CGTalk - Steampunk Myths and Legends Entry: Christopher Snow

warpv

11-18-2008, 01:38 AM

Hello everyone,

I've been looking at these challenges for a while now and it always amazes me the quality that comes out of them! Now I've finally decided to give it a shot! Hopefully I will have enough free time to make it! Oh well, that's a couple less hours of sleep!

I decided to go out of the box a bit and pick a myth that would be very cool, but not very well know by most people, if at all. I picked the old Scottish myth of "Red Cap".

"Red Cap is a thoroughly evil creature. He is a short, stocky old man with long gray hair and claws in stead of hands. He lives on the Scottish Border in ancient ruins of castles, especially in those with a bloody history of war and murder. He owes his name to the fact that he wears a red hat, which is colored by the blood of his victims. Red Cap moves with remarkable speed, despite the fact that he wears iron boots. He can overcome even the strongest man, unless the intended victim remembers to quote a few words from the Bible." - Micha F. Lindemans

I plan on designing my own "Steampunked" version of Red Cap and placing him on a cliff overlooking the sea on a dark stormy day with an old Scottish castle on the jagged rocks behind him.

I will also be using Maya for the first time in a challenge, so should serve as some good practice for me, as well as ZBrush for the character.

I'm working on the concept sketch right now, I'll upload it as soon as I'm done.

Comments and suggestions will be very welcomed along the way. And best of luck to everyone who is participating!

warpv

11-19-2008, 04:26 AM

Removed sketch.

warpv

11-19-2008, 04:28 AM

Removed sketch.

warpv

11-19-2008, 04:42 AM

Here are my sketches for this challenge to illustrate the designs of my own Steampunk version of Red Cap. I will not be pushing these sketches any further, as drawing isn't my "forte". So next little free time I get, I will be starting the modeling in Maya. And tweak and iterate the designs from there. Comments and suggestions are still welcomed though!

About the sketches, in the first one you can see Red Cap's iron boot, which is now steam powered, thus explaining the fact that he can run very fast for someone of his size. Next to it is his steal pike which he uses to well...you know! ;) And on the right his cap which will be pieced together from pieces of cloth and drenched in the blood of his victims.

The second sketch you can see his arm on the left, with gauges and stuff on his shoulder pad. But most importantly, the back of Red Cap, where all the magic happens. There's a water tank on his lower back, the "engine" in the middle and an exhaust pipe coming out the top, capable of producing enough steam to power his massive iron boots.

I'll keep you posted soon with some of the modeling!

warpv

11-20-2008, 04:56 AM

Sooo............I decided to change my concept. After playing around a bit more with the design and idea, I really didn't feel it. I couldn't find a good pose and composition for the image to make it interesting. And in the end, just wasn't motivated by the idea anymore.

So it's back to the drawing board, literally. Besides, it's for the best, because I really don't have lots of free time, what with working two jobs and all...so I decided to leave out the ZBrush for another time and just concentrate on improving my Maya skills for this challenge. This being my first challenge using Maya, I think it's a wise decision.

I will now be working on the Fountain of Youth. I plan on creating my own Steampunk version of it and setting it in a 19th century Stempunked Hapsburg-esque architecture style square.

Don't know if that's really clear, but I will try to upload a reference sheet soon to illustrate what I mean.

warpv

11-22-2008, 04:49 AM

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/22/16587/16587_1227329379_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/22/16587/16587_1227329379_large.jpg)

This is just a quick upload to get rid of that awful sketch next to my thread! ;) Some modeling of the metal grates that will be on the ground around the base of the fountain to collect any excess water...

I'm sorting out my references right now and designing the fountain itself. I'll keep you posted!

Spyndel

11-22-2008, 06:47 AM

Interesting concept! Cant wait to see what you come up with.

Good luck!

varma

11-22-2008, 12:36 PM

Heyhey Christopher! Just saw your entry and I'm really glad you joined the challenge!
Still some more weeks left!
Let the fun begin!
:)

warpv

11-22-2008, 11:39 PM

Thanks a lot guys!

Mat, nice to see you around here as well! :) Should be a lot of fun! Looking forward to seeing your progress also, best of luck!

