Races Of Middle Earth - Character - CakeyPigDog

[cakeypigdog]

sorry i couldnt get the attachment to work so i had to go set up a proxy website t link the image in from...hope it works!
all comments and crits welcome:)

it didnt work: tripod wont let it heres the link to the image. sorry.
if anyone can direct me to free webspace that i can upload to from a normal ie browser and that will let me host images from it then please let me know... i am not much cop with the internet:(

http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com/

[Rye]

nice concept cakey :D This is a really cool idea. I love the sketch, but I think your entwife looks a bit like a male with all those muscles. Start modeling soon and find a way to host your images so more people will see it :)

[cakeypigdog]

This is lild Testing image attachment for cakeypigdog

[cakeypigdog]

cheers rye: i like your work too the neck piece on the armour is v. cool. the Entwife is staying man shaped.... i thought the lotr ents were too spindly so i decided that maybe the entwives would be a bit butch:)....in the end i want to appear asexual really...that concept sketch is quite stylised...i will post more soon.

lild: thanks for sorting that for me.... hopefully i wont have any issues with other images...

well ive been busy modeling my characters and i will try hard to get updates put up on to my thread over the weekend.

cheers!

[cakeypigdog]

i still cant get the attachments to work: i have even tried it with very small files (way below the 30000 bytes limit) but they just dont appear when i check the post! if anyone knows what might be going wrong then please let me know.
i have uploaded the new images to a proxy page: please click this link to see them.

http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com (http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com/jakegumbletonconceptart/index.html)

there are four new concept sketches of the petalum creature (the little guy) and one image of each of the modles thus far. more to follow soon: if anyone can point me to a descent free (or at least very cheap) image host then please let me know!
thanks again,
jake

[cakeypigdog]

hi you lot.
i would just like to apoligise for my complete failure to use the internet :rolleyes: . i have now bought some webspace and am just waiting for it to register. as soon as it does i will be able to post images here directly and will get my thread looking more respectable...so you can actually all see my work so far!
out of interest has anyone tried to look at my work on the tripod site? or do people tend to not bother following links to images?
any feedback at all on my work would be very gratefully received.
i have been working very hard on my characters and they are both comming along nicely. i will update you on my progress as soon as my new paid for website becomes active.
some of the other entries in this comp have gotten better than i ever imagined they would... there is a VERY respectable batch of characters here now... so well done everyone!!
cheers :beer:
jake

[Fedron]

Hey Jake,
well what can i say.... I love your idea!!!!:applause:

And yes, people tend to bother following links to images.
Anyway i've been looking at your site and the sketches looks awesome!! :thumbsup: This is a so good and in some way evident idea that i'm surprise nobody thinked of it :p !!!
What is was not evident at all is the Petalum twist you gived to your story!!
I agree about the too masculin behavior of the ent wife. I understand what you said aboUt the asexual evolution, but remember that asexual is not masculine but androgyne, wich means that the feminin part is very important too, like a 50% :) .
Well i 'll be looking forward!!! Cheers !!



PS: i'll try to upload here some of your images from your site.

[cakeypigdog]

cheers fedron! i dont know why attachments wont work for me so thanks very much for putting some of my images up here: much appreciated!
thanks for your kind comments.... its great to hear someone likes it... i was begining to think i must be awful :)
the entwife is staying muscular though.... to me she is not suposed to be androgynous as such: that implies as you say a being that is neither male nor female but that could be perceived as either: like an angel. i want the entwife character to disregard male female preconceptions and be a very powerful creature...in many species it is the female sex who is stronger. outside of their voices the ents in lotr were not obviously male in appearance... besides ive spent ages on the model now and unless people hate it i cant justify revising it.... let me know what you think when i put the updates up later.
thanks again for looking!! - i mean it!
cheers
jake

[cakeypigdog]

at last!!! ive bought some webspace and got my images on to it... i have no excuses to not start building myself an on line portfolio now!

anyway heres all the images that have stock piled while ive been waiting...hopefully i will finally get some comments now....

first heres the remaining cocept sketches...

