Observation Skills and CG - An Introduction to Computer Graphics for Artists - page 39

Fig. 3.1 A schematic and
non-schematic version of a car

3.2.1 Schematic

A 3D subject such as an automobile has a specifi c appearance but it also has structure
that is dictated by the functions of all its parts. Wheels must roll, therefore they are
round. This does not mean that all tires are alike, but that they all share the character-
istic of being round. A schematic level of observation would lead to a round tire, but
not a tire that is distinguishable from others made for different purposes, by different
manufacturers, or in different time periods. At a larger level, a schematic representa-
tion of a vehicle pays attention to its topology, how the parts are connected and how
many parts there are, but not their specifi c appearance. A vehicle made this way
might resemble a sedan, but would not be any specifi c sedan (Fig. 3.1 ).
Schematic representations ignore the measurements and specifi c properties of
their target object. When an artist incorporates schematic representation into their
style, it is because they are not suffi ciently concerned with exploring and analyzing
the differences between similar objects. The question they should ask when observ-
ing a subject is not “What is here?” but “Why is this different from every other
example?” An artist with schematic level observation skills will be able to make 3D
objects, but will not be able to make convincing realistic 3d objects without fi rst
improving their observation skills.

3.2.2 Symbol

Symbol observation is related to simplifi ed, exaggerated, or stylized representations.
Characters, props, and environments in television cartoons tend to be stylized repre-
sentations of their subjects. Mickey Mouse doesn't look like a real mouse, but he has