Introduction to Maya - Environment

First project back in Uni was to create an environment in Maya. This is a programme most of us had never used before so it was a lot of work for the amount of time given. The project itself was very rewarding and some of the environments created were really awesome. The below is my result!

I was quite clearly influenced by the research methods of the recent 'Brutal Legend' game. I looked at a lot of metal album covers and my concepts went from 'Shrine' to 'Sacrificial Mosh Pit to the Gods of Rock!' Had a lot of fun with this one and managed to get some HD renders, so hope you like it!

There is a lot I'd do differently now I know more but in the end I think it was quite successful. Getting my head around hypershade was probably the hardest thing of this project but now I know how it works I can see how useful it can be. After using Maya for about 2 weeks I'd say I'd probably feel more comfortable modeling in 3dMax but I think I'd be inclined to texture in Maya.

Using the Zbrush Tools

I've started working my way through some books I purchased, in particular 'Zbrush Character Creation, Advanced Digital Sculpting' by Scott Spencer. So far this book seems great! It comes with a DVD with video tutorials but I'm yet to watch any as the book itself has me glued to the pages.

I spent a few hours on the first tutorial which talks about the importance of Gesture, Form, Proportion and introduces you to the basic tools required to start sculpting. Although I'd had some prior experience experimenting with the different brushes and tools, the first tutorial introduced me to some features I hadn't yet come across. These were features like the lazy mouse and transpose tools. I also managed to use and successfully navigate Subtools for the first time. Surprisingly easy! For me the most fun part of this exercise was actually modeling an eye. There was a lot of satisfaction to gain after using the masking tool in conjunction with various brushes to get a set of realistic looking eyes in almost no time at all. Awesomeness! Bring on tutorial 2!

Zspheres!

My first attempt at Zspheres pre 3.5 Saw 'District 9' on Wednesday and loved the special effects so I thought I'd try making a prawn alien!

Semi successful and fun although I found the process interesting but a little awkward at times.

I think this will be something I'll come back to at a later date. All in all I learnt quite a lot so I'm looking forward to giving it another go!

Ctrl+N

Here's something I did during summer. My imagination went nuts with this one so its probably one of my more personal creations. I titled it Ctrl+N, its a bit surreal but I had great fun making it and it taught me a lot! I'll be sure to use the techniques I taught myself when making this piece during my coming year at Uni. Its always great fun to play with photoshop! I created it for conceptart.org's 'Newborn' contest. I'm starting to find online competitions a great way of improving my skills =)

Comp

I decided to spend some time working on a competition entry for the Imagine FXs 50th issue. Here is what I've done so far. Quite a lot of work still to go...

Zbrush intro

I had a little look at using different brushes and alphas today. Quite interesting stuff, I can see how easy it would be to create very interesting textures with experience. I used the clay brush when initially modeling, instead of the standard and also played about with clay tubes. I also experimented with masking, embarrassingly it took me a while to figure out how to deselect the highlighted surface but in the end it helped with the nose.

Couldn't resist letting my imagination take over today, aliens on the brain! Over the next few days I think I'll try and learn how to add/create separate elements to the model, like teeth, eyes and maybe hair. I think I'll also try and experiment with different combinations of brushes, strokes and alphas.

Day 2 in Zbrush

This is the 2nd sculpt I've made in Zbrush and I think I'm progressing quite well. Today I tried to use the pinch tool. Some quite cool brushes in Zbrush, hopefully I'll learn to use one a day or something. Starting to feel a little more comfortable with the controls now.