Album 01 - Cartoon Kid
(Includes Videos 01-05)

A guided introduction to creating cartoon characters in modo, totaling 3 hours, 20 minutes. This album of five videos illustrates the process of creating a 3D character model from the original artist conceptual sketches using modo‘s subdivision surface modelling techniques. Topics covered include: Creating character from scratch using artist concept sketch as guide, using organic subdivision surface techniques suitable for character animation, application of UV coordinates and texture maps and techniques to pose and render character in action.

Includes videos and additional 2D/3D content for exercises introduced in the videos.

Video 01 - Cartoon Kid: Project Introduction
(Total Run Time: 45m)

In this video we look at setting up modo so we have a modelling environment that is going to aid the process of modelling a character. Then we rough out the volumes of the object by creating a base mesh using solid sketch and the sculpting tools. With the base mesh complete we then create the head, focusing on developing good topology that correctly follows the features of the face.

Supporting Content: 1 scene and 2 images

File Size:
155MB

Video 02 - Cartoon Kid: Body, Hands, Eyes and Hair
(Total Run Time: 30m)

Using the base mesh as a constant source of reference in this video we model the upper body and hands. We look at how to develop the topology of a hand and then sculpt its shape. We then develop the shape of his arms and body and build layers of clothes on top, and finally we continue to develop the head by adding eyebrows, hair and eyes.

Supporting Content: 2 scenes and 2 images

File Size:
127MB

Video 03 - Cartoon Kid: Shoes, Belt, Mouth
(Total Run Time: 40m)

In this video we finish modelling the character by building the shoes and laces. We then create his trousers developing the folds of material around his ankles using a variety of polygon modelling tools as well as the sculpting tools. We then model his belt and finally finish off the model by building his gums, teeth, throat and tongue.

Supporting Content: 2 scenes and 2 images

File Size:
145MB

Video 04 - Cartoon Kid: Pose Setup
(Total Run Time: 26m)

One of the best things about modelling a character is being able to see it in action so in this video we look at how to use a variety of modelling tools, custom tools, forms and props to setup a number of poses. First of all we create a selection “rig” so we are able to select parts of the model quickly and consistently. We then use the toolpipe to customise tools that will help us to pose the character accurately. Finally with all this in place we then setup a pose of him running and a pose of him riding a skateboard. Other prop objects are also provided so you can setup a number of different poses if you wish.

Supporting Content: 5 scenes and 9 images

File Size:
122MB

Video 05 - Cartoon Kid: Texturing
(Total Run Time: 59m)

In the final video in this album we look at texturing our character so we can produce some finished artwork. We start by setting up the lighting utilising Physically Based Daylight and then we look at texturing each part of the model in detail. In the process we UV most of the character and use a combination of provided tillable image maps and images created using the painting and sculpting tools. With the texturing complete we then create some finished renders of our character in the poses we created and look at how we can utilise some of modo’s animation features to make the images more dynamic.

Supporting Content: 4 scenes and 31 images

File Size:
205MB