CGTalk - Character: popstar girl

sasquatch

08-23-2002, 04:00 AM

Steven, that's beautiful. I'm shelving my objections over cheesiness, because that is one knockout model. I like the almost painterly effect you get on the skintones (I won't ask you to divulge any trade secrets ;) ) Only the hair makes me do a doubletake; someting's off with the specularity; I don't think it's tight enough. But that's just my opinion, anyway.

Great stuff.

sas

dave_baer

08-23-2002, 04:18 AM

Damn you! I quit!....

"Mom! Is it still too late to get that burger flippin' job?"

:D

Aura

08-23-2002, 04:22 AM

Wow, the greatest work i saw these days!
5 STAR from me!Nothing to crit!!!
Keep post!
:love:

derelict

08-23-2002, 04:24 AM

Wow! She is great looking!

Er, she kinda reminds me of this girl in the hit tv series "Dawson creek".

As always you create cg goddess.:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

ps: you in KL? Is there a slightest possibility of me going up there to bother you? Hehe. I could help sweep your floor...

bored alien

08-23-2002, 04:34 AM

Heh. Certainly not my type at all, but the fact that I'm even mentioning that means you've done a great job with modelling etc. :thumbsup: Is most of your animation still along the lines of lip-synch and short tests, or are you getting this girl into a full-fledged story? I'd love to see that. (...I think. See opening comment. ;) )

Dr_Pepper

08-23-2002, 05:07 AM

Its always a pleasure to see your work... but I feal depress now.

I spend 10 minutes to find somes errors in your model but I have nothing to say!

PERFECT JOB ! :airguitar

____________________________
3dFrench

Lunatique

08-23-2002, 05:53 AM

Good stuff!

I have a couple of C&C:

1) Her hair looks a bit too simplified compared the the rest of her head. It's an inconsistency issue in the style context. For example, you made her hair similar to something Gil elvgren would paint, which is simplified in masses, without any wispy details, yet the hairs elsewhere(eyebrows, eyelashes) are at a whole different detail level. That throws me off a bit. I would say at least put more detail in your hair texture to balance it out a bit, especially towards the roots since it's the closest thing to the eyebrow, and seems the most blurry.

2) This is something I've noticed in your work in general-- your morph targets tend to fall in the "realistic but not asethetic" category. Your neutral faces are always gorgeous, and you seem to flex your aesthetic judgement muscles the most when making the neutral faces. But when it comes time to do the morph targets, you seem to let your rational muscles take over and kick the aesthetic muscles half-way out the window.

It's a matter of what NOT to show. You are an accomplished 2D artist, so you know exactly what I'm talking about. Some distortions in the wrinkles and muscles are just best left in a more subtle state, in order to preserve the aesthetic look. I'm pretty sure you can still hit all the emotions your character needs to express without distorting their features past the invisible line of unattractiveness.

I only raise the issue because your main focus has always been the virtual beauty--and beauty they must remain, at all times, whether they are crying, laughing, or angry.

*whew* I typed too much. I hope it helps in some way.

sasquatch

08-23-2002, 06:01 AM

Lunatique:

This is something I've noticed in your work in general-- your morph targets tend to fall in the "realistic but not asethetic" category. Your neutral faces are always gorgeous, and you seem to flex your aesthetic judgement muscles the most when making the neutral faces. But when it comes time to do the morph targets, you seem to let your rational muscles take over and kick the aesthetic muscles half-way out the window.
The facial expressions are actually my favourite part of the model. That fact that Steven is meticulous about the muscle definition in his morph targets is the only thing that saves his work from becoming a caricature. I find his expressions some of the best I've seen, in terms of subtlety and realism. And thanks to this, they are always beautiful. The neutral poses of his faces are, if anything, a little generic (sorry Steven, I'm aware of your pursuit of a classical beauty). The faces only come to life when posed in some way.

Disclaimer: beauty is subjective blah blah blah, etc, etc. This is just my personal opinion, as your post was yours. :D

sas

Stahlberg

08-23-2002, 06:10 AM

Thanks all!
Derelict - sure you can come visit, no need to bring a broom either. Just bring your lovely cousin... j/k

Lunatique - good points. Perhaps instead of making the hair more real I should simplify and stylize the eyebrows...
The gaping morftarget - I think it's hard to make someone look attractive in every extreme expression AND maintain a character that looks alive and alert when it talks. I think it's this 'liveliness' (for want of a better term) that we call charm. If you look at an actress frame by frame (or anybody for that matter) as she's acting through something dynamic, sooner or later you'll come across a frame where she looks plain silly or worse. But in real life we don't consciously notice that frame, just subconsciously - it adds spice and energy to the animation; without it you get something flatter, more boring, I think. But I'm sure you're right I can still improve all my morftargets a lot. :)

edit: sasquatch thanks, just saw your post now. I agree about the generic thing. :)

Lunatique

08-23-2002, 06:37 AM

Ahh, that's very true. I didn't think about it that way. I suppose as long as the character's more "severe" expressions don't stay on the screen for more than a fraction of a second, she'll retain her beauty and also the liveliness of the animation.