http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/petalcon2a.jpg

http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/petalcon3a.jpg

http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/petalcon4a.jpg

[cakeypigdog]

well here ya go the models thus far:

the start of the basic shape of the entwife as i see her
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/entwife.jpg
some detail added
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/entwife11.jpg
a side view at the same stage
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/entwifefullside.jpg
ooh nearly forgot: the back view!!


more to follow!!http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/entwiferear.jpg

[cakeypigdog]

heres a big composite of the entwife model from begining to her current appearance: i still have more detail to add: especially by way of equipment and suchlike...

http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/compositeevo.jpg

[cakeypigdog]

i added a lot of detail to the head.... but i think i might have got a bit carried away with 'messing up' her skin (her face neck shoulders and legs from the knees down will be covered in bark, the rest of her wont).
opinions on the head are welcome: its a long way from finished but its very time cosuming working all the detail in: i am considering going back to an early iteration of the head and replacing the current one with a more judiciously detailed version...what do you lot think: work more on it as it is or go back and redo?- for one thing i havent a clue how i will ever persuade it to make a descent UV map!- all those extruded bits are a killer. :scream:
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/entfwace34.jpg
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/headdetailpro.jpg

:beer:

[cakeypigdog]

heres the wires thus far (not that anyone on my tragically silent thread is about to ask :shame: :p
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/entwifewirefull9.jpg

http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/headwire.jpg

[cakeypigdog]

i will stop my sudden spate of updates here: this is where my two modles currently stand: both still have a great deal of modeling and detail to be added but i am pleased with them so far: the entwife is finally starting to look as i want her to. i will create a composite image of petal if anyone wants me too... i will do one eventually - when they are both finished.
anyway i am looking forward to hopefully finding a post on my thread that wasnt made by me when i come look in the morning:)

http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/petal_latest.jpg
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/entwife_latest.jpg

night night :wavey:

[urgaffel]

Strange that so few has replied to this. It's a really nice concept, and the models are starting to look really good too. You're gonna have a helluva time texturing the face though hehe...

I'd like to see them both in a shot together, maybe in their natural environment :)

[show]

ooh i love your concept drawings and your models seem to be coming along nicely.
Looking forward to seeing how you add more detail

[KingMob]

crazy concept my man, love thsoe floral people concept sketches, the model looks a bit confusing in the face, but you mentioned that before in channel.

anyways just wanted to support ya, and i love love love those concept sketches man! :beer:

[cakeypigdog]

heres some new pics. i have spent sooo much time on this. i had to do the uv mapping on the subdivided model as the surface extrusions made it impossible on the low poly mesh. but i am glad i did. i have set up the base textures on her and will be detailing over the following days. ive also started texturing the petalum creature as well... will update him next time. please take the time to respond if you like her...its getting a little daunting having invested so much time in this and getting so little response.
cheers!!

http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/notexture.jpg
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/underlit.jpg
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/side.jpg
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/rear.jpg

[Joril]

its getting a little daunting having invested so much time in this and getting so little response.
That's a sad thing, really.
Your model kicks some ass!!
I was looking at the shaded render from a distance. But when I saw that texturing I put my nose to the screen! :buttrock:
Really nice stuff, clean model and wires, detailled textures - although I think I can spot some stretching.
Btw, the last two renders have the best lighting IMO.
I have to say I'd really like to see where this will end up with.
Keep going, don't be discouraged with little replies, I think people are silently enjoying the ride :D
Have fun with it!

[KingMob]

aw don't get daunted! (is daunted a word?)

Looks bad ass..In fact how did you do that moss, its very bad ass....basically just wanted to add dupport.those textures are top notch man.

tho its a little late, I would like to say i would like some larger growth on his face, he has a lot of little bumps, but a few bigger ones defining his chin or brow would be really rather cool...love those hands btw

[l_farley13_l]

Love the concept and th proportions are Really coming out!! I just don't know what to say about the hands there really original, but seem to lacka little bit of structure (big guy) - the rest of him is really hard, so it's hard to just say his hands are soft.

Texturing looks great!

