Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 3
Sculpting and Retopo Workflow
The method of modeling known as 3D sculpting has recently become increasingly popular as a way to create
highly realistic, detailed models. In 3D sculpting, the 3D object is handled in a way that is closely analogous
to actual clay. Blender has a powerful set of sculpting features that include multiresolution mesh modeling and
a variety of tools that enable highly detailed direct manipulations of meshes. More than this, Blender offers the
ability to use these detailed sculpted models as the basis of new models with corrected geometry. By means of
Blender's
remake topology
(
retopo
) and normal map-baking features, you can create low-poly models with cor-
rect edge loop geometry that exhibit the same fine detail as your sculpted models.
In this chapter, you will learn to
• Get the most out of Blender's sculpting functionality
• Use retopo to convert a sculpted form into a polygon model with correct edge loop geometry
• Use normal map baking to capture finely sculpted detail for use on a low-poly model
Sculpting with Blender
3D sculpting is a method of manipulating the shape of 3D objects in a direct and intuitive way that is loosely
analogoustothewayasculptorworkswithclayintherealworld.Itisanexcellentwaytomodeldetailedorganic
forms, and many artists find it to be a much more natural way to model than the direct manipulation of vertices
and polygons used in more traditional 3D mesh modeling. For this reason, 3D sculpting is rapidly growing in
popularity in the professional computer graphics (CG) modeling world.
Among the modeling options available in Blender is a powerful set of features that enable you to perform
3D sculpting on Mesh objects. Although Blender's sculpting functionality lacks some of the versatility of the
highest-end commercial sculpting systems, it is more than adequate for many sculpting tasks. In addition to the
obviousadvantageofbeingafreeandopen-sourceproduct,Blender'ssculptingfunctionalityalsohastheadvant-
age of being seamlessly integrated with Blender's other modeling, texturing, and animation tools, making for a
very smooth workflow.
Multiresolution Modeling
The cornerstone of the sculpting functionality in Blender is the ability to handle multiresolution mesh modeling.
Multiresolution (or
multires
) meshes are meshes for which information is stored at more than one level of subdi-
vision. At each level of subdivision, actual vertex data is maintained, so each multires level represents a mesh of
the same overall shape as the other levels but with a different density of vertices.