About simplifying her eyebrows-- I've always wondered if it is possible to make a 3D chick that matches the simplicity of the 1950's pinup look. I mean, the way those oil paintings are rendered is just right in the amount of detail. Once again, Gil Elvgren is a perfect example. How would one achieve that look with 3D? I mean, you can paint the textures with the oil painting look, and maybe tweak the shaders and the renderer too to soften the hard edges of your objects?

Sharky

08-23-2002, 07:14 AM

As usual a very impressive work ... :applause: :applause: :applause:

the eyelashes (I hope this is word) down the eyes seem to be too far from the eye border don't they ?... you see what I mean ?

Werner

08-23-2002, 08:04 AM

Wow, this gives me motavation to rework my girl model!!

Good work Stahlberg.

...just one thing...I think the hair texture could be worked on more.

FCBS

08-23-2002, 08:09 AM

amazing - great - aweinspiring - etc :)

Although.. looking at her face I'd say shes more of a woman then a girl.

Vic3k

08-23-2002, 09:29 AM

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:buttrock: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:beer: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:buttrock: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:bounce:

lildragon

08-23-2002, 09:29 AM

A HA!! so this is what you have been working on :D great model, superb actually, the skin has a very painterly feel to it..

The only two things that bother me are the tear (if it's one of those fashion statements nevermind :)) and the creasing in the shoulders in the last pic, from what I can see it's a really deep crease.

But overall quite incredible

salud!

CarlCampbell

08-23-2002, 09:38 AM

I'm gonna point out the same as sasquatch, the hair looks real great, and the strand detail is cool. However, the specularity on it is like if the hair were a mesh, if you know what I mean. Other than that, excellent work! :thumbsup:

Carl :beer:

New

08-23-2002, 09:49 AM

You rule Stahlberg :)

Reality3D

08-23-2002, 09:50 AM

No, your girls rules 8)

PotatoHead

08-23-2002, 09:53 AM

WOW!!! that really kix ass!! i cant even imagine how much work that took. i'm awestriken....:thumbsup:
:buttrock: :eek: :surprised :beer:

YEA!

New

08-23-2002, 09:55 AM

Boh!

...

Both rules! X)

derelict

08-23-2002, 09:56 AM

... i gotta find a new, less distracting avatar soon. Hmmm....

I'll change it as soon as i can take my eyes away from popstar girl here. Hmmmm.... i wish.....

edit: So, you took how long to model her... 5 years? 10 years maybe? Any hint?

Hookflash

08-23-2002, 09:59 AM

Wow... Very, very cool. Do you use subd's? Have you created any men yet? Anyways, awesome model (I want to see her animated!).

psil

08-23-2002, 10:00 AM

Unnh.:drool: :applause:

can't crit, won't crit

Rudity

08-23-2002, 10:23 AM

But I'm sure you're right I can still improve all my morftargets a lot.

So modest :) When the first virtual reality machine is invented you can be my modeler ok?
I like it very much. The way she is standing is just awesome.
And you admit you have room for improvement...... WHOA!!! Great work. To make your work the greatest though put freckles on your girls.
I love freckles.. heheheh
Ok way off on a tangent there.
Ill agree about the hair suggestions that were stated.
Thats the only thing that i looked at for a sec and thought " i dont really like that. But Stahlberg wanted it to be like that.... soooo maybe i should make hair like that on all my models".. LOL.
Man if you make a mistake we all gotta follow along and do the same.. hehe
Well man i like your work. Sorry if my critique isn't constructive enough =(
can't wait to see more.
see yeah around
Squirrel Boy

prayas

08-23-2002, 10:25 AM

WOW! Is that enough to praise you and your skillz. Hmm no.
outstanding!

Only little critics. the hair is not as good a it can be i think.

P..:

www.prayorpanic.com

Marcel

08-23-2002, 10:32 AM

Somehow the right corner of her lip strikes me as being too wide. Makes her lips look tube-like. Maybe it is exactly how it should be, in that case ignore my comment :).

http://members.rott.chello.nl/mvijfwinkel/mouth.jpg

The fact that I'm nitpicking on details like this is tells a lot about the quality of your work, amazing stuff!

The question "how long did you work on this model" is a very interesting one. After you've made as many heads as you did, do you whip out a new head in a day, or are you still struggling for a weeks? Is it still a challenge for you to model heads like these?

tomb

08-23-2002, 10:40 AM

As always Steven, excellent work. That top and the hot pants look amazing - you used the A|W diffraction shader, right? The stick-on tear is a nice touch and the skin as always is perfect.

Just a few comments. There seems to be a small lump in the corners of the mouth on the singing morph target. Maybe the corners should be a bit thinner.