I'm working on my own design of a steampunk trash can right now, starting the modeling tonight, I'll keep you guys posted!

warpv

11-23-2008, 02:35 PM

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/22/16587/16587_1227450925_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/22/16587/16587_1227450925_large.jpg)

Here's the modeling of the trash can I was talking about. I imagined one of those pedal trash cans powered by steam, and this it what I came up with.

I'm working on the base of the fountain right now, should have something up soon!

Edit: You ask why a trash can?! Well I want to model a couple of everyday objects to put around the fountain (i.e. trash can, lamp post, etc.) for the viewer to have a better sense of the scale of the fountain. Since I do not plan on putting any humans, these objects will be key to determining proportions and scale in my scene!

daWinky

11-25-2008, 07:07 AM

Hi Christoper,

I will now be working on the Fountain of Youth. I plan on creating my own Steampunk version of it and setting it in a 19th century Stempunked Hapsburg-esque architecture style square.
Sounds really interesting! I'd love to see a concept sketch, atm it's really hard to picture your idea. Especially if you don't want to add characters to the scene, how will you show the idea of a Fountain of Youth? Anyways, nice start with the modeling , I'm curious now and looking forward to updates:) !

-sabrina

madshooter

11-25-2008, 02:54 PM

Hey models are looking good:). But I'm not able to see the concept image.

silenceimpaired

11-25-2008, 04:59 PM

The fountain of youth! Nice, I confess I laughed after reading the title and seeing the image, because my first thoughts were-- no wonder Ponce De Leon never found it, he probably threw his trash in it as he passed it. :)

I can't wait to see the finished product--- maybe I should go 3d-- no worries about perspective there. :) Thanks for your comments-- I revamped my image, any thoughts appreciated.

warpv

11-25-2008, 08:27 PM

Sabrina - Thanks for the reply to my thread! :) Yeah, I had done a few concept sketches for my old concept, but when I switched concepts, I decided to start directly in 3D because of the very limited amount of time I have to work on this challenge. I have a second job on the weekends and we are going to start doing a bit of overtime here at work in the next few weeks...so REAL SHORT on time! ;) But I do have to do a couple of tests to decide on angle/composition/etc. So I should have a sketch up soon!

It's a good point you bring up. No, I don't plan on putting humans in the scene, because that would prove a very lenghty process. In my case anyway, because I'm not really a character modeler and more of an environment artist. Not to mention that this is my first project using Maya, so I prefered to stick with what I'm most comfortable. BUT, I also thought of this extra challenge as to how to convay the idea of "Fountain of Youth" without any humans. What I plan on doing is making everything that's closer to the ground: old, rusted, dirty. And all the parts that the waters comes out of: new, clean, shinny ---> rejuvenated. As if the water from this fountain of youth has a rejuvenating effect on the steampunk fountain itself. There's also a symbol of cycle of life, from the fact that the water from the dirty, stingy basin at the bottom is cycled through to become pure and clean, then it falls back in the basing and becomes all polluted again. Hope this is clear! :)

Roshan - Thanks! Like I said, I started in 3D, but I will try and post a sketch for my composition tests soon!

Aaron - Haha, no, I haven't transformed the Fountain of Youth into a trash can! ;) I'm taking a few liberties transforming it into a steampunk fountain, but I didn't go as far as that! The trash can is merely for background and proportions in the scene.

Thanks for the interest guys, I'll keep you posted!

warpv

11-26-2008, 03:57 AM

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/22/16587/16587_1227671832_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/22/16587/16587_1227671832_large.jpg)

Here's an update of the modeling of the base of the fountain. The fountain itself will be in the middle at the top of this platform.

Water will be flowing down those 4 grooves to the sort of sewer grates that I already uploaded. Like I mentioned earlier, the water at this level will be really dirty and grungy, as it's basically at the last level before it goes to the sewers.

I'm starting work on the actual fountain right now. Comments and suggestions are very welcomed! Thanks!

daWinky

11-26-2008, 05:51 AM

Hi Christopher,

thanks for your explanation how you want to picture your idea. It makes sense and sounds interesting now indeed:) , looking forward to watch the progress !