Looking forward to your conclusion!! ;)

Farley13

[Satyricon]

Your models are looking great man! Very nice texturing as well! I just can't wait to see more of this big guy!!:beer:

[azazel]

Almost missed that... She is great, but my main point would be, she's not enough, you know, feminine... Would be good to be able to tell her gender at the first glance... Maybe some long hair-like strands of ivy or something growing from her head? Or it's doable whith right animation. And don't forget about the eyes, they are easy to get lost in all these details on the face, so they may need special attention.

[stipen]

Very Nice!!:thumbsup:

[cakeypigdog]

well i dont know what to say. thank you all so much for replying. you have all really cheered me up. its very uplifting to actualy get some feedback. i had no idea if it was going well or not. i knew i liked it but i always like what i do as i do it since i am enjoying myself. but later when i come back to stuff i look at it and think. oh god thats terrible! so having objective opinions and constructive criticism is great for me. this site is such a great idea. i only wish i'd known about it earlier.
so thanks to you all!:beer: :beer: :beer:

i will reply to each of you individually:

Joril: thanks dude thats very nice of you! your right about some stretching: i will post the uv map to give you all a laugh if you like. i still have a couple of problem areas but my machine has ground to hault with uv's. i literately have to wait minutes after moving them. but i will get the stretching sorted: its worst across hi shoulders. thanks again!

King: thanks for your support mate. your a sterling chap.
i will endevour to add better definition to the face. i agree with you entirley: she has lost clarity in that area since earlier versions of her: the surface detail has sort of swamped the overal structure: i will only really be able to use vertex push and pull* but i am sure i will be able to improve it.
*i have detached the base mesh and am only working with the higher resolution one now: i dont think its possible to reconnect..9if someone knows better then please let me know!!
thanks again mate. i am loving your stone ent: cant wait to see him textured: the latest renders have really brought him forward.

Farley 13. i had considered working another level of detail into the hands but i cant now... i will try and make them look stronger. for one thing i can bring the bark (harder looking bit) up his arms more: so that his hands are made of the harder stuff. i will also use more specific bump and specularity maps on his hands to add an element of hardness. look back in a weeks time and let me know what you think. thanks very much for taking the time to post, i really appreciate it.

Satyricon: thanks man. glad you like it!

azazel: i love your model man. thanks for posting! i am afraid that she will never look femenine: ive responded to this issue earlier in the thread...your the 3rd person that has said it though so i reckon youve got a good point eh?
i think your right in a way: I agree with you about the eyes: at the mo they are low poly proxys: i will make some proper detailed eyes soon...with specualrity and everything: i think they will end up being bright green : your dead right about them looking lost in the face details at the moment. i like your idea about the ivy hair too... i intend to add tufts of grass and the like but i have no idea how to approach these things at this resolution.... do i just use alpha transparency: is that good enough? or should i model the individual plants ?
she hasnt got her stuff yet: staff: pod containers and the like: i will add these details once the two charcaters have their basics finished...time is disapearing fast!! i will add ivy if i have time. thanks again mate!

Stipen: thanks man!! :thumbsup:

once again my thanks to you all. i am off to london a trip : going to see sigur ros!!! so i will be back in a day or so. i will try hard to updaye this weekend: especially the little fellah... hes feeling all neglected
;)

[azazel]

i dont think its possible to reconnect

Maybe it is possible, but I'm not sure. I was just watching Gnonom video about indirect skinning in Maya, Using Wrap deformer... Maybe that would work for modelling too. There always some ways, like lattices or magnets (that would be wings/lw workflow) or soft selections...

[Gelfling]

very nice job and exceptional textures

put some focus on letting the eyes stand out and it will give it a great personality

good job Cakey :thumbsup:

[Clanger]

Don't know how I've managed it but I've completely missed this thread. I just can't believe how many excellent models are in this challenge and here's yet another kick ass one.
I'm going to need counciling come voting time.

[fellah]

hey, I remembered I liked the concept when I saw this one. didn't think it would turn out this cool though! I really like it, the textures starts out great, I prefer the last lightings as well. only crit/suggestion would be to make the legs longer or the stomach-area shorter, but it's just personal preference.

keep on going :wip:

[Edouard]

looks pretty cool...