As other people have also commented the hair doesn't quite cut it. It looks quite painted or dull. It might need a bit more specular with slightly lower diffuse or an Anistropic shader. I've noticed that even very blonde hair has patches of dark brown, red and black. The lightness is dependent on the angle of of the strands of hair to the viewer - ie the more front on the hair the lighter. Hair tends to be very high contrast.
This is a pretty daggy 80's hairstyles image but it demonstrates what I'm talking about: http://www.stylesonvideo.com/styles/blondsho.jpg

Love your work! Cheers.

moojuice

08-23-2002, 10:55 AM

I would be a fool to say that you are anything other than extremely talented... but as a couple of other people have said - it would be great to see your skills turned to a different topic.

Your female characters always look fantastic and I know that you've done a couple of male figures (and vehicles) - and of course that you've been doing this stuff for a while now...

But, looking at the last couple of models I've seen you post they all have that "Stalhberg" look to them, not a bad thing to have a look of course... but I can't help thinking that when you sit down to do a project like this you just go through the motions and end up with a stunning model, yet ultimately similar to others you've created... (just glancing between this excellent model - and your avatar FE)

This isn't meant to sound harsh - it's genuinely exciting to see your personal projects... but it would be even more exciting to see something brand new out of the Stahlberg Stable(tm) ;)

On the Morphtarget/Blendshape issue - I think that over the top expressions aren't neccesarily a bad thing, as you said yourself - when you pause an actress going through some dramatic motions she pulls some crazy expressions.

You can pause sportsmen mid jump/land/tackle and see them in incredibly unnatural poses (limbs bend awkwardly...etc) - and catch the most beautiful actress with half shut eyes and a wonky jaw mid-speech...

However - as well as these awkard positions disappear (and aid fluidity) in animation, they simply don't work in still shots... I think that's why your morph's seem a little over the top. An actress may pull that face, but it's something you'd never see for more than 0.2 of a second on screen. So when you have more time that that to look at it, it seems a little odd!

It is another beautiful model, I really like the cloth 'folds' between her breasts, excellent. :D

pixologie

08-23-2002, 11:15 AM

impressive!!:love:

flamedevil

08-23-2002, 11:17 AM

Ohhh AWESOME !!!!
Excellent modeling and textures, nothing to crit.

:airguitar :airguitar :airguitar
:thumbsup:

Matt

08-23-2002, 11:22 AM

I've seen better.

.

.

.

.

.

.

In real life!

GREAT JOB Steve!

Stahlberg

08-23-2002, 11:55 AM

Wow, even bigger thanks now... :) I gotta go home now so I'll just post a quick one, sorry if I miss some of your questions, if so I'll try to get them tomorrow -
Yes the hair is geometry, and yes now that I see this feedback everybody agreeing on it I realize that I have to work more on it. I guess I kinda use up all my creative energy on faces and bodies... :)
The lips' corners too, yes there's something funny going on there on the morf target, gotta fix that.
About subject matter - I might go on to something else if I could just reach critical mass with these girls - if just one of all my projects and ideas using them could take off (meaning get funded). Up to now I've been working on them alone in my spare time, this explains why I haven't got more animation to show. I don't know, guess I'm just stubborn. I'd like to go back to still images, I'd love to create a calendar or a graphic novel or something, but there's really no time for that right now.
Well, goodnight!

Ckerr812

08-23-2002, 11:58 AM

As always, that's amazing.:drool: You really are a true artist's artist Mr.Stahlberg.

Btw, do you make any of your animations or images for Broadcast ,film amd or video games? I would sure buy them just to have a copy for inspiration :)

*edit* Whoops, you just answered my question already. If you are animating the hair, did you use morph targets on the hair?

I dunno, I would think that the new Shave for Maya could really help with this, I think they would be foolish not to give you a free copy so you could supply them with some great images like that.

d_hansbury

08-23-2002, 12:20 PM

Great model and anatomy but here forearm bone seems to protrude out just a little, almost like it's sharp.

Aside from that, everything else works.

Sausage

08-23-2002, 12:24 PM

I'd like to get a closer look at the shader/texture of that top she's wearing.

As per usual, great model. However, it would be nice to see you branch off and do something different.

sanciok

08-23-2002, 01:09 PM

Steven!!! Your work is awesome! I love it!! :applause: :applause:
The face and body are fantastic to me!!!
i have only one crit... (maybe is a ridicolous one...)

As her "shirt" sustain the glasses and as the left "ribbon" (sorry... don't know how to say) is not on the shoulder, there must be some more wrinkles on there, because of the weight of the glasses... The "shirt" doesn't seem as tight as it can sustain glasses like that...

hope this helps!!!

BTW
GREAT WORK!!!

:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

Grey

08-23-2002, 01:38 PM

Stephen,

are you using morph targets excluisively for the jaw motion?

coCoKNIght

08-23-2002, 01:39 PM

This model of yours we' ve already been able to see a lot (with small variations) and of course it's GREAT!!

