One more set for tonight, cheers btw polymaster.
HMC#20: Expressions - Tom the Friendly Troll
TiMrozek
#80
Everytime I think this project is looking great you take it a step farther and make it look better. Keep it up, this thread has really been a treat to watch.
TheRazorsEdge
#81
lol Really great work here!:buttrock:
Something about the shader doesnt sit too well with me though. Maybe its a tad too specular all-over. What kind of mat are you using for this, if I may ask? The square reflections on the cornea seem a wee bit to intrusive to my eyes also. Well, minor details. 
How close to the camera do you have this set up, btw? Is the slight, kinda fish-eye-lens-like distortion intentional?
Looking forward to seeing all your final expressions.
Cheers!
RageOfAges
#82
Gorgeous renders Jelmer. It makes your friendly troll look almost illustrated, and the harsh reflection in the eye really adds to that I find. What kind of lighting setup do you have, if I may ask?
-Rage
JM-art
#84
Wow, you’re making that troll alive, he has lots of personality…very credible character, and the render just fit perfect for the subject…inspiring.
JBoskma
#86
Thank you all once again! It’s very motivating to read your response to this project.
TheRazorsEdge: Thanks for your feedback… I’m afraid your comments lay in the reign of personal taste though Personally I like the hard spec… sort of a clayish look I was going for. The reason for using a wider lens is to get a bit more action out of all the expressions.
Rages: Thanks! It’s exactly what I was going for. I’m lighting this with an area spotlight as my key light and another spotlight as my rimlight. I’m using Final Gather to bounce some light around (1 bounce) I’ve got two white grids setup around the model for the bounces. They light up the darker areas and get that reflection in his eye. I’ve posted a screenshot for you below.
I’ve got two more sets done today. Sadness, Rage, Jealousy and Hateful
Light setup:
polymaster
#87
if i may ask . what material did u use. and did u composite or is it one pass ?could be helpful to fresher like me…
Oh wow! 
You’re really nailing those expressions in my opinion, I’d love to see an animation. Keep it up. 
TheRazorsEdge
#89
No argument about that! I thought that was pretty obvious from the way I wrote them.
Whether such comments are used to actually make changes or just reinforce one’s own different ideas and stick with what one has is irrelevant, I’d like think as the commentor, since there are no absolutes in art. In my own work, I personally value whatever input/crit I can get, regardless of whether I agree with it or not and like to assume others do too.
Thanks a lot for your explanations of your train of thought with this work.
Cheers!
JBoskma
#90
Polymaster: Just a regular phong. There’s a bit of comp work done. I render out two passes for each image. A beauty and an Ambient Occlusion pass. One more set today, 3 expressions left to do!
*PS: Mag, I shamelessly borrowed your floating hearts idea. Hope we’re still cool
Intervain
#91
lol hillarious! not my idea exactly though hehe - it’s Tyrone’s suggestion so it’s all cool with me
yannes
#93
Hi Jelmer!
I knew this character was fantastic, but i would never thought it will turn out this great. I was already blown away with the first few pics, but these final renders made me speechless. It was a superb idea to play with the camera angles too, it really made the trick.
The spider-mice version was a spot on too, made me laugh, thank you!
Sorry, for no crits or advise from me, just drooling. Well there is just one thing, but only after the challenge ends and you still want to play with this model.
It would be nice touch to play with the lights and light angles, i mean a strong light from above on the happy, proud, in love -like faces almost giving him a glory or halo, or a ligth from under (like when you holding a flashlight while telling a scary story at the campfire) on the angry, rage, etc. faces, things like that.
I know it’s a HMC and not a HLC, so don’t let me hold you back, especially when there is so little time. I really wish you can finish this. This character even with this grey clay material is the most vivid and full of life cg character I’ve ever seen.
Keep up the good work!
JBoskma
#94
Yannes: Thanks a ton for your kind words and suggestions! Touched me.
DONE! Here’s the last three! Wanted to thank everyone once again for posting your kind comments and keeping my morale up to finish this, thank you!
(Pride) Don’t worry mylady, Tom will slay that dragon for you!
(Worried) …hmm, looks like my punches didn’t hurt him all that much afterall
(Contemptful) Kiddy Widdy Winkies… Come see what uncle Tommy has in his basement…
WyattHarris
#96
Phew, well done Jelmer. Great job on everything. You couldn’t have nailed pride better.
uinku
#98
Your expressions have such a great range and are spot on with each emotion. Glad to see you managed to get them all done.