I think I’m going to try a different approach for some of them though. There was an article on CG Society about an artist on there, and how he completed a certain piece of his. He had a technique that caught me eye, and certainly seems like it would be a big time saver.

So yeah, this idea was inspired by an anime I watched recently, and so far the character design is pretty much done. I’m going to change a few things on it, like the gloves. I find the large gloves make it a little too stylized. Since the haz mat suit makes proportions already look out of wack, I think giving it smaller gloves will bring it back to reality a bit more. The image itself is going to be this guy inspecting a strange plant growing in the middle of a ruined skyscraper, and through the wall you will see the rest of the broken city. So a bit of a post apocalyptic shtick that we’ve all seen before, but hey, it’s new to me!

Now that I don’t have to worry about that, I can still easily work on my own projects during my free time. Gotta keep that demo fresh! I’m still considering doing commissions as well. There are just a couple factors that I’m not too sure about before I actually start openly advertising about it.

Anywho, just thought I’d fill you in. Always interested in hearing from people and studios about my work, getting criticism and such. Feel free to drop me a line, and stay tuned for a look at my upcoming personal projects.

You can still view the work in progress thread that shows my entire process here. There is also a gallery at the bottom of this post which contains all the images in the thread, altough it is missing my commentary. Wish me luck in the judging!

Please note: This is not a tutorial. This is just a recount of my experiences making characters for use with the Source Engine and the Hammer Level Editor. You may learn of a few things to keep your eye out for when doing this yourself, but this is not a step by step guide.

Asset Creation

The characters were modeled in Maya. The could have been modeled in any software package, so I decided to use the one I was most familiar with. You just have to keep in mind the limitations of the engine. Through research I found that a good rule of thumb is around 8000 tris for a poly count, and a 1024x texture sheet.

I also imported a character model from Half Life into maya to see what sort of scale to model the character in. If you model your characters in the XSI Mod Tool, you can use the Source Biped Guide to make sure your character is around the same size. You can always scale your character later, but getting it roughly close does help.

Character Rigging

This was when research became more important, as I needed to learn how to rig the characters properly in for the animation from existing characters to be used properly, and also so the game would recognize the skeleton. I looked through many online resources, including the Valve Developer Wiki (http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Main_Page) and the XSI Mod Tool website (http://www.softimage.com/products/modtool/inside.aspx).

From there I learned that it would be best to use the Mod Tool to rig the characters. It came with tools built in to create guides and rigs specifically for the Source Engine. This way I did not have to rely on any third party plugins for Maya. The Mod Tool is a free download for any to use, and it was not hard to learn.

It was at this point that I learned of the Noesis training videos (http://www.noesisinteractive.com/). They are a series of video tutorials made to teach you the process of creating assets and compiling them for use in a Source game mod. I used the one called Character Design & Integration with Half-Life®2 (XSI). I used this video for most of my reference material. I found it was very well made and easy to follow. There were a few discrepancies, as the video was a few years old, and was not for the specific game that we were using, but it provided a very good base.

Rigging the characters was fairly straight forward, as it was very similar to rigging in Maya. You first line up your character as close to the guide as you can, and then you can move the guides markers to the specific joints of your character. It is important not to move joints near the torso of the body too far from their starting point, as I found that the animation from existing characters will actually try to move them back, thus distorting your character in ways that you don’t want.

Once the guide is in place you can tell the Mod Tool to create the actual rig from the guide. It will place all the bones in controllers in the proper places following the guide’s placement. Then you begin the weighting. It works much the same as smooth skinning in Maya. You can paint weights on each bone, and you can also use the weight editor to specify the weights for each verticy specifically.

There are a few more steps in the Mod Tool before you can export it for compilation. You have to make sure that your model is pointing to a texture file that is inside the proper Steam folders on your computer, and that that file is a TGA format.

At this point you can export your character as an SMD, which is the starting format for Source engine models. You need this file, and the TGA texture file in order to create the compiled version.

Compiling

This was the area of creation that required the most trial and error. The video tutorial was very helpful in this area, but as mentioned before it was not very up to date, and there were quite a few areas that had changed.

Compiling the texture was rather easy. All you had to do was place the TGA file in the proper materialsrc folder inside the Source SDK Content folder. You then dragged that file over on top of the vtex.exe which is contained in the bin folder of the engine version you are using. That’s really all you need to do. The corresponding VTF file is placed in the game Material folder that you are using. You then create a folder of the same name as the file, and in that folder you place a VMT file also of the same name. This is basically a text file that tells the model where the texture is located, along with some other basic shader information. There was a sample of this file included with the video tutorial. Some editing in notepad was all that was needed.

Compiling the models correctly proved to be much more difficult. Most of the information for compiling the model is contained in a QC file. This is also a text file that references the SMD model, where the new MDL model will go, what certain bones do, facial information, animation references, etc. I used the basic QC from the Source SDK Content folder for the Male 06 model.