What I do especially like of this vs. is her expression, I like it a lot, makes her look like she' s really got a heart modelled in there ;)

G Nilsson

08-23-2002, 02:00 PM

hallå

maybe im wrong but i think the arms are a little bit too short.

/G Nilsson

edit: OOPS im sorry... just checked some reference and the arms arent too short (they just look like it :)

Sausage

08-23-2002, 02:32 PM

Yeah.. I'd agree.... either the arms are too short or the legs are too big. There's something that's not quite right there.

I wouldn't agree with the popstar girl title. It looks more like a woman trying to look like a teenie-bopper chartster...but inevitably.. has an element of "mutton dressed as lamb".

I think it must be the face that causes this. She has a more mature looking face than you would associate with a girly pop star.

Toeng.com

08-23-2002, 02:37 PM

Damn, gotta love that girl :)
nice work m8 :)

Wiro

08-23-2002, 02:39 PM

Nice one Steven

My crit is that you seem to put alot (years!) of time into the creation and refining of these models but I don't think you put enough effort into the accessories like clothes, jewelry, etc. Some of your models in your gallery seem like they only have bumpmaps for clothes.

This one looks better but it's still not a very thought-out design...for being a popstar she does wear a bit, for lack of other words, "tarty" clothes.

Also you don't seem to have put much details into the straps and the necklace.

I think this a shame because your models deserve better than that!
I'd also love to see more scenes around them. Your models are great but they are also very similar. it would be nice with some more variety in either the model (different proportions in legs/torso/new face/fat/anorexic/huge breasts/small breasts/etc) or put into interesting scenes.

As for this model itself, the body is great albeit a very mature looking body for being a young popstar. I don't find her face as beautiful as in some of your older models. It's a subjective opinion but I find her mouth to be too small. The one in your avatar looks warmer.

Hope I'm not sounding too harsh, I just want to state my opinion and hope to give some constructive crits.

Wiro

Baldasseroni

08-23-2002, 03:03 PM

The model is reasonably well modelled and textured, although there are some evident unperfections.
I have to totally agree with Wiro about the need for more variety, asimmetry and a bit more characterization in clothes.
I think that as a popstar she really lacks in personality.

Anyway it is a really nice work

Gianluca

08-23-2002, 03:10 PM

Optimal job Steven, you remain always a point of reference for all the artists 3d. :buttrock:

aloa

wgreenlee1

08-23-2002, 03:22 PM

:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

*bows to the modeling god Stahlberg*

RicoD

08-23-2002, 03:51 PM

:drool: If this is for print, I hope they'll print it on plastic ! All my drooling can't be good for the paper ! Amazing stuff !

derelict

08-23-2002, 04:05 PM

The model is reasonably well modelled and textured...
Eklettica, u think it is reasonably modelled... you say it like you're taking a stroll. REASONABLY MODELLED? I guess you must be better than him then? Show me?

Derelict is getting defendsive here because if Steve's model is only REASONABLE then there ain't hope for meeeeee! Boohu! Wahhh!!!

Mom! eklettica hit me! MA?

.......reasonably well modelled.

Stever

08-23-2002, 04:16 PM

Nice work Steven,
Here's a crit...Unclear if those are shades or specs on her.

Wiro

08-23-2002, 04:31 PM

Well Derelict, for what it's worth I too think it's only "reasonably well" modeled. I've seen better ones in these forums not to mention from Steven Stahlberg himself!

The body is great but his earlier models had more character in their faces I think.

Let people state their opinions without trying to bash them with your own...why does he have to be better than Steven to critisize? If you dislike a movie, is your opinion worthless because you're not a director?

Wiro

sanhueza

08-23-2002, 04:46 PM

Mr. Stahlberg, some day I shall surpass you. And then I will eat your brain to steal your power...

Truly excellent work, I've been a fan of yours since I started studying animation. I can't wait until you are able to show us this model fully animated (singing and dancing perhaps?)

Oh, and I was only joking about eating your brain. Seriously. Just a joke. Honest. Ummmm...... yeah....

- Me

www.sanhueza.com

Miron

08-23-2002, 04:47 PM

She is so beautiful!!!:thumbsup: :buttrock:

Ckerr812

08-23-2002, 05:01 PM

Originally posted by Wiro
Well Derelict, for what it's worth I too think it's only "reasonably well" modeled. I've seen better ones in these forums not to mention from Steven Stahlberg himself!

The body is great but his earlier models had more character in their faces I think.

Let people state their opinions without trying to bash them with your own...why does he have to be better than Steven to critisize? If you dislike a movie, is your opinion worthless because you're not a director?

Wiro

I make it a point not to criticize if I have never done it before, or if I can't do better, mainly because you could ask anybody there opinion about things, and they can give you an answer but if they don't know how to correct it or they don't have experinace in he subject then what's the point? It's like would you want a fat person telling you how to lose weight?

I was always under the impression this is a critque forum, not a opinion/rant forum.