Nice day for you,

-sabrina

Lemog

11-26-2008, 09:24 AM

Hello Christopher... I will keep my eyes here... the subject os orignal and I'm very curious to see more of it...
especially if there's some "other" objects as trash and so...

Good continuation :beer:

varma

11-26-2008, 01:52 PM

Really interesting concept, now that I know about it more! Your modeling is as always
clean and great! I was wondering what kind of technique you were going to use for the
water, I guess I have to wait a few more days and find out!
Keep up the good work!
:)

warpv

11-26-2008, 05:21 PM

Sabrina - I'm glad that made sense and you better understand my concept! :) It's a little hard to explain. I'm hoping that it will be clear enough when you look at the final image to understand at first glance, that's my goal. Hopefully I'll be able to get that through!

Laurent - Thanks for following my thead! Your comments and suggestions will be very appreciated!

Mathias - Thanks a lot! Yeah, the steps are still a bit too clean though, but I plan on breaking them up later as they are part of the "older" portions of the fountain. As for the water, it's a challenge I've been wanting to tackle for a while! And I thought this would be the perfect opportunity! I'll probably end up using a couple different methods to get the look I want. I'll let you guys know eventually when I get there what I end up doing!

--

And again, if anybody has comments or critiques, they are always welcomed!

silenceimpaired

11-27-2008, 06:59 AM

:) I was liking that idea.... lol... oh well. :) I do like this layout look forward to seeing end product! I did as you suggested! I think I like it, but of course I am not very sure of myself so I would love your input!

varma

11-29-2008, 08:23 PM

Hi Christopher!
That's a very good Idea to put dailydays objects around the fountain, serves the sense
of scale as you mentioned pretty well, plus gives the environment more of a natural look!
like a park corner, with lamps, benches and trash bins!
or maybe even some small birds?
hehe, don't mind me, I'm just rubbling!
:)

decosouza

11-29-2008, 08:40 PM

We are always waiting to see great characters and a Fountin of Youth it's really a god surprise. I'll be waiting for more updates. Good look mate!

warpv

12-01-2008, 05:34 PM

Hey guys!

Thanks a lot!

Mat - Thanks, a few of those suggestions were already on my list, but the bird idea I really like. I'll look into that. Although they might be more keen on staying around the top of the fountain where the water is much more clean and fresh! ;)

I'll try to have an update up soon, I've just been really busy with work. Also, I was working on a design for the bottom part of the fountain, but it didn't pan out the way I'd liked. So I'm re-doing it at the moment. Like I said, I'll try and post an image soon!

Thanks for stopping by!

Try

12-01-2008, 09:42 PM

Hey Chris.
Finally got around to looking trough your stuff.
It looks great and a very nice and original idea you have to.
Love the trash can!:applause:

What sort of environment will be around the fountain? Is it all going to be rust and decaying metal? or is it laying in the middle of a garden or Eden?

Must say I think it would be nice to put in some humans or living animals to give some sense of scale and contrast to the metal spring.

Keep up the good work buddy!

daWinky

12-03-2008, 06:00 AM

Hey Christopher,

just dropping by for a little cheering here:bounce: , hope it might help to see an update soon!

-sabrina

Lemog

12-03-2008, 07:54 AM

yep... as Sabie said... we start to be very impatient :wise:

keep going Christopher :wip:

warpv

12-03-2008, 02:15 PM

Per - Thanks a lot for stopping by! About the environment behind the fountain, those are all good ideas. There are many ideas that crossed my mind already and I'm still taking suggestions! ;) But to be honest, I haven't decided yet, and it might entirely depend on how much time I actually have left. Unfortunately, the challenge comes at a time where I am very busy. So my main goal is to really rock the fountain itself, make sure it is absolutely perfect and that my concept really shines through it. Then if I'm able to finish all of that, I might go for a more elaborate background, otherwise I'll just keep it simple.