[cakeypigdog]

sorry its been so long... i kept wanting to get new stuff up but thought i'd just change this or that...plus life is being busy all over me at the moment.
i have made a real effort to take on board the excellent constructive criticism i have received from you peeps.
i would just like to say a big thankyou for all the comments. i really appreciate it. honestly.
here are a few images from the last week: ive been detailing and texturing: changing things then changing them back then deleting it after i decide its no good.
its not the exact state that the entwife is in now but it lets you see my deadends and failures. trial and error:)
ive been working on the petalum creature too. he is nowhere near as develped as the entwife but the lessons i have learnt with her have benefitted him. i am confident they will both be ready come the deadline.

heres a failed texture exp
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/entwifetxtest1.jpg

and another:-/
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/entwifetxtest0.jpg

heres it progessing a bit:
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/entwifetxtest2.jpg

a closeup
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/entwifetxtest3.jpg
and a smoother one
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/entwifetxtest4.jpg

i will be updating with the most recent images as soon as they finish rendering:)

[cakeypigdog]

heres 3 images of the petalum creature thus far. he has a long ways to go.... but i think he is comming along ok...c&c?

http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/petalfront.jpg

http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/petalside.jpg

http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/petalback.jpg

[KingMob]

I love the girl/plant ones man, really keen!

[cakeypigdog]

cheers king!

here is the current state of my entwife.
i am setting myself a deadline of tonight to finish adding all the ivy and braids and pouches and suchlike (she is a gardener of sorts:)
all c&c welcomed and appreciated...

http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/presentside.jpg

the lower back/bum area needs refining: she has developed some nasty selulite from somewhere:/ i think the details are a bit patchy too: will refine the detail texture on the body if there is time....
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/presentback.jpg
i think the work done on the face/eyes has given her more character? she looks more docile now - like a friendly cow.
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/presentfront.jpg
cheers!

[Ionized]

I really like that way you've modelled the forearms from the rear view. The muscles are very cut.

Nice work

[cakeypigdog]

cheers mate!:beer: :beer: :D

[cakeypigdog]

heres the entwife more or less finished :D
i still have a couple of seams / smeers to fix
i only 5 days left to do an awful lot of work so i wanted the entwife done before i went away this weekend.
i will be back on monday and will be working hard on the petalum creature..... :wip: :wip:

c&c welcome as usual:)
i hope you like her. :p
if theres time i will do more to her...but i dont think that there will be realisticaly.
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/entwifenow.jpg

[Corn Dog]

I don't think Ents have wives?!?!? Something about the sexual friction causing fires :p

Kidding good idea.

[cakeypigdog]

:p ;)

[JDex]

I can't believe I've missed this entry till now...

These models look great and the textures are stunning (has Leigh been helping you, jk).

The only problem I see, and I'm surprised no one mentioned this earlier, but I think that the mean-old willow tree that almost eats the hobbits in the old forest (from which Tom Bombadillo saves them) was an ent-wife... although I like your concept better, I believe it goes against Tolkein-lore.

Anyhoo... this is truly great stuff... :wavey:

[Fetus23]

yaaa that update with all the little trinkets is great cakeypigdog!! :thumbsup: Also I really like the colors you've chosen, they are very vibrant and fit the character perfectly...From great concepts to a couple of very cool models...nice work!! I hope you get them posed for the final...

:beer:

[cakeypigdog]

first responses:
fetus: thanks man. means a lot to me to get positive feedback from somone with skill like yours. good luck... you've got to be one of the top contenders to win this mate!

king: cheers for your continuing support: your rock ent is looking oh so cool since you started texturing.

