Machineflesh 3D Challenge Entry: Peter Clevestig

[Peter C.]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/5/3068/3068_1080768868_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/5/3068/3068_1080768868_large.jpg)

“In the not so distant future, mechanical muscle augmentations, successfully used a few years back in prosthetics in the medical field, has finally been accepted in official sports competitions. To the public, the reason was due to the wake of designer pharmaceuticals for performance enhancement that flooded past world sport events, often with devastating results instead of setting new standards. Unofficially, the main reason for this decision was that the limit for human performance had already been reached as very few new world records had been set since many years back, and the public had since long lost its interest and all revenues were down…and the athletes were desperate to be the next one to break new ground….and at any cost!”

Ok, Hi everyone! First time challenger here…

I’m very curious to how this challenge will develop as so many talented artists have decided to participate, and amazing concepts and WIP’s have already started to appear. As for me, 3D is currently only a hobby, and I see this as a great learning experience and a chance to interact with others. So, good luck to all!!

I present my conceptual design for my scene, which will centre on an athlete's gastrocnemus (calf) muscle augmentation, which through very fast and powerful hydraulic pressure, will enhance both speed and strength, and will act as an effective shock absorber, releifing the tibia bone. It actually is more of a replacement…

The concept is quite uncomplicated, but I see my difficulty being the texturing and lighting, as photo-realism is my goal.

As for the sketch, I’m very rusty, so my apologies if it looks like something from a kinder garden wall =P

[ODoul]

Cool idea! (jumps onboard the thread) -- 3d_e

[Cartesius]

Yes, I like this idea! Kör hårt!

/Anders

[jddog]

The mechanical doping, lol

good to see ya ! good luck Peter.

-subscribe-

jdd :D

[soapy]

Hahah, thats more insane than most of the outlandish entrys. Thread subscribed. good luck man.

[mwa]

Like your idea alot Peter, looking forward to see your progress.
Good luck!!!

[Peter C.]

Thank's guy's! :beer:

I started modelling the athlete's footware and have completed the main mesh before adding poly details.

Le me know what you think!

Cheers!

/Peter

http://www.dez3d.com/online_stuff/WIPS/WIP_Modelling1.jpg

[jddog]

hope these shoes don't smell like aftyer the 'use', lol... Great to see the modeling 'etapes'... :thumbsup:

jdd

[Cartesius]

It looks very sleek and slim and that's how these kind of shoes should look like. Keep it up!

/Anders

[Peter C.]

Well, not mych "machineflesh" yet, but I want the easy modelling part over with before I move on to the leg, which I will try to make as detailed as I can.

Critique please! :arteest:

http://www.dez3d.com/online_stuff/WIP2.jpg

[Cartesius]

You're making good progress :) What about making the edges on the "starting device" (vet inte vad det heter ens på svenska) sharper overall ? I seem to recall from school's gym classes that those things had some very sharp edges (I cut my hand on one once) espcially the steel sides with the notches.

Keep it up! :thumbsup:

/Anders

[Peter C.]

Tackar Anders :beer:

The reference images that I found of these devices were very rounded and composed of aluminum, probably for just that reason you mentioned. As for the name, I think their just called "starting blocks", but the again, Im not too much into sports....so that rules out my legs for reference :p

I will however most probably enhance them, and find a way of integration with the leg. Possibly self detachable cables, charging the leg augmentation or something.

Gotta put the thinking cap on!

Cheers!

/Peter

[Cartesius]

You're probably right, today (and in the future) they are most likely rounded, but in my joyful youth (man, I sound old!) they were lethally sharp :)

Two things just hit me:

1. Shouldn't the notches be in an angle in regards to the way the sprinter is facing? Right now they are pretty straight and a heavy push off by the sprinter might cause the foot stand to slip upwards. If the notches were angled the sprinter's push would still press the stand backwards but not upwards. Am I making any sense to you?

2. I really like the under developed chin in your concept sketch!

Now I'm going to watch a bit of Friday the 13th on TV and then go to bed!

/Anders

[Peter C.]