Sabrina and Laurent - In order not to have an angry mob *in front* of my thread, I'll will post an update ASAP! ;) In fact, I've been working on some new parts for the lower portion of the fountain which I will try to post some modeling shots for you very soon. My pepper spray reserves being very low right now, I couldn't suppress an angry crowd anyway! ;)

I'll keep you posted! :)

soapy

12-03-2008, 08:53 PM

Good work so far on the modeling. It is nice and cleanly done which should serve you well if the scene starts to get really big. Good choice of concept too. Bring it on!

warpv

12-04-2008, 03:40 AM

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/22/16587/16587_1228362011_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/22/16587/16587_1228362011_large.jpg)

Here is the update I promised! This is one of the walls of the fountain itself. Imagine 4 of these arranged in a square. The main basin in the middle will also flow out through the small round holes into the smaller semi-circular basins. The corners will be some sort of base with Victorian style lampposts on them. I'm working on those right now. I'll keep you posted!

As always, don't hesitate is you have any comments or critiques! :) I know it's not much still...but I am inching there with baby steps! ;)

daWinky

12-04-2008, 06:16 AM

Hi Christopher,

ah, an update, so sometimes it works to give a little pressure....

no critics, (beside of the fact that you'll have to clean the borders), looks fine for me:thumbsup: and I'm eagerly waiting to see more...soon...with textures...and water:D (do you feel the pressure?)

Have a nice day!

-sabrina

warpv

12-04-2008, 05:55 PM

Sabrina - What do you mean by "clean the borders"?! Pressure, what pressure?! :cry: Before I start texturing, lighting, etc. I really want to finish the modeling of the fountain at least. So the next couple of udpates will probably still be some modeling! ;)

Lemog

12-04-2008, 08:38 PM

For me borders are good... certainly not perfect as Sabrina said, but stone parts like that could be each different... good for me :drool:

mdavid

12-04-2008, 10:05 PM

This is an excellent idea and you're off to a good start on it. I like the design that is going into the different parts of the landscaping. Great stuff :thumbsup:

madshooter

12-10-2008, 04:43 AM

Nice update Dude. Very clean model:)

silenceimpaired

12-10-2008, 04:24 PM

I just wanted to encourage you to keep at it! I've been waiting for a new post for a bit now. :) I really like what you have so far, it will have a good feel from what I can tell from what you've posted.

warpv

12-11-2008, 03:26 AM

Laurent - Glad you like it up to now! :)

Mark - Thanks for stopping by! Yes, I guess you could refer to it as virtual landscaping! ;)

Roshan - Thanks buddy!

Aaron - The encouragement is very much appreciated! Thank you! I've been really busy with overtime at work and my second job on the weekends...but seeing that people are here and appreciate the work and effort I put in, it's what keeps me treading forward! Even if I can only manage to do tiny advancements here and there like the next update I'll post in a few minutes, it keeps me moving forward! ;)

warpv

12-11-2008, 03:29 AM

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/22/16587/16587_1228966184_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/22/16587/16587_1228966184_large.jpg)

So here is the next tiny update I was talking about. It's a Victorian/Steampunk lamppost that will go on each of the four corners of the base of the fountain that I've posted earlier.

Comments and suggestions are very welcomed!

Next up, I'll start work on the middle part of the fountain.

daWinky

12-11-2008, 07:31 AM

Hi Christopher,

nice lampposts, very much in style and well modeled:thumbsup: ...and forget my comment about the borders, I was thinking of an extra cut to get a clean geometry when you put the elements together, but of course this will not be visible with your lamps in the corners.

Nice day for you!

-sabrina

sgw

12-11-2008, 07:35 AM

I'm looking forward to seeing this come together. Its along the same lines I'm going with the fantasy/mechanical mix.

Cool stuff ;)

xtremepenguin

12-11-2008, 11:37 AM

Great Concept, those lamp posts look great!

madshooter

12-11-2008, 12:49 PM

Those lamps are beautifull dude:thumbsup:

Ferx

12-11-2008, 07:40 PM

Hey Christopher,

Great and very original idea!! :D really cool!!. Great models and designs so far. This concept can have a great mysterious and magic mood :D Cant wait to see your whol concept!! Cheers!! :beer:

