Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 3
The Interdimensional Traveler: A Full Body Character
Design
In this chapter we will design and sculpt a bipedal character. This character walks on two legs—upright like
a human—but we want to make sure that, even though he is a biped, his nature is entirely alien to human.
As we talked about in Chapter 1, “ZBrush as a Character Design Tool,” this design is a character more than
a creature: he has personality and character as well as an internal life. This will be somewhat malevolent in
atmosphere, but it is important that this design inspire awe and some trepidation rather than total revulsion
or fear. We will look at ways to break convention in silhouette, proportion, and structure to create a character
that is new and interesting within the confines of being humanoid in overall appearance.
This lesson focuses on how to manipulate the viewer's expectations by breaking the normal placement of
humanoid features and proportions. By lengthening the figure and giving it a sweeping gesture, you create a
beautiful form that is then contrasted with grossly emaciated forms and skeletal shapes, both of which inspire
some degree of fear. These contrasts, combined with breaking the normal expectations of the figure, create a
sense of trepidation in the viewer when looking at the design.
From a technical standpoint, we will look at how to adjust proportions, develop ideas quickly with the
sculpting brushes, and add entirely new limbs to an existing model without having to rework the mesh. We
will glue new pieces on to the model.
Figure 3-1
shows the final character.
Figure 3-1:
Here we see the final character after the sculpting and posing process as well as the finishing
pass detailed in Chapters 4 and 11.
The Brief: Archon
The character we will create in this chapter is an interdimensional traveler called “The Archon.” He is a
high-ranking member of a caste of beings that travel between worlds, colonizing them for their own needs.
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