Your totally right Anders, thanks for pointing that out.

I'll just need to move the top poly's a bit forward to tilt the "teeth"

Cheers & good night!

[DB5BOND]

Really like your idea and wip images keep it up :D

[Peter C.]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/5/3068/3068_1081804479_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/5/3068/3068_1081804479_large.jpg)

A work in progress of the athletes leg. Box modelled with much help from Mesh Surgery.

[soapy]

Nice job on the modeling so far Peter. Are those triangles I am seeing? You use c4d correct? What is the deal with triangles and c4d, bad for animation, mostly?

[Peter C.]

Thanks soapy. The triangles you see are mostly quadratic polys, and not triangles. The reason they look that way is because Cinema lacks n-gons. I also have yet to clean up the main mesh, getting rid of the few triangles that are present, so I'll post a wire as soon as Im done to show this.

As for using C4D correctly....I hope I do ;)

[Cartesius]

The leg is looking very good, Peter, with nice muscle definitions and overall shape. :thumbsup:

/Anders

[soapy]

I meant to ask if you use c4d, not whether you use it correctly. I missed a comma, hahah. It certainly looks like you use it correctly. I thought maybe you were using a program that didnt mind triangles. Oh well, one of these days I will learn english...

[Peter C.]

Hehe soapy, then that makes sence :D

[Peter C.]

Ok, have been tweeking the muscles on the leg, started work on the mechanical part and worked on the UV map of the leg in Bodypaint 3D R2.

Let me know how Im doing! :bounce:

http://www.dez3d.com/online_stuff/wip3.jpg

[Cartesius]

That is looking very good and it seems like you have your UV's under control as well! :thumbsup: I'd like to see a close-up of the mechanism connecting the leg to the mechanics, just to see what's going on in that area.

/Anders

[Peter C.]

Thanks Anders. Here's a closeup of the currently crude augmentation. My idea of mech/flesh fusion would be a sort of grid work for the tussue to attach, in which the mechanical part somehow keeps the flesh from not getting infected...or something :hmm:



Please provide me with suggestions, as I want this to be more complex!!

Cheers!

/Peter

http://www.dez3d.com/online_stuff/close.jpg

[Cartesius]

That is looking good! I think your idea about the human tissue "growing" into the intricate metal grid can work very well. The area around the crankshaft and the top of the cylinder looks a bit empty, though. It almost looks too fragile to support the sprinter, if you know what I mean -- the cylinder is the size it should have, I think, but the part where the cylinder meets the crankshaft looks a bit thin. Maybe beef it up a little? I'm too tired to think of anything clever to suggest, so I'll get back to you tomorrow. :thumbsup:

/Anders

[soapy]

Yep looking very nice Peter. But I am not too sure about the numbers leotard he is wearing...

[Virtuoso]

Hi peter.......You have been busy in a good way.....Nice design,nice execution........Bodypaint 3D is sure a nice extra in textures......Doing well here,keep at it.....:thumbsup: :beer:

[Peter C.]

Thank you everyone! BP sure is a wonderfull app, but I have soo much more to learn about it. I took a long time and much effort to stretch and re-align the UV's but hitting the relax UV button att the end sure makes it worth while :thumbsup:

I'll remove the crankshaft completely and extend the piston, adding more wiering, connected to the leg.

Just have to complete a day at work first :banghead:

Cheers!

[jddog]

BP sure is a wonderfull app, but I have soo much more to learn about it. I took a long time and much effort to stretch and re-align the UV's but hitting the relax UV button att the end sure makes it worth while


to lear me too... just I don't know why I can really paint with it... I work with Photoshop since version 3 and is incredibil the pain that I have to work with another 'paint' application...

about re-align and strech... sometimes I prepare the model in a comod way, then I apply bones, so I can easely prepare my UV without comming crazy...

wonderful modelling ! congrats

:banghead: mmm I still finishing my works then I coma back too with my entry... just a week and then :cool: yepee jdd wil back in the challenge...

jdd :D

[mwa]

Stunning work so far, it's nice to see how well you made the mehanics and the flesh work together:thumbsup:

[creativer]

Nice concept. Definately machine flesh!:bounce:

[Peter C.]

