1. 3D Modeling

2. Introduction Modeling Types Math models, sure Polygon is king NURBS
Actually, convex polygons
Triangle meshes are all that matter
NURBS
Subdivision Surfaces

3. Polygons' Strengths Very straightforward Easy to troubleshoot/modify
Supported by all 3D game engines
Triangles, baby
Lots of little triangles

4. Polygonal Weaknesses Painful, manual, labor intensive Faceting
Tool$, w/ steep learning curves
Faceting
Rough around the edges
Fixed Resolution (?!)
Unless level of detail models are created

5. Building Blocks Model = polygons, texture(s)
+ skeleton/articulation points
Texture = 2D image, size 2nx2m
Polygon = vertices
Vertex = x,y,z + u,v
x,y,z shared by attached polygons
u,v might or might not be shared

6. Modeling A Character: Reference
Posed and turnaround sketches of a character

7. extrude v.tr. v.intr. In our case, to add “3D-ness”
1. To push or thrust out.
2. To shape (a plastic, for instance) by forcing it through a die.
v.intr.
To protrude or project.
In our case, to add “3D-ness”
Subdivide (add polygons) and tweak

8. Modeling: Some Primitive Operations
Insert/attach a “box”
Split boxes
Stretch/edit vertices

9. Modeling A Character: Start With A Box
Begin with a box
Cut it in half
Approximate the torso shape

10. Modeling A Character: Extrude Torso And Neck
Extrude the box several times
Adjust to simulate a rough torso
Do the same for the neck

11. Modeling A Character: Extrude The Head
Extrude from the neck
Extrude the head volume
Edit into a roughed out head

12. Modeling A Character: Create Rough Arms
Extrude the upper side of the torso for the shoulder area
Extrude several times for the arm
Manipulate into rough arm shapes

13. Modeling A Character: Create Rough Hands
Extrude a few times for basic hand volume
Cut and extrude the thumb volume

14. Modeling A Character: Time For Legs
Create only one of the legs
Extrude and edit
Extrude feet forward from stump

15. Modeling A Character: Mirror Her
Delete half of the model
Mirror the other side
Attach and weld the seam

16. Modeling A Character: Proportions Match
Bring the turnaround sketches into the viewport on a textured plane
Manipulate until the model matches up

17. Modeling A Character: Begin Adding Detail
Add a few more segments to support more curvature for the legs

18. Modeling A Character: Cuffs
A simple extrude to create the cuffs of the pants

19. Modeling A Character: Gimme A Hand
A series showing the buildup of the hand

20. Modeling A Character: Gimme Another Hand
A series showing the buildup of the hand, from underneath

21. Modeling A Character: More Arm Please
Cut in more detail for the arm, and manipulate for better form and curvature

22. Modeling A Character: The Chest
More detail is cut into the chest to support the necessary volumes

23. Modeling A Character: The back
Add polygons for the back, and the bevel of the shirt

24. Modeling A Character: The Face, Head And Hair
A sequence showing the buildup of the head, face and hair

25. Modeling A Character: Done
The completed model in wireframe and shaded
Images courtesy of WildTangent, modeled by David Johnson.

26. 3D Sculpting
A low resolution model can look far more detailed than it really is.
This can be used in game via normal maps==”special” texture
Images courtesy of Pixolgic.

27. Reverse Engineering
Real world objects or sculptures can be scanned or digitized
This may not save time, but will ensure high fidelity
Image courtesy of FARO Technologies, Inc.

28. BSP BSP stands for Binary Space Partition, a coding term.
a method for organizing geom data
BSP Editors come with many games e.g Quake, Half-Life
BSP modeling is mining: subtracting volumes

29. Case Studies: Low Poly Modeling
With low polygon modeling, much of the detail is painted into the texture
Images courtesy of WildTangent, model and texture by David Johnson.

30. Case Studies: Car Model
Car reflections are extremely sensitive to topology problems and imperfect panel curvature
Preview your model in the engine to troubleshoot reflection irregularities
Images courtesy of WildTangent.

31. Case Studies: Environment Modeling
An environment model showing stages:
Modeling
Vertex Lighting
In game with textures and effects
Images courtesy of WildTangent.