The main problem I had here was trying to get the models to compile using animation from existing Source models. There were various strings of code that seemed to reference different files for animation and other information, so it took various trial and error to figure out which ones to change, and which would result in errors during compiling.

You compile using the studiomdl.exe which is in the same folder as the vtex.exe. Though when trying to compile various iterations of the qc file, the screen did not stay up long enough for me to see the errors and troubleshoot them. Luckily I found a program that created an more user friendly interface for the studiomdl.exe, called GUIStudioMDL.exe (http://www.wunderboy.org/apps/guistudiomdl2.php). This allowed me to see the errors and come up with solutions.

I discovered that the best way to include animation in the custom models was to use the string $includemodel before the filepath of the model. This way it would include the animation from an existing model from any Source game you wanted.

It also took some experimentation to find proper characters to use for the base animation. The original plan was to try and include animation from a newer game called Left 4 Dead, which characters more closely resembled my custom ones in actions and behavior. However the Development Kit was not released at the time for this game, and decompiling the models myself did not yield a usable file.

So I found some suitable characters that existed in Half Life to use, and compiled the characters accordingly. Another error I came across when compiling them, was that it appeared that the files did not have write permissions. This was due to the folders that it was trying to write to were none existent. Unlike most programs that will create folders if they don’t exist, the studiomdl will not.

Importing into Level

This was the final step in making custom characters for our game mod. I expected to be able to import my characters and have them act as the characters that their animation was based on. I was mistaken, as my custom characters lacked AI to control them in the game engine, and there was no way to get them into the level otherwise.

After researching some more, and posting on the Steam forums asking for help, I was down to two options. I could either try renaming my characters’ files as the files for existing characters, essentially tricking the engine into using my character models instead of the originals, with the AI of the existing characters, or learn c++ and create my own AI code. I opted for the former.

I tried this method a few times, with the result of utterly breaking the SDK on my computer, and also breaking the characters that I had compiled and had working in the Model Viewer. I did not understand why. It took some more trial and error to realise that I was renaming my custom files to the very same name of the files I was referencing for the animations, thus creating an infinite loop, which is what caused the SDK to crash.

I solved this issue by copying the original Source characters, renaming them to Character_Original, using that as the reference in the QC for the animation, and then naming my custom characters as the original Valve characters. That solved the issue, and allowed me to bring in my custom characters, under the name of pre-existing Valve characters in the Hammer editor.

The last few issues had to do with the kinds of characters I was using for the animations. I originally wanted to use zombie like animations for my characters, but it even though they worked fine in the Model Viewer, when in the hammer editor, and in a running map they did not work correctly. Animations would not play, characters would not move, and some would crash the game when trying to use an animation that wasn’t there.

I believe this problem comes from the skeleton I used. I don’t think it is exactly the same as the skeletons used for the zombies. It is for humans only. So I solved this issue by recompiling the characters using the animation from pre-existing human characters. This worked for 2 out of 3 of the characters. The last still would crash the game, but I could not fix it by using another character’s animation, as there are only so many characters available, and only a certain number of those seemed to work with my characters.

So in the end I managed to get 2 out of three characters in the level and working properly, save for a few minor bugs that I have yet to rectify, like some animations still not working properly, and weapons and creatures spawning when they should not be.

Please note that at this time we were unable to disable the blood in the game mod, nor were we able to keep the ghost character from using grenades, or having a head crap appear from nowhere. The siren character is also no present due to significant bugs.

Hey everyone, I know I haven’t posted in a little while. I’ve been very busy as of late. Lots of school projects and I’ve also been doing a couple of contests online which I’m VERY excited about. The first one was the Steampunk Legends contest on CGSociety. I’ll post some more about that later, but right now I’m taking part in Dominance War IV which is the big international game art competition. I learned about it last year and promised myself that I would participate this year, so here I am.

This year the competition consists of two 9 day mini challenges along with the larger character creation part. The first 9 day challenge was due yesterday and it was certainly a fun warmup.

You had to use a base mesh that was provided to make a General Portrait. Unfortunately I can’t post the actual images on my blog here, at least not yet. Contests like these like the work you do to stay just on their site, so I’ll post the links here. Please take a look and tell me what you think.

WIP Forum Posts (Posts with DWIV in the title) – http://forums.cgsociety.org/search.php?searchid=1490259

Final Submission for Mini Challenge 1 – http://www.gameartisans.org/contests/minis/finals_cgsociety_3d_1803.html

For more information on the competition itself please click the image at the top of this post. I’m very excited to take part in this competition and find it pushes my skills and is a great experience. I hope to take part in more competitions like this in the future, time permitting of course.

I had time to actually make the final character for our game mod project here. I’d actually say this was the best model so far, and it was made in about one day, texture included. You can see more images in the gallery below.