Thank you guy's!!!

I have now tweeked the mesh and finalized the mechanical part. Perhaps I'll add something more but im pretty out of ideas right now. I'll start modelling the environment soon and then move onto the texturing.

Here's the current geometry;

http://www.dez3d.com/online_stuff/leg_shade.jpg

And the wireframe (inspired by Virtuoso's wires =);

http://www.dez3d.com/online_stuff/leg_wire.jpg

[Virtuoso]

I am happy to have inspired you in some small way Peter...........And I am happy i did,beacuae that looks really nice.Smooth.Nice modeling,clean as can be,really interesting machine flesh interchange as well...........Looking real nice.....:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Peter C.]

Thank you very much Virtuoso! Your last WIP's are soo stunning, and all your work is inspiering! :thumbsup:

Just wanted to post another test, where I have started my work on the environment. I have, as you can see, added the field, grass and the background. Im gonna take the bull by the horns soon with texturing the leg, thow first I have to get my wife to take pictures of my leg :hmm:

Any suggestions?

Cheers!

Peter C.

http://www.dez3d.com/online_stuff/test_render.jpg

And the wire...

http://www.dez3d.com/online_stuff/leg_wire2.jpg

[Cartesius]

It's looking better and better. :thumbsup: My only concern is that one single wire running from the base into his thigh -- it feels like that would either pop out or rip up his skin when he starts running. Here's what I'm suggesting:

* Keep the metal grid free from all wires -- the skin tissue "need" all that metal for itself in order to fuse properly

* Connect one end of the single wire to the cylinder and the other to the top of the base or bulge -- just pop a small cylinder there to act as connector (the black circles on the image below).

* Move the connections already in contact with the metal up to the bulge as well.

* Extra curriculum: add an extra wire from the base of the cylinder to the heel of the shoe -- just to reinforce the fact that this sprinter is "connected" to everything below his knee.

http://www.cartesiuscreations.com/wips/machineflesh/test_render_suggestion.jpg

These are just suggestions so feel free to completely ignore them. :)

/Anders

[Cartesius]

Oh, I forgot to add that I really like the environment!

/Anders

[Peter C.]

Thats an excellent idea Anders, tackar :thumbsup:

[Cartesius]

You're welcome! :)

/Anders

[soapy]

Wow nice clean mesh Peter. You are almost finished! Looking really good.

I am having a bit of a crisis about may project being all over the place and having miles to go before its done.

One thing I think you might want to look at is the point where the remaining lower leg bone enters the running shoe, I would flare it out a bit. At that point wouldn't the bone already be starting to widen out into the knuckle of the joint? Is knuckle the right term?

[Peter C.]

Thanks for those great suggestions!

Anders, I have now changed the wires as you suggested, and It is much better.

Soapy, I have also added a little widening at the ankle.

Let me know what you think!

http://www.dez3d.com/online_stuff/ggt.jpg

[Peter C.]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/5/3068/3068_1082325843_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/5/3068/3068_1082325843_large.jpg)

I'v started on texturing the leg, based on my own photo's. I also added different colorings in Bodypaint 3D to give it a slight unhealthy look.

[Cartesius]

Looks much better! I'm still a little concerned about that single wire, though ;) Your texturing looks ace as well! :thumbsup:

/Anders

[Peter C.]

Tackar! :beer:

I did extend the wire that goes into the leg, but perhaps not enough as you stated. I'll fix this before by next wip.

[soapy]

Looks good, nice texture. I like where it joins, looks gross..

[Tremoside]

Nice job:thumbsup:

modeling is harmonious with your texture work. I like this strange form of the leg.

[RKurczewski]

Technically You are at very high level, idea is nice but if I'd have to find weak point it's on concept's - image concept that is -side. You are going to display part of a bigger entity and it robbs Your image of story and of tension. It's not a "human with automatic leg"- it is a strange leg and it makes task of creaing some kind of emotional reaction in viewers harder. Just observation- possibly You can handle it perfectly the way You are doing it right now anyway.