As for opinions on movies, I do think opinions on movies is worthless unless you actually have the power to change it, if alot of people agree with you or you were actually asked to give your opinion. but then again..that's just IMHO. ;)

Larry_g1s

08-23-2002, 05:04 PM

wow...Simply amazing! Great job there :thumbsup: !

Baldasseroni

08-23-2002, 05:21 PM

Originally posted by derelict

Eklettica, u think it is reasonably modelled... you say it like you're taking a stroll. REASONABLY MODELLED? I guess you must be better than him then? Show me?

Derelict is getting defendsive here because if Steve's model is only REASONABLE then there ain't hope for meeeeee! Boohu! Wahhh!!!

Mom! eklettica hit me! MA?

.......reasonably well modelled.

Yes , and i repeat it, reasonably modelled.
Hey...i did not say it sucks..i simply meant that it is a nice model, not the best of Sthalberg in my opinion and not better than other good models on the board and on the net.
I think that nobody can be exempt from criticism, nor you , nor me , nor Sthalberg, you can agree or disagree with my opinion, but u have to respect it in a democratic community unlessl i really offend someone, without flaming me because i "touched" one of your favourites.
Then if u want to check my artworks feel free to do it...without any claim from me to be better or worse than Sthalberg.
We are all here to confront ourselves , possibly to improve , and why not...have fun), am i wrong?

(wow...did i really wrote all this words in english???? ^_^)

Ciao, Ale

derelict

08-23-2002, 05:31 PM

Wow! i got a personal reply from my other idol Mr Wiro himself:)

Well, its official than. There is no hope for me....:)

Wonder what makes you people tick when it comes to 3D?

I have been REALLY learning 3D like 6 months now, and i don't think i'm going anywhere with it.:(

Wiro, hope you understand from my point of view. To me, the pcs in this thread is what i hope to achieve in a couple of years time and i dream that i could model half as good during these time through hard work... very hard work!

There is a timetable set in my mind's eye. To achieve a standard for myself. It is base on a few gurus out there. 10 of them actually (you included).So, reading a posting stating how reasonable the model was... something inside me snap.

Yes, i was very very angry! but i know i have to be REASONABLE about it and i also know i had to say something...

Hence my strongest reply...but with a little humour in it to blunt the edge of my comment.

I suppose it fail, huh?

...anyway you're right Wiro, i stand corrected. There is no place for temper here. So, sorry Eklettica I never intended to pick a fight with you. It felt so right than, i hope you understand.

voyer

08-23-2002, 05:47 PM

The expression on her face is amazing......
Looks like a pinup style just as your work always does...
I love the airbrushed quality that your work has.
You bring cheascake to life my friend, like no one else can.

(by cheasecake im reffering to the works of Olivia, Vargas, Petty...etc..)

dixon at work

08-23-2002, 06:26 PM

I want to say this in good content. I don't mean harsh or that that I don't like your work. I think you've got one of the best sense of feel for woman anatomy. But one thing is that alote of your work seem to be very similar in look and I know that its hard to mix stuff up sometimes. but I would love to see more diversity . One as someone who enjoys your work as art and someone you looks to it as a chance to learn something. I hope I don't sound like an ass.

Adam

08-23-2002, 06:27 PM

very great model I really like the character but...

The biggestproblem is the necklace and the hair line. They both seem low quality compared to the rest of the work..

Still amazing work

Neo85

08-23-2002, 06:38 PM

Hair's aren't good... another way is a very very impressive work :buttrock: :buttrock:

chlywly

08-23-2002, 06:49 PM

great work as always but know whats weird? all your woman have the same face?? its strange I meen they are small in different ways but if you look close they all look the same lol

behzad

08-23-2002, 07:16 PM

Nice work, been a fan of yours for a while.

:)

JJ3d

08-23-2002, 08:06 PM

Good Work ! :buttrock:
Very inspiring !

As Usual !

Keep post please!

HapZungLam

08-23-2002, 08:40 PM

Originally posted by Neo85
Hair's aren't good... another way is a very very impressive work :buttrock: :buttrock:

yes, the hair doesn't look as good as your old projects.

Obsti

08-23-2002, 08:42 PM

AWSOME!!!

EXCELLENT WORK...

chillfillan

08-23-2002, 10:07 PM

Shes awesome! Amazing as always, which always amazes me:)
Love the tear

googlo

08-23-2002, 10:32 PM

I think the model is really good. I don't agree with the some people on here saying that her expression pose isn't pretty enough or something. Most snap shots of people in the middle of talking, laughing, or whatever don't usually look too nice :). I think the thing that stuck out the most to me was her tongue. I think it needs more texture on it because it looks too smooth and flat. When I say texture, I mean like the way a normal tongue breaks up light because of the tastbuds all over it, it's subtle but when it's not there, to me it's one of those things that stands out about something being off when you don't always know why but can feel it.