I also have to say that I really do enjoy Mudbox much more than zbrush. I may still play around with Zbrush now and again, but I think Mudbox is going to be my principle sculpting program from now on. You can see the differences between the two that I’ve done here. Hugh was done with Zbrush and Summer was done with Mudbox. Some of the improvement between the two was just my skill, but also the ease of the program I was using.

I’m also posting a couple comparison shots for my models to their real world counterparts. I can see I have a long way to go, but I’m quite happy with the way they turned out.

I’m sure I’ll continue to get better at sculpting, which will help me greatly as a character modeling. I think my next independent study will have to do with vehicles. I don’t do nearly enough vehicles, but that’s for a new year. See y’all lata!

Updated: Independent Study Reflections

Why did you choose the topic that you did? Professional reasons? Personal curiosity?

I chose to sculpt busts because it would help me develop better modeling skills for facial structure, and detailing, and also gave me practice creating something that was not of my own design.

Did you work alone or in a group and did that work out? Would you have rather worked with someone else or worked alone?

I worked alone.

How ambitious were you in your goals? Was this based on previous knowledge? Ambition alone?

I did want to get three busts completed, but due to time constraints from other projects, etc, I was only able to finish two. This was based on some sculpting I had done before.

When you started on the project what issues did you run into that could or did cause delays, frustrations if any?

I ran into some issues with the program I was using, Zbrush, as it could not do some the things that I wanted it to. Mostly that was the ability to bring in reference images. I overcame this by switching to Mudbox, which does have reference images.

What did you learn about your own abilities to set goals? Plan the work? Or not?

I believe my goals were realistic, and if the other projects did not take priority then I believe I could have completed three busts.

Did any skill or part of the project come naturally to you? What did not and what would you feel you need to work on in the future? More than just technical skills but project planning?

Learning a new program fairly quickly was not too hard for me, but the base skills of sculpting and detailing still require a lot of practice.

Was there any part of the project that you really gravitated towards and could see yourself specializing in? or are you more interested in being an all-rounder?

I quite enjoy sculpting, as the amount of detail you can get from it is amazing, and the face that you can actually use these high poly models as a normal map adds that extra bit of knowledge for a pipeline to me.

If your original goal had to be altered or reduced half way through the project what were the reasons?

Time restrictions mostly. Other projects that took priority grew in size, and thus this project suffered.

Did you learn anything more about yourself through this experience? Sometimes life challenges can interfere with our best laid plans, how did they affect your ability to get the work done?

I learned that I work well under pressure, since it forces me to stop picking at things for too long and to move on to the next phase when further tweaking is no longer necessary.

I already see some things wrong with it, but at least it looks like her. For the most part. I’ll probably put a comparison image up soon as well. Tell me what you think!

Anyway, here is what I have so far.

So here he is. Comments always welcome.

We did a bit of research today, seeing what the Source engine has to offer, and also seeing how we can integrate Maya into it. Since Maya is the 3D software we have the most experience with, it would be great to get a working pipeline. This project is definatly going to be 1 part work, and 1 part research.

I also hashed out a rough version of the Backstory for the game, as it’s going to be a single player fps, much like half life. We decided to go with something close to home, and set it inside our College. Write what you know right?

So the rest of this semester is going to be mostly research and asset creation, while next semester is going to be the brain popping adventure of trying to compile a game using nothing but our wits and and the google search engine. Wish us luck!

And this was what I changed it to using photo reference:

We went to Halifax today and I got to go to Chapters. I picked up a few new books.

50 Robots To Draw And Paint

- I love robots so this was a must have. It has various robot designs, ranging from pur sci-fi, cartoony, to steam punk style. Covers basics, even gives you tips on specific parts like joints and cables. Very good inspirational material and mechanical reference.

Anatomy for the Artist

- You can never have too many anatomy resources in my opinion, especially when you’re doing character designs and trying to get a certain level of realism. This book is great. It has overlays that show the underlying bone structures, and musculature. It has lots of large color photos of models. Very clean and well posed. Each photo focuses on a certain part, and has in depth descriptions and tips for drawing each part. A lovely book I’m sure I’ll be referring to often.

Erotic Fantasy Art

- A lovely inspirational and beautiful book of over a hundred sexy female paintings, drawings, and photography. It covers everything from vampire queens to bondage angels. It incorporates artwork from lots of different artists, and they are all stunning works of art celebrating the female form in various cultures, races, costumes, and even species. A great book if you’re looking to create a sexy femme fatale and you’re not quite sure how revealing to make her outfit

I’ve also been working on the Scissor Sisters project, and a practice hand model to keep myself busy. Hopefully you will see more from me in the coming weeks. Later!