[mosconariz]

You have a very smart thread here, you have a simple idea and amazing skills to achieve it perfectly... This is looking very pro! Gongratz! :buttrock:

[JamesMK]

Yes, yes YES!

The textures make it incredibly cool... Gross, yet clean at the same time.... Oogaa booga! Rock on, dude!

[Virtuoso]

Hi Peter.............Ok textures look good,but...............................I think you should stay away from the un-healthy look in this case...........Some entries require the un-healthy look,it all varies from entry to entry for different reasons..................In your case your creation portrays a runner,a pro level athlete,one that must be in top form and shape.......................I think his skin and tone should be vibrant,alive,healthy.....................My thoughts anyway......:)

Also I think the design is very nice,clean,and the modeling too is just as clean and well done..............I think that the wires should be stronger,thicker,more aligned,they appear too flimsy,weak,thin...............The whole look is strong and efficient,but the wires seem out of place,in disaray,like they do not belong with the rest of the leg................These are quite minor nit-picks,and really nothing more than taste issues.What you do have is very nice modeling and design.....................

In fact I would suggest give us the whole body,and done with the same attention to detail and style that you have shown with the leg already.............A nice dynamic pose and a full on action scene................:thumbsup:

Either way< i like your entry,done with attention to detail and a nice clean style..................See you soon,keep at it hard.:buttrock: :beer:

[Peter C.]

Thanks all :beer:

_RK_, your very correct, and I agree. At the same time, this concept is based on the steriotypic athlete action shot one would expect from an ad or something. This is also a time tradeoff for myself, as I have to compromise with time spent on the project, at work, and last but not least with my wife (who goes crazy when I can't hear here talking to me when I'm modelling :p ). However, and as Virtuoso also suggested, I might do the complete character, or at least more of him. Perhaps the arm and hand on the ground, partial torso, haven't decided yet.

Virtuoso, true about the texture. I'll probably completely re-work it with new ref photo textures (that my wife will have to take again of a naked me). I'll then rework the integration part, but I want to retain the red flesh part which interact with the metallic grid, but in a less "infected" way as you have suggested. As for the whole body, I don't think I could manage yet, atleast not in a convincing way. However, I'll try and add more, loge an arm and partial torso.

I'll see if I can do something different with the wires, perhaps increasing their current size could help some. But if someone has another suggestion, please let me know!

Thank you so much soapy, Tremoside, _RK_, mosconariz, JamesMK and Virtuoso for all comments & suggestions ....you guy's :buttrock:

[Tremoside]

Hi Peter C.,

Thanks your notes on my page.

cool things going on here. helathy textures well, agree with.
suggestions: you can operate with a kind of special ground under below the starting position (e.g. micro claws, cells) and shoes may have a special contact with them. :rolleyes:

KEEP UP this job:beer: I's gonna be great

[Cartesius]

I think the pose for the sprinter is just right, there's really no need to show more. Focus is on the mechanical implementation and not on the sprinter as a person.

I agree about the wires being a tad too thin, but on the other hand they need to be thin as to not put too much of resistance when the sprinter is running. I think you can beef them up a bit, though, without loosing credibility.

/Anders

[rattlesnake]

wow i really love the wires u posted they look so good, and also the texturing is amazing!, i wish i can make those kind of perfect texturing for my entry, but i think im not at that level yet:cry: , great work , ill be tunned for more action , this one just rock!!:buttrock:

[Peter C.]

Thanks everyone! I'll rework the wires and also redo the textures, as they need more detail anyway. Thow, Im pressed on time so I won't be able to work on this untill the start of May, but I will definatley follow all your progress :beer:

[Cartesius]

How's it going, Peter, any updates in sight?

/Anders

[Peter C.]

Hey Anders,

I'v had too much work the last few weeks, so I haven't had time to retexture the leg. I'll probably get started again after the next weekend.

Cheers for asking! :beer:

[jddog]

hehe a lot in the same situation, I continue to follow what u do... waiting for the next !!!

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