Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 14-110: Select the two polys on either side of the X axis and merge
them together.
Zoom out and take a look at your model. It's
kind of ugly. But this is where the fun really
begins! You've done the hard work and
achieved the two most important goals in
head modeling: great flow and minimal
polygons. Now it's time to play. Save your
model and move on to the final phase:
advanced detailing.
Advanced Detailing
One of the hardest concepts to grasp for
those new to organic modeling is that most
models look awful until they're about 93%
complete. It shouldn't be surprising, really.
When you think about it, people all over the
world share identical features (eyes, nose,
mouth, ears), but the subtle differences in
size and shape determine whether one
person is considered ugly and another beau-
tiful. Nevertheless, I frequently see people
in online forums asking for tips on how to
improve their models when quite often,
there's nothing wrong. At least, not techni-
cally. Oftentimes, the problem is that
they've hit the 90% mark and given up in
frustration. They've come to a point where
all of the geometry is in place and they've
developed a reasonable flow with an accept-
able number of polygons, but their model
still looks bad. Almost without fail, the solu-
tion in these cases is to push past the 90%
mark. You'd be surprised at how quickly
things can come together, especially if
you've done everything right from the start.
If you've followed the technical direction
in this chapter, I can tell you that you've
done everything right. You have created a
head model with great flow and minimal
polys that is 85% complete. In the next few
minutes, we will bring that up to the 90%
mark. The biggest challenge before you,
then, is whether or not you're willing to
push past the 90% mark.
We are nearing the completion of our
head model and there is little left for me to
teach you. It is up to you as the artist to
take what you have learned and apply it in a
manner that expresses your artistic vision.