Lorex

08-23-2002, 11:20 PM

one of the most difficult thing in 3d characters is to actually breathe a little life into them so you feel they could actually convey emotions, be part of a story. And I think Stalhberg was one of the first to achieve this and this latest model of his is no exception. I'm sure I could find something, some detail that made me tick if I'd look really closely, but nothing really bothers me as a whole, she looks pretty hot and alive and, to me, that's already quite impressive. Of course the more realistic you get and the harder it gets for the character to be 100% believable at all times and I quite like the fact that Mr Stalhberg is going back to a more illustrative style rather than photorealism at all cost. I don't know... It just looks better.
as to wether she looks like a popstar, a la Britney, well I think she looks more like a twenty-something than a teenager but ... I don't really care.

NowhereMan

08-24-2002, 12:25 AM

Yeah, dats da man....

Amazing, awesome, great, superb, jawdropin, hmmmm what else?? GOD-LIKE!!! I like it a lot, that painterly look its really awesome, very unique style. The accessories and clothing are just too great...it all goes cool and smooth. Not to speak of that killer expression...really great. I´m a big fan of steve´s works. I dont think its "reasonably well modeled" at all... i see many "reasonably well modeled" things in WIP sections of many 3d community sites and so many other finished arts by lots of artists. Many times, artists that thinks that his works are above the "reasonably well done" level. I think this one is FAAAAAAARRRRRRRRR above them.

I have one critique: the hair looks great but if you use some hair plugin like MAX shag hair (i know u use maya, but dont know the plug´s name) instead of making poly hair, the results could be even better and it would be more photorealistic if this is your desire.

We all know there´s always room to improvement, specially on "photorealistic" human modeling. "ABSOLUTELY PERFECT" things does not exist. Its obvious. So please... "reasonably well modeled"?????????:annoyed:
nah...nah...maybe not.:shame:

Congrats Steve!! Superb girl as always. The legs never loooked so good to me. Keep posting!! :bounce: :bounce:

Spozzfreund

08-24-2002, 12:57 AM

Very good! :love:
Your flamethrowergirl is one of my favourites.

dark_lotus

08-24-2002, 02:17 AM

Firstly FANTASTIC WORK, however a small number of things strike me as needing improvement:

1. Bump map on the face
2. The ears are too soft.
3. Lack of skin blemishes. (even airbrushed models have slight blemishes)
4. Hair and hair line.

I do think the clothing is PHENOMINAL! She kinda reminds me of Sophie Ellis Bextor.( [3D] Model on the dance floor)

Great work.

ironbearxl

08-24-2002, 03:04 AM

You know, sometimes a model is made that speaks for itself. All I can say is STUNNING. Please release a book with your models, and I will be the first one to buy it. I really dont mind the hair at all, I prefer it to the doll like hair i've often seen with shag hair. As for the arm length I thinks its really up to you, I think the crease of the fore arm could be lowered a little but the arm is fine otherwise. As for the glasses issuee, they seem fine imho, her breast hold her shirt in place hence one strap lightly falling off one shoulder. Also if the glasses are made of a light material (plastic?) then they wouldn't weight down a tight fitting shirt. Oh yeah and i've seen britney spears dress way more provacatively!!! Great work overall. :applause: :thumbsup: :beer:

lyppeter

08-24-2002, 03:19 AM

oh my everything perfect! maybe better than square this girl is more beautiful :p
but do u know what the character ¡°Óê¡± mean?;P in chinese it meas "rain" and nice name!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

s2a-adamk

08-24-2002, 04:13 AM

Hey - Nice job. I have a question about your 3dboxx - feel free to reply via email if you want.

Last year I came close to ordering a pair of boxxes for my small studio. But after 2 weeks of asking for proof of the "special sauce" - they could only say the systems were "faster" and more stable. In the end I bought 4 generic dual 933s for the same price.

My question: In your opinion is the Boxx really that much better than a normal cpu? Worth the 50% more in $$?

thanks,
a

Technofreak

08-24-2002, 05:17 AM

luv the expression in her eyes , only one crit ...i noticed maybe
that her neck might be a bit thick in the top right shot?
mebbe just me

great work :applause:

Yiorgz

08-24-2002, 06:07 AM

I'm guessing that part of the reason why Steven's girls look similar could be that they all come from the same base mesh ?

http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9618&perpage=20&highlight=phone%20girl&pagenumber=3

There was talk in another thread about reusing a basic cage to make all your character models. This was because it saves time. I think things can begin looking the same though if you don't really make the right changes to the base mesh (eg. the poser girls).

Either way Mr. Stahlberg, your work is inspiring and I know it's pushed lots of people to work harder on their own projects.

Thanks for sharing your work with us.

urgaffel

08-24-2002, 10:17 AM

Originally posted by Stahlberg
I'd like to go back to still images, I'd love to create a calendar or a graphic novel or something, but there's really no time for that right now.

