Spell-Writer

#1

Hey Everyone,

 I'm just starting to get comfortable in CG coming from a very traditional art background in drawing and painting.  I'm posting this WIP looking for constructive criticism on character appeal, design, and definitely pointers on how to improve.  I built the body in zbrush and the clothes in Maya.  I then took the costume and finished it to this point in Zbrush.

If I am looking to become a true character artist in film/animation, what sorts of issues do you all see being problematic?  What can you see here that is working?  Not working?

Finally, when it comes time to animate, is it recommended that I skin the clothes to the character after it is rigged? Or for a more wizard-y feel, should I do the animation then use dynamic cloth simulation?

More Shots on my gallery: http://jleehunter.cgsociety.org/art/zbrush-maya-concept-process-a-writer-fantasy-3d-1296675

#2

Wizards are right up my alley so I’m all for the general concept. You’ve got good detail coming along with the arcane tattoos and the rest of the character is looking kind of dark so far which I also like. I’m not really liking the design of the outfit though, its a bit too cliche and Chibi. That may be the direction your intending in which case you’ve got it.

The pants almost look like peasant type just tied off around the ankles and I would think a successful Wizard is wearing a full set of magic gear. The glyphs on the robe are good I like them, and the collar looks ok too maybe a bit more detail there, I’m not liking the partial sag of the sleeves or the cut off length of the cape though. Its hard to tell if that’s a leather type belt or his stomach showing as well, a Wizard would be vulnerable to physical attacks so he would cover up as much as possible with at least leather unless he has some other powers that take the place of armor. The hood is really what bothers me the most, it looks like a bird which makes me think the character is somehow bird themed. Again if this is the intent its spot on but otherwise I think it needs work.

Do you have any back-story for this guy worked out? Maybe the setting he will be in? In my experience once you get a little of the back-story worked out the character designs help to create themselves quite a bit.

I like the overall direction though despite my criticisms, keep up the good work.

#3

Thank you for your reply and input.

You are correct in a lot of what you are suggesting. The hood I will say is intentionally bird-themed. I was hinting at the idea of birds being this wizard’s “familiar.”

I did draw up a back-story, the very abbreviated version being that this is a traveling wizard that makes a living writing and selling spells throughout his country. His stomach won’t be exposed in the final design. I’m creating a length of mail in maya that will cover this area. I will consider as i keep working the monetary success or failure of this character, as that would indeed be reflected in his look. The overcoat i admit is oddly shaped. I was going for a silhouette that could be readily remembered. I may rework the hood. I like a bird-hood but I’m bothered by the super-round line. Maybe add some visual noise by actually adding head feathers.

Once again, thank you kindly! I’ll keep working.

#4

Knowing its bird themed changes a lot, your cape is probably good with its length them to look like wings. What kind of bird familiar are you shooting for?

#5

to be honest a very generalized bird form in terms of the helm/hood. I was more focused on conveying character through the beak visor and shapes of the eye sockets.