Jdex: thanks so much: i really appreciate it. its hard to get any kind of notice in a competition thats this competetive. thanks for noticing me:)
about the willow: i dont think it was an entwife (i am no expert) but when treebeard talks of the entwives they dont match up with being angry old trees somehow... i thought the willow was just an evl old tree (like in fanghorn and all that). i am not certain though.... hope i am not discounted for this :hmm:

well ive been working hard .
the *hands* are temporary: they need a real texture. the danlging bit on his abdomem's texture is temporary too....
as well as the fact that the visible 'hands' are just the outer petals: they will be open once he is rigged...

talking of which: i've never done skinning in maya before so the next two days are going to be a nightmare.
i have to get my entry finished on thursday since i have a funeral on friday. sooo little time..... :scream:

well take a looky... i am pleased with him so far...
http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/petalnew.jpg

[mv]

Wow, that petalum is nice! very stylish and well executed:applause:

[cakeypigdog]

well i am afraid that i have other engagements today so i've been up nearly all night to bring you this final image.
if you want more images of the characters posed and in their final states then let me know: i will be making more images for my portfolio and would be happy to add them to this thread- post competition deadline.
i dont think i have a chance of winning this competition this time around but i would just like to say a massive thanks to everyone here at cgtalk. especially those who have posted on my thread. you have all made my debut of putting work on line a pleasurable experience.
i have learnt so much during the course of this competition. i had never worked at this level of detail before and have progressed my maya skills substantially (only been using it a few months). especially my understanding of shaders, skeletons and skinning.
the other entries in this challenge have ben inspirational and so thankyou to all those whose work has inspired or motivated me throughout the proceedings.
to mention a few names: M@, azezel, silmarilion, Fetus, Fellah and King Mob and neox. there are many others but you few have made work that has motivated me the most!
good luck to you all. i shall definately be doing this again so see you all soon!!

heres the last pic:


http://cakeypigdog.tripod.com//sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/final.jpg

cheers!:beer:

[Raenz]

hehe..

really good pose in your final image....fits the Entwives I think.:buttrock:

Nice job all around....good luck to you in the contest.

[asela]

i folowed your progress and your model is great
it is originally designed which is what i look for first
and the tex are great

def one of my favorites
asela

[Grub]

The entwife is nice and gnarly, Jake and I really go for the little petal lady!:love: Good work on those two creations:thumbsup:

[PrayingMantis]

I think I missed something:hmm: Or I'm blind.:cool: I didn't see you in the challenge entry:shame: Why ?

[cakeypigdog]

:scream:
i am there!!
i have not received many votes so i am on the 3rd page or so but i have entered.
i think the final image might be letting me down...but i had to give up a day early due to other comitments and so the final image is not as good as i would have liked to have made :(
go look again :) :beer:

[PrayingMantis]

:cry: You have only 60 pts with my vote sorry I can't offer u more than 5 pts. I think the final picture don't represent ur work details are hide...

[Satyricon]

Great composition buddy!!! Both of your models are really inspired!!!:buttrock: I am looking forward for more of your creations!:thumbsup:

[cakeypigdog]

well just wanna say thanks to you all for your recent kind comments and suggestions. it looks like i have failed miserably to get any kind of desent positioning in the ratings :/ .
i am a bit gutted but its not the end of the world. i have two finished characters for my portfolio and i am very pleased with them both. i am very very grateful to all of you whom have taken an interest in my thread. thanks sooo much.
i am busy with another comp at present but i will try and get some proper final images of these two posted here next week.
i have learnt a very important lesson with this competition:
SAVE TIME AT THE END FOR FINAL RENDERS, COMPOSITION AND TWEAKING !!! :)
next time i will make sure that the image that ends up on the challenge site does my work better justice.
once again. its been a wonderful competition and i have learnt so much from so many. thankyou.
see you all next time around :) :beer: :beer:

[KingMob]

don't feel gutted man, you did an awesome job! I really think it was creative and nice, but yes...time for final renders and tweaks (I also waited till the last second)

Great work man, and be sure to show us those other characters!

and join the next challenge!

and stuff!

:beer:

[PrayingMantis]

Like u said ur final render doesn't ur work better justice. But i think u must have a better place in this forum. Some character are crits for their aspect and not for their background. It's a challenge for the middle earth and I think some creature couldn't appear in it ( like a lizard humanoid ) . But people are voting. :D
Good Job for ur work I really love it.

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