A calendar would indeed be a nice idea. The chair image, the black and white image from the side for example. And some others of course :)

Since you've already got 6 pages of thoughts ranging from incredible to so-so, I'll just say that I like what you've got I'm looking forward to seeing her on mtv ;)

Heja Sverige! (had to)

Gotham

08-24-2002, 11:06 AM

popstar girl?

Hmmm, yessss...

Very nce work!

Wiro

08-24-2002, 02:19 PM

Hey Derelict, I didn't mean any offence. Check your PM!

Wiro

xsilentpepe

08-24-2002, 03:03 PM

Great...but this time i like her clothes better than herself..
The Chinese character looks a little bit...uh..strange for
me...:shrug: But i think most of people will like that...Well,maybe
that explains the tear drop on her face... :hmm:

ghZaaaRK

08-24-2002, 05:14 PM

yo Steven! i'm not totally Happy!
there's a prob! the top of ear isn't Real!! look! :)))
it's a joke! i like really your works.

it's just that somebody makes me laugh (again) with very Stupid Critics!!!!!!!!!!!! (oh yes)

bye

alphastudios

08-24-2002, 05:23 PM

Hats off steve......:thumbsup:

JacquesD

08-24-2002, 06:16 PM

That's a good modeling work, I don't know if you go for realism
but if that's so, I think you need some textures work, specially skin and hair.

Great work though. :)

Paata

08-24-2002, 11:28 PM

Very cool expression of face!!!

hhmaya

08-25-2002, 03:28 AM

is beautiful girl!
The facial expression do a good jobs!!!
:cool:

anticz

08-25-2002, 08:39 AM

Always a pleasure to see new stuff from you Mr.Stahlberg!!!

malfunkshun

08-25-2002, 04:24 PM

does she get nekkid?

Stahlberg

08-26-2002, 02:11 AM

Excellent feedback here - very useful.
It seems pretty unanimous that the hair should be better, I'll work on it.
All my girls look the same... to an extent, yes.
Based on the same low-res base mesh - no, it's more than that for the girls. If I have to do a really different character, like a man or child or old person, I take that basic mesh and start over from there. But for girls I usually use the latest finished version of my girl head.
The thing is, I'm not trying to simply make cool still images here, or show off my skills, or create lots of different cool characters... I'm trying to create one single character that can take on a commercial project and pull it off. A lot of the 'sameness' you see is simply me using my latest version actress for a still image, then I work on her some more and make another still. But the stills are not really the goal, they're more like tests I guess. Maybe I should focus more on the stills, like in the old days. When I have more time... :)

Accessories and clothing, I'll definitely do my best to pay more attention to them in the future.
Her age - yes sorry I shouldn't call her a 'girl' I suppose, twenty-something sounds fine to me.
Malfunkshun - she could easily be naked, in fact I'd welcome not having to mess with clothing as a huge relief, but I live in Malaysia now and they frown on that sort of thing here... as they do in many other places too... :)

derelict

08-26-2002, 02:34 AM

...Malaysia 'frown' on that sort of thing...
Hahaha. How polite of you Stahlberg, from what i know they might very well deport you before you could even know what happen. J/k.

Nice place however, my favourite vacation destination (everything is so cheap!), nice and polite people as long as you don't drive on their road. :scream:

Now back to the point, is there a possibility of seeing an action sequence of one of your character to show the full glory of your character(s). It would be nice to see her riding a single wheel cycle down a highway... or something like that (see, no need for lipsync).

I know you're busy, i just thought it would be great to flesh out one of your character(s) more against creating another super model.

Your fan always.

Dere

lcd15000

08-26-2002, 03:25 AM

great work man keep it up

D. Phoenix

08-26-2002, 04:26 AM

Excellent-

This is definitely some superior work; I would surely like to see more of this model.

Looking forward to any song and dance you're working on too, Steven.

-D. Phoenix

bcole23

08-31-2002, 11:36 PM

I was just looking at your pic..

Did you know the Kanji (Chinese character) on her necklace means 'rain'?

("ame" in Japanese, don't know how to say it in Mandarin)

proton

09-01-2002, 03:45 AM

Perfect 3d...but I wouldn't think you would deliver anything but perfect work....as always great work! It just keeps getting better!

Savage_Henry

09-01-2002, 10:04 AM

Cant wait to see more

Stahlberg

09-02-2002, 04:18 AM

Thanks!
Yes I know about the kanji character, I asked some chinese colleagues here to help me with that. (Her name is supposed to be "Rhayne"... That explains that fake teardrop too.) :)

tazmanian

09-02-2002, 05:42 AM

WOw..... Amazing steven ...... Im waiting for more rendered images !!!!!! :bounce: :thumbsup:

CactusJack

09-03-2002, 07:53 PM

Keep up the awsome work! I've been an admirer of your work for quite some time...I'm just in aw that you would grace us with your presence in this forum...:applause:

the_jonas

09-03-2002, 10:05 PM

how long time have you worked on that model to get that result?
awsome, have 2 use a electro-microscope 2 find any errors on that model :buttrock:

