Using Splines to Model a Head - Phase Two

This was the second phase of using the splines to create the basic 3-dimensional topology of the face. In this phase, the vertices created last time were all lined-up on the Z-axis using the side-view reference plane. This was achieved using the Edit Poly modifier.

In order to do this accurately it was important to make the shape see-through. This allowed a better view of the reference plane with which to line-up the vertices.

Upon completing this section, I have now ended up with the basic 3D topology of one side of the face. This is a good basis to move forward.

Using Splines to Model a Head

In this stage the reference planes were used as a basis to model the face. In 3D Studio Max, the line tool was used in conjunction with the snap tool to draw splines that snapped directly onto each other. These splines were then filled to create faces that would make up the topology of the face that was defined on the reference planes.

By sticking to the reference planes, the result was good and I was happy with the outcome. It was very important to get this early stage right else I would've risked compromising the rest of the project. Now I can move forward to add a third dimension to this currently flat topology.

Reference Planes

To create reference planes for the head model, two pictures were taken of my head - one of the front elevation and the other of the side elevation. These pictures were then imported into Adobe Photoshop CS5.

In Photoshop, the images were placed next to each other and the first task was to line up all the key features such as the eyes, nose, mouth and chin. Using the rulers in Photoshop as a guide, I found that this was relatively straightforward and I managed to achieve a very good alignment.

Once the images had been aligned, the next task was to define the topology of the front elevation of the face and of the ear. This was not so straightforward. I used the pen tool in order to get the most accurate topology lines possible, however I found it very difficult to define the topology. In the end I did manage to achieve a fairly flowing sequence of quads across the face, but it was a challenging task. These reference planes will now be crucial when it comes to modelling the face.

Reaction to the Brief

My initial reaction to the brief is that this will be a very challenging module, building on the skills and techniques that were learned in the second year 3D Modelling and Animation module. I very much enjoyed working with 3D Studio Max last year and I am looking forward to working with this program again, expanding my knowledge of the software and learning new techniques.

The first part of the assignment for this module will be to create a model of my face. Knowing what I already know about 3D Studio Max, I predict this will be a complicated assignment, but one which will give great satisfaction once achieved. Last year I modelled the Golden Gate Bridge, however this was a fairly rigid structure with less curvature. I have no doubt that the face will present an even bigger challenge.

The second part of the assignment for this module will be to create an animation of how the Guildhall in Finchingfield has been used over the centuries. This is a group project. Once again I feel this will be a very complicated process and therefore, in order to achieve maximum results, it will be important that the work is shared out equally between all members of the group and that everybody pulls together. However, I am very much looking forward to the challenge of this module and seeing the final production.