The painting is unfinished, but I think it’s far enough along to convey the details of the character, and so I’m moving on to the the next phase, which is the technical drawings that will be used to model with. These will just be line work, with heavy importance on detail and anatomy. So if anyone wants to model for me that would be AWSOME!

Anywho. So as I mentioned this is Fuyuko (Winter Child) the sister of Natsuko. She is the more hard headed of the two, but is the better warrior, despite her tendancy to run head long into dangerous situation. She has the large broadsword, almost zanbatō, type of scissor blade. Very heavy, and capabile of cutting a man in half.

Tell me what you think of her in the comments Constructive criticism is always welcome.

This one basicly said “Here’s a propeller, make something that uses it.” So I did, and this is what I came up with. Made in 90 mins.

So here is the first result, Voide. I character idea I had for a while, finally down on paper, and I’m pretty happy with it. I can already see things wrong with it, but it doesn’t matter, it’s just the idea, nothing more. Hope ya likes!

Still working on the concept designs for the two of them, but they should be done in no time. I’m over half done on both of them.

I will be starting work on my Scissor Sisters project very soon. Tomorrow actually, since it’s a day I have off. I didn’t want to work on it too much when I was doing the site.

Also, some things aren’t quite working yet, so bare with me.

Once I get the pose figured out, I’ll be doing some concept designs, one of which I started a while ago, and then I’ll merge the two.

Any help anyone can give on getting the anatomy right, by all means, offer it.

Let me know which one you like!

This here is what I came up with for the pose for them. It’s just the pose, it’s not actually what the characters look like, since there is nothing really there. The body types are going to be the same though, and hopefully I can actually make their faces and bodies as close to the same as possible, since they are supposed to be twins.

Have a look. I’m looking for constructive criticism on the anatomy and posing here. This is the first draft, and may not even be the final pose.

Thanks!

908 polys
1X1024 texture map

I still have some other little things to finish up for Capstone. Need to finish my normal mapping research. I redid the UV map for the Hydral, and I’ll be doing a quick high res version to make the normal map from tonight probably. Will only spend a couple hours on it, and then will just try a few ways to actually make the normal map. You’ll probably see how that comes out tomorrow, as I’ll post my results.

After all that, and some residual forms, Capstone is done! After taking a few days to rest up, catch up on some video games, and figuring out my work schedule, I’ll be picking up my Scissor Sisters project again. Expects posts on that in the future.

1363 Polygons (Way high for a prop, but I did put in all the little pieces with geometry as opposed to just in the texture like I could have. I wanted it to be as accurate as possible, but I kept the poly count as low as possible.)
1X1024 Texture Map

I’ve been watching a video tutorial from digital tutors that covers the whole maya to zbrush to maya pipeline, and they mentioned how important a clean UV map is. So I went back to my hydral and looked at the UV map with a little trick they used in the tutorial. They used a checker pattern to give a visual representation of the uv on the 3D model, and low and behold, there were my artifacts. Have a look:

On the left is the model with the normal map, and on the right is the corresponding UV map distortion.

I am now cleaning the uv map, and will be trying Zbrush again. The normal map won’t be very detailed, as I’m just trying to get the process down right now. I’m also going to try another program I found, called Xnormal, and see how that works.

593 polygons ( Might be a little high for a prop but I went nuts on the details.)
1×1024 color map
1×1024 specular map
1×1024 transparency map ( for the glass front )

Final Specs:
2490 Tri’s
1×2048 Color Texture Map
1×2048 Bump Map
1×2048 Transparency Map
1×2048 Specular Map
Maya 2008
12 hours – est.

I finished modeling him yesterday, and just finished some final tweaks and did a couple test renders. I squeezed him into 2490 polygons, which is under my 2500 limit I set for myself. I’m pretty sure this is at least close to industry standard as far as counts go, but if you have a better idea let me know.

Texturing is next for him, and I hope it goes well. Of course I have to UV map first, which is always fun.

As always, comments are welcome.

But now that I have my blog here, I can put more updates of the stuff I’m working on. I figure I can update my blog pretty much everyday if I want to, and update my actual website about every 2 weeks to a month. This way I can put up works in progress and such, to see what you guys think.

Anywho, let me know if there is anything not working in this new setup. I noticed it’s a little slow myself, but that just might be because some of the images are hosted on the school server along with my website. Won’t be that way forever.

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I think it came out rather well, and I love the style it’s in. Built completely from scratch from reference images, used Maya 8.

Still a couple things I’m kinda picky about, but I figured it was time to move on.

This is the first of the four, ‘Theodore.” I love the old Disney Feature Films, and loved the style they were done in. One of my Favorites, even though it’s not that old, is Atlantis. So I took a lot of the style of this character from the movie. You can even see some sketches I did while watching it. I also took some elements from Cybersix, an old tv show, and various artists I found online. Tell me what you think, as he’s done very rough right now, and will be cleaned up into a final model sheet soon enough, so I can start modeling him.