Stahlberg

09-04-2002, 06:34 AM

Thanks, I've been working on it for years, this is like version 4.1 or something.

facial

09-04-2002, 02:04 PM

Hey, It is so nice so far, post mroe.....:buttrock: :buttrock:

ddv

09-04-2002, 03:02 PM

i love the chinese character on her neck

that means rainning in chinese

:thumbsup:

CactusJack

09-04-2002, 03:56 PM

If you haven't already, you should post a link to your site so everyone can take a good look at all of the glorious things you've done...:applause:

I'd do it, but can't remember it off the top of my head...It's been a while since I've visited your galleries...:scream:

...and uh, well,...I'd like to visit it again...:drool:

If my memory serves me well, you did the "biker girl", didn't you? All I can say is...I :love: that one...

:buttrock:

tuba3d

09-13-2002, 02:59 PM

Amazing work.... Really impressive...

Did you make any animation with your girls???

Post more:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Matt

09-13-2002, 09:31 PM

Can we get some nude renders?/

typeA

09-14-2002, 09:01 PM

great as allways im gona spare you the few nitpicks..im your bigest fan:beer:

lmc

09-24-2002, 02:34 AM

Amazing...u re Malaysian?! great to know it:applause: :thumbsup: :beer:

Lunatique

09-24-2002, 02:49 AM

Errr... He's Swedish. He just moved to Malaysia recently.

Stahlberg

09-24-2002, 06:48 AM

CactusJack, here's the link:
http://www.androidblues.com

Matt, here's one:

http://www.androidblues.com/nude1.jpg

tuba3d, yes there are animations, not that great due to the difficulties of realism, and lack of time, but I'm kinda happy with the latest one, where she's singing in closeup. I'll try to get that on the web somehow.

pigbelly

09-24-2002, 07:04 AM

You make the world of 3D beautiful!

VERY well lit! and of course modelled:-))

I would love to see you model a monster but that's just my fetish speaking:-)))

/Tommie

ironbearxl

09-24-2002, 01:43 PM

That is FLAWLESS!!!! :applause:
How about one with her popstar sunglasses on?

Gotham

09-24-2002, 04:47 PM

Is there any place in web, where I can find test renders of your work? You known... 15-20 renders of model tests, pose tests or skin tests... With your comments, what (and why) do you repair? You know what I think about?

BTW. Your work is incredible! But... Its only one step to virtual love... Hihi

epasinet

09-24-2002, 05:07 PM

INCREDIBLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
Stahlberg you are a MITO!!!!!

enrico

slaughters

09-24-2002, 05:56 PM

Originally posted by Lunatique
Errr... He's Swedish. He just moved to Malaysia recently. Steven must get around a lot. Last I remember he was here in Texas (Austin).

Hmmm.... Interesting render idea. A Swedish-Malaysian-Texan !

Airflow

09-24-2002, 06:24 PM

would ya give her more clothes for gad sake man, she must be freezing :) great modeling mate, it is invisibly hard to get to this level of modeling, lighting and texturing then still find room for improvement, as the details get tinyer and more difficult to create/iron out. but Its great stuff none the less.

Jason-Kane

09-24-2002, 07:38 PM

Great work as always. These women you are creating are very attractive.

I noticed that the clavicles are really hard and square looking. They also seem to be missing some of the dynamic "s" shape and spherical lobes on the end of the prominences.

Dr-spline

09-24-2002, 08:32 PM

wow, that is one of the most impressive models i have ever seen! Seriously!! ... ... its just flawless. Im not much of a maya fan but ill it sure handeled the job nicely here.

Matt R

09-25-2002, 08:07 AM

Just curious...when you rigged her for animation are you using just bones attached directly to the mesh or are you incorporating muscles underneath?

ratbaggy

09-25-2002, 09:03 AM

if only there was someway of printing her out and taking her to dinner!! ;)

awsome attention to detail steven.
I am always in awe of your work.

please keep us up to date.

Stahlberg

09-25-2002, 10:06 AM

Thanks!
Matt R - I use a lowpoly version of the body to smooth-bind to a skeleton, and there are a few extra bones on the skeleton to improve deformations - a couple on the shoulderblades, in the ribcage and pelvis... but mostly I get the deformations I want by using Blendshapes (morftargets) on that lowpoly body, driven by joint rotations. (Then the low-poly body is wrap-deforming the highpoly SubD body.) I think there are about 20 - 25 targets for the body alone right now, no big deal since they're all low-poly.

Jason Kane, you're probably right about the clavicles, I'll put it on my list of things to fix for the next version.

Gotham, sorry no I don't put up a lot of test renders, I agree that would be a cool learning tool for other people, but I'm kinda ashamed of em, and they'd take up server space... :) One day I'd like to make a comprehensive tutorial, complete with images demonstrating what not to do etc, but for now no time...