i need beginners advice

#1

i am really new to 3d modeling in general, (as well as 2d sketching stuff), just new in general, and i have been trying to model a sorta smooth cartoony face in maya for a while now, but i keep getting hung up in the beginning details, i have been using various tutorials and such, mainly the box modeling technique, but i am having a really hard time understanding some of the basic facial feature stuff they are talking about, like adding a line for the nose and moving the vertices properly and such to aline for the cheek around the side.

im rambling a bit it seems, basically, i am worried i do not have the basic fundamentals when it comes to understanding anatomy and such, i have a pretty good idea how to use the modeling tools in maya, but i lack any real artistic focus or talent it seems, and was hoping someone might be able to point me in the right direction to get a good grasp of exactly what i am doing in the concept area.

let me know if this is making any sense or not

#2

Your problem could be technique related? i know i used to have a hard time using the box modeling approach. I preferred to lay down my loops poly by poly, so maybe give that a try:

http://www.3dtotal.com/ffa/tutorials/max/joanofarc/head1.php

All beginners need to train anatomy knowledge in order to improve. Talent is something that comes with practice, it’s not a skill you are born with…or at least a pretty rare occurence. Checkout PDF books by Loomis since they are free and a good starting point.

#3

sorry i did not reply earlier, but thanks for the link, i hadent been using orthographic in the past because i was concerned that it would not give me enough freedom in the modeling process, but i am thinking now mabey when i am this early in the process it might not be a bad thing.

i will try the loomis books as well, thanks for the advice :slight_smile:

#4

All beginners need to train anatomy knowledge in order to improve. Talent is something that comes with practice, it’s not a skill you are born with…or at least a pretty rare occurence. Checkout PDF books by Loomis since they are free and a good starting point.

agree with psyko, anotomy understanding helps alot, dun worry about if not doing so well, everyone start from somewhere and makes progress over time

#5

Yes, study anatomy, again and again.

As far as technique, I think I would recommend a slightly different approach than you are using.Rather than worrying about polygon flow and the technicalities while also battling anatomy and the more artistic aspects of creating a head, separate the tasks.
Try using zbrush(or any sculpting app) to get familiar with the form and structure. Once you have created something you are happy with, then consider retopology as a way to layout the flow of your mesh over your existing sculpt. Sculpt/Export/Retopo would be my recommendation.

good luck!
t.

#6

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