HCR MINI-Challenge #20: 15 Expressions ONE Model FAQ

#1

[color=white]Post here any question you may have about our next mini Challenge!
[/color]15 Expressions ONE Model

#2

I posted this question on the other thread, sorry for the repeat question. Can you also have fantasy creatures?

#3

Repost of another question from the last FAQ thread. To summarize, why don’t our posts show up in the “Hot Threads” list in the newsletter when many times we have more replies and views than the ones featured in the newsletter?

If challenge threads just don’t get included perhaps they could make a new listing in the newsletter for them.

#4

Go ahead…

Have fun

-R

#5

Do all these expressions have to be unique sculpts/sculpt layers or can we build a facial rig with all the appropriate shapes/controls needed to get those expressions?

Cheers!

#6

I can assume this is aloud since it’s not really a sculpting challenge to sculpt all of the expressions. Although with a rig this challenge goes way beyond the hardcore modeling of the face.

But i like it.
I think i’m in. I really have hardly any experience in doing a face and a rig.

#7

Something you may want to keep in mind is because it’s a modeling challenge some people may look down on a model if it uses a rig instead of everything being modeled/sculpted. Not saying this is the case but you never know.

#8

This is then just like changing every model manually for every frame in an animation. Sounds like 3d stop-motion.
The way i see it, i think it’s possible to do rigging on a well-topologized model, and then do a detailing pass on this pose. Whether it’s old-fashioned modeling or rigging.

(and people only look at the result and not the way towards the result! I’ve seen models win without following the exact rules.)

#9

My vote for best model wouldn’t be influenced by the method someone used to develop their expressions be it bound skeleton, driven blend shapes, individual sculpts, or some combination of all the above.

Instead I’d be looking at the geometry itself and how well it conveys the emotion. So if a lip wasn’t pulled back enough to convey a snarl then that would count against the work regardless of whether it’s a result of a chosen method of modelling the faces or not.

#10 
  Sure, but for, say a blendshape-rig you still have to sculpt every single shape&viseme that will later be added onto the whole to arrive at the final expression. Even on a spline-based rig you have to model the curves in addition to creating the face. Personally, I dont see much of a difference in workload and/or expertise necessary to get to the finish-line, as compared to sculpting finite expressions (which is not really purely modeling either). In my book, building a facial-rig is still mainly a modeling/sculpting process and not at all a shortcut or cheat. Quite to the contrary actually, there's the added work of connecting everything and making it play nice together.

Let’s see what Roberto says! :slight_smile:

  Cheers!
#11

I don’t disagree with anything you’re saying and I’d be bummed if someone counted my work out for a reason like that. Just something to think about.

#12

As alway keep in mind that we dont require a specific method to do the project.

Like in real life, it is whatever gets the work done, as long as the BASE model is done from scratch.

-R

#13

Thanks for “heads-up” to Wyatt and for the clarification to Roberto! :slight_smile:

#14

In the rules it is specified that you have to show your references before starting.
What about the case you are using books?
In my case I own the book Facial expression by Mark simon, will I have to take a shot of the expressions I will use, or do I just have to mention that I will use this book?
Thanks

#15

hi guys.

so my question:

may i use a pre-done basemesh to do the final model in Zbrush??

  • if have mistakes in my english, sorry- :smiley:

bye!

#16

Do you best
If you cant post reference becuase it is copyrightted material, that is fine.
Just state your reasons for not posting them.

Your english is just fine.

but I am sorry to say that you
[color=white]Cant use a pre-done base mesh since we require all models to be done from scratch.[/color]

-R

#17

i think posting a photo of the book (obviously a picture and not a scan) can’t harm at all. Consider it promotional.

#18

Just wanted to ask. Yes I understand that people that have knowledge of facial rigging
might just go that way about deforming a base head.

Knowing about that, is there a point in manually sculpting 15 expressions off a base head?
It seems to me that you can also use sculpted heads as blend shapes for animation?
They only have to share the same topology as the base head?

So, can you consider manual sculpting of expressions for use as blend shapes
a reasonable/professional real work approach?
Or would it rather make this HMC project simply a sculpting exercise.

Something people just wouldn’t do professionally?

#19

Nothing states about HOW you need to do this challenge. So if you wanna sculpt all of those expression, then go ahead i would say. I’m not a rigger but i will go for it.

For example: you could just use a few bones, do a little skinning so that you can open the mouth, lift or lower eyebrows and maybe the nose. Then pose them 15 times as close as it get’s, and then start sculpting on them. Or just start sculpting right away on the base mesh.

Either way: it’s the result that counts.

I think i rigger will have much more work setting up the rig to make it be able to do anything. Even way more then 15 expressions. But posing them will be super fast and flexible.
Sculpting on the other hand for an experienced sculptor, will take little time to sculpt the expression, but more time to do 15 of them. So in all ways i don’t think there is an easy way, but only a choice in path according to your skills.

so relax and enjoy

#20

Thanks Nothingness. Yes making a lot of sense.

Maybe doing a basic rig for starting expressions is a pretty good idea.
So you can open close/mouth move neck move/direct eyes kind of.
Ok see if I can get myself to that stage :\

See how much hampering the power blackouts going to be.
Yes still in Africa hehe.