Try

12-11-2008, 08:24 PM

Hi Chris. Good looking lamps. I just can make up my mind if the base is to big or the top looks to small. some adjustment either way would help a bit I think. Looking forward to see them in the scene. :)

varma

12-11-2008, 09:42 PM

Excellent design Christopher! Those lamps are very well crafted and will definitely raise the
level of romance in the scene! Cool shapes!
Perhaps the center spherical shape could benefit from a few bolts and hard edges here
and there!?
Can't wait to see the whole scene with all the parts together!
:thumbsup:

mdavid

12-11-2008, 11:28 PM

The lamp posts are looking really good. They work well already, or you could even steampunk them a little further with (perhaps) the addition of some wing-nuts to secure those bends/joints. That's just a minor suggestion though which you must feel free to ignore - it's already working really well and fits in superbly with the look of the rest of your work

Lemog

12-12-2008, 07:23 AM

Yes... these lamps are so cool... great mix !

warpv

12-12-2008, 01:50 PM

Sabrina - Thanks! Now I finally understand what you were talking about! ;) Yeah, those edges were not perfect because in my mind, I was seeing these lamposts on each corner! Now they work fine when the lamposts are there!

Shawn - Thanks! Yeah, I'm working on the middle part of the fountain right now, then when that is done, I'll post an update with all the parts put together! :)

James, Roshan, Fernando, Laurent - Thanks for the support guys!

Per - Yeah, thanks for the info, I noticed that as well, not sure though which I should make bigger/smaller, but I figured I'd adjust that once everything is put together, it'll be easier then to figure out which to adjust.

Mat, Mark - Thanks for the suggestions, those are noted. I will figure out my final camera angle, then I'll probably go back and add some details in the places that need it. I'm already very short on time, and I don't want to over-work on things that might not been seen all that well in the final image. But those are both good suggestions of details to add when I get there! Thanks!

Micro26

12-12-2008, 11:07 PM

Victorian style always gets my vote.Cool models u got there and look very interesting to texture.
Go on:thumbsup:

warpv

12-16-2008, 01:10 AM

Thanks for stopping by Fotis! I'm a huge fan of your entry! ;) I still have a few models to finish before I start texturing...but I'm looking forward to it myself! I'll try and have the next update up soon! I'll keep you guys posted!

xtremepenguin

12-17-2008, 04:50 PM

Hurry up, I want to see an update :P

warpv

12-18-2008, 01:35 AM

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/22/16587/16587_1229564100_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/22/16587/16587_1229564100_large.jpg)

Hey guys! I'm still working on the middle part of the fountain...I know...it's taking a while! But in the meantime, here's a shot of the base of the fountain put together. The steps, trash cans, etc. aren't there, it's just a quick shot to show how the actual base of the fountain will look like. This will in turn be on top of the steps. Anyway, I'll try and have that update of the middle part up very soon!

varma

12-18-2008, 06:46 PM

Hi Chris!
Man, this is fantastic! Kind of a romantic hideout you would take your date to, under the
moonlight and birds song! I'm very curious how the place will look like with shading and
lighting set up!
Hope you can find enough time to make it work, this is a great concept!
Good luck!

:)

madshooter

12-27-2008, 07:10 AM

Nice progress on modeling Dude:)

daWinky

12-29-2008, 12:26 PM

Hi Christopher,

yep, this looks very good so far:cool: . I'd perhaps make the lamp posts a little higher, but of course this depends on your final framing...Looking forward to see the modeling finished and I just hope you can speed up things a little, I guess the texturing will be much work and time is running!

-sabrina

warpv

01-08-2009, 01:40 PM

Hey everyone! As the January 12th deadline looms ever so near, I unfortunately won't be able to finish my entry in time for the competition. Sadly, the challenge came at a very very busy time of the year for me, right through the holidays, I also had a lot of overtime here at work before Christmas, and I'm also currently working 2 jobs, which means I've been working 7 days-a-week since mid-November. I tried using every little bit of free time I had and try to make something in time for the challenge, but I'm afraid that wasn't enough. I really commend those who worked really hard and are going to be able to finish their entries in time!

I would like to thank everyone who posted on my thread, and all the "regulars" who were there with me every step of the way. This was my first challenge here, and you guys really have made it special! I'm looking forward to seeing you around again some day in a future challenge, which will hopefully come at a better time for me! ;)

Take care!
Christopher