humble request...

#1

Hi All,

I’m totally new to AM and I must admit that there is a steep learning curve. But I’m plugging along and doing my best…

Anyway, is there any chance that anyone would let me take a look at their project files? I tend to learn better by tacking apart other people’s stuff so I can say, “oh, that’s how they did that.”… Quite frankly, I see the amazing stuff that you guys are doing and it almost doesn’t even seem like we’re using the same software because I have no idea how created many of the beautiful effects and images I’ve seen here. I know it’s pretty lame to try and crib off of others, but if there is some generous people out there, I can use all the help I can get…if anyone is offended by my request, then I apologize in advance.

On a completely seperate point (and this will show my limited knowledge of the program)…when you model a character, do all of the CPs have to be attached to each other…in other words, can I model a mouth and then just lay it on top of my head, or do I have to attach it to the mesh?..

Sorry for such newbie questions, but I’m struggling to learn…

Thanks,
Risk

#2

There are projects, models, actions, choreographies, etc on the AM CD in the Data folder, you can also get that and maybe a few more here. If you go through the Hash Forums you’ll find some models, materials, projects, etc that have been donated to the community as well.

Most people learn AM by taking apart things donated to the community, so, you’re not alone.

when you model a character, do all of the CPs have to be attached to each other…in other words, can I model a mouth and then just lay it on top of my head, or do I have to attach it to the mesh?..

No, the CP’s don’t necessarily have to be attached…it depends on what you are making whether or not to go that route. If you want the mesh/splines of the face to deform with the movement of the mouth it would be better to have it attached though. Of course, that’s not always the case.

#3

thanks itsjustme,

Yes, I already took apart everything on the disk and the free models that are available at the hash site. I learned a lot from those, but when I see stuff from Wegg and Jtalbotski, I’m just blown away. I would have no idea of even how to begin a project like that. Those seem to be light years beyond anything on the CD. Guess I’ll do some more searching of this site for models. But if anyone wants to post some good learner files or email me some good examples of mesh construciton, texturing, decaling, bone confirguration, poses, etc…I’d be very greatful. my email is wnmailbox-web at Yahoo dot com.

(I guess in full disclosure I should say that I’m not a real graphics person. I’m actually a screenwriter wanting to produce some shorts that I’ve written. I’m a decent pen and paper drawer (is that a word?), but computer animation and 3-D is rather new to me. So far, I’ve done pretty good at modeling objects, but not so good at characters. I’m not necessarily trying to produce brilliant artwork. I just need to get good enough to tell my stories.)

#4

Isn’t some stuff by JTal. on the cd already? What more than what’s on the cd could you possibly need to “take apart” in order to learn? I’m really confused by this…

#5

Animation pit stop also had some free models but I’m either misremembering the url or the site isn’t active anymore.

One thing is a lot of the “goodness” of a model comes from the rendering and posing and camerawork, I recall a free model someone posted that didn’t look too spectacular in the modelling window, but was pretty nice looking in the renders he had made, meaning don’t discount the free models as crap, they aren’t - you just have to squeeze 'em to get the goodness out.

#6

Off the top of my head, I’m pretty sure the Tarzan model is one of Jim Talbot’s, the 2001 rig is a modification of the Eggington rig…I’m sure there are more, but, that’s what comes immediately to mind. I know that Jim posted his model “Schlitzy” with links both here on CGTalk (in this forum somewhere) and on the Hash forums…it’s worth taking a look at.

Do a search on this forum and the Hash Forums, you might be surprised at what’s there…especially in the WIP section. Definitely check out the “Material Laboratory”, “Radiosity” and “Artistic Rendering” sections.

#7

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