To get started, download the file ch04_01.mud from www.digitalsculpting .net/mudbox_book and open it in Mudbox (Figure 4.4). The model in the scene was modeled in a separate 3D modeling program and then imported into Mudbox as an OBJ file, but Mudbox can also import other file formats like FBX files. The model is composed of 2608 polygons that are about the same size and it is UV mapped; to see the UV map, select the model in the Object List and click on the UV View tab. Although UV mapping is not critical to sculpting in Mudbox, it is important to properly extract displacement maps and painting textures. It is better to UV map models before importing into Mudbox, but UVs can be imported later also.
Except Figure 4.4, the figures used in this tutorial have their XY grid and gradient background turned off. You may turn these features off by right-clicking anywhere in the scene (but not over the model) and unchecking those options from the contextual menu. Also you may display the wireframe of the model by toggling W. Displaying the wireframe is a good idea to check the model’s topology as you work; but in general, it’s better to hide it while sculpting.
However, in this tutorial, the model already has all of the correct proportions and basic shapes in place. Your task will be to sculpt surface anatomy details such as muscle masses, refine the hands and feet, and sculpt the head and face. The figures in this tutorial should be sufficient to guide you through the sculpting process. Nonetheless, it is a good idea to gather good reference sources on anatomy for artists such as books, websites, or even models that you can handle.
FIG 4.4 Download the File ch04_01.mud
