of the model, it reveals on the other, creating an extreme of light and shade, so revealing the existing curves of the form.
In addition to this, as well as the light assisting in sculpting the models, it may also be evocative of a certain location type or environment, even if none physically exists. The colour of course hopefully also aiding this.
Thanks again Mr. Pit! I hope this helps, and I do understand that points like this are indeed very individual, it either works for you or it doesn't, however the images that you see were very intentional and hopefully well considered!
Good point! Really appreciate it, and I'm glad you like the characters!

ZrO-1

08-03-2002, 06:20 PM

Really amazing work Mr. Stabbins. You did a friggin fantastic job on this piece. It looks really incredable. Great work! :applause: :applause:

Artifex

08-03-2002, 07:17 PM

I must say I agrea with Pit. A suggestion: You could lower the key and fill light till you get just a soft burned light on the model (witch is the style your looking for) and for the volume or detail adding create a back light that creates a contour over the oposite side of the key light direction. Toy story would be a good example for this. The allwas have this highlight.

I love your image tho. I just think this could add alot. Just a small burn would create the same effect. The thing is lighting is composed of ligh, penumbra and shadows. Now you have intense light, light and penumbra, follow me?

Drongo Stabbins

08-03-2002, 08:10 PM

ZrO-1: Thanks again for the really positive comments! I appreciate it!

Artifex: I do follow...however as I have said previously "it either works for you or it doesn't," The 'penumbra' or partial shade state of the lighting, on these particular models, is very much in the final renders. A more obvious example was used in earlier renders (page 3) however; I decided not to continue this trend into the final depictions, as I said previously,
"As well as the light assisting in sculpting the models, it may also be evocative of a certain location type or environment, even if none physically exists."
I completely understand and appreciate your commentary, but I believe this is a matter of personal perception, and not completely fundamental to the objectives of this particular challenge.
Thanks again!

Artifex

08-03-2002, 08:56 PM

Ok great then, looking forward to see those final renders.

Drongo Stabbins

08-03-2002, 10:00 PM

For anyone who maybe has not seen them; the Final Renders for this particular thread, they are featured on page 4, on the eleventh post on the page, with the comment "The Final Images."

If necessary I may repost these Images to make it more convenient for those with slower connections; as the page does have quite a few images on it.

Thanks! :)

Drongo Stabbins

08-04-2002, 01:00 AM

Final Images
http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/Final%20Image%201.jpg
http://www.netsignmedia.com/images/Final%20Image%202.jpg

Artifex

08-04-2002, 02:25 AM

butifull

erilaz

08-04-2002, 08:19 AM

Mr. Stabbins, if you don't win this challenge outright, you'll at least get an award for freakiest characters! :twisted:

I love those shots. Really great. I need to extend my vocabulary so I can elaborate on how good this model is.

Where's my thesaurus?:bounce:

Drongo Stabbins

08-04-2002, 08:56 AM

Artifex: thanking you kindly! really appreciate it!

erilaz:Thank you for the really positive comments! it means a lot!

huh?

08-04-2002, 10:03 AM

yeah, that's a great concept!:thumbsup:

Drongo Stabbins

08-04-2002, 05:45 PM

huh?: Thanks! appreciate it.:beer:

levius

08-04-2002, 07:47 PM

WOW what a sureal piece of art !!!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Mandrake

08-04-2002, 08:40 PM

:applause: congratulations Drongo! Easily one of the best.
I want to see them animated..

Virtuoso

08-04-2002, 09:22 PM

Ditto to what Mandrake said................Drongo I just love the entire piece, from the very fun and clean characters to there excellent poses. A five star piece of work. In a very good field yours is one of the elite, excellent job, just beautiful and very fun to look at, and that's what's most important..........:beer: :)

Drongo Stabbins

08-04-2002, 10:57 PM

levius: Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

Mandrake: From you Mandrake, that comment is a real endorsement, I cant tell you how pleased I am! I really appreciate it!

Virtuoso: Thankyou yet again! you have been a great support, and so positive throughout!

Maxko

08-05-2002, 01:26 AM

Hey Drongo Stabbins!

You are good, you know?!?!?!
Do you hear me?!?

I love your beast in this pose!
Do you hear me?!?

You are my favourite!
Do you hear me?!?

:beer:
man, when we go on some bear???
Do you hear me?!?
:) :) :) :)

Drongo Stabbins

08-05-2002, 02:18 AM

Maxko: I hear you loud and clear! loud and clear!
Thanking you kindly!....I really appreciate the comments!

phil

08-05-2002, 02:35 AM

Hey man, really nice. Awesome concept and original, absolutely fantasttic work.:beer:

KayosIII

08-05-2002, 05:01 AM

I will have two of those to go in the office at home... I think they will match the lightshades.

Well Done.

zenzmurfy

08-05-2002, 06:15 AM

These guys are so alive you've got to animate em! :) Bet that they're noisy too! Do you have a universe for em too? Good fun stuff dude! looking forward to more!

mneon

08-05-2002, 12:46 PM

I saw a great view of the city today.,.,.,
It seemed that crowds of orphans had gathered
together to assist eachother in the wheeling about
of bank executives and various other fauna. Sadly
though, large numbers or not, they were no match
for the C.H.U.Ds.,.,.,.,

C'est vrai.,.,

Brain_Donor

08-05-2002, 02:23 PM

mneon.... if it were not for the cumulonimbus clouds shrouding my less than impressive pectoral muscles.. i would have to say that there is a distinct smell of familiarity about you..

anyhu.. drongos my man... excellent work yet again... these guys would be an excellent alternative to "busker and barney" :deal:

"If all u give is all u get..... WHY GIVE?"
...Leonard Nimoy in "What's up SPOCK?"

Drongo Stabbins

08-11-2002, 09:32 PM

Just a quick thanks to...
...phil
...KayosIII
...zenzmurfy
...mneon
...and Brain_Donor
Thanks for the support and taking the time! :beer:
really appreciate it!

amish_boy

08-12-2002, 06:07 PM

:buttrock: it's amazing... for me... the best pictures i have seen in this contest. :thumbsup:

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