Elephant (surprise!) - Page 5 - Simply Maya User Community

# 61 26-08-2008 , 08:00 PM

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:blush:

Do you think i should model the rings on the trunk or use a bump map (im just thinking about uv mapping)

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# 62 27-08-2008 , 01:07 AM

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oh dear, the trunk seems a touch dense now

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# 63 27-08-2008 , 04:00 AM

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It doesnt look at all right and now im not sure what to do........

This is getting frustrating

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# 64 27-08-2008 , 04:01 AM

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IMAGE

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# 65 27-08-2008 , 05:13 AM

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Well, you could start over (cartoon/realistic or one of those surreal type hybrids) or abandon it, straddling the fence isn't doing you much good obviously. Your choice. There is no rule that says you can do a cartoon version this time around then a realistic one somewhere down the line.

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# 66 27-08-2008 , 05:15 AM

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I know this may sound a little more frustrating. Ok well I don't know that, but my 2 cents usually are.

I'm really liking the first 8 or so rings, or edges or creases. whatever you choose to call them.
From about the point where the tusk drops straight to the ground it looks far too messy, and I think for further issues of a possible rig and animation that density would be hell.
But the biggest thing for me is the lack of definition in the smaller rings. And I don't think this is your fault so much as it is the small size of the geometry that low.

I think you did really well on the upper part of the tusk and I MIGHT seriously advise the use of a bump or displacement on the lower section of the trunk.

I hope that helps some.

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# 67 27-08-2008 , 05:24 AM

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Originally posted by GecT
Well, you could start over (cartoon/realistic or one of those surreal type hybrids) or abandon it, straddling the fence isn't doing you much good obviously. Your choice. There is no rule that says you can do a cartoon version this time around then a realistic one somewhere down the line.

Originally Posted by

Exactly what I would say, to me theres not much direction. Keep in one camp for the time being.

"No pressure, no diamonds" Thomas Carlyle

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# 68 27-08-2008 , 07:08 AM

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Originally posted by alexanderH
I know this may sound a little more frustrating. Ok well I don't know that, but my 2 cents usually are.

I'm really liking the first 8 or so rings, or edges or creases. whatever you choose to call them.
From about the point where the tusk drops straight to the ground it looks far too messy, and I think for further issues of a possible rig and animation that density would be hell.
But the biggest thing for me is the lack of definition in the smaller rings. And I don't think this is your fault so much as it is the small size of the geometry that low.

I think you did really well on the upper part of the tusk and I MIGHT seriously advise the use of a bump or displacement on the lower section of the trunk.

I hope that helps some.

Originally Posted by

Im so glad you said that

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# 69 27-08-2008 , 07:12 AM

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I dont think im good enough to do a realistic one, but im also not much cop at character design, I wouldnt know how to make it look cartoony

I dont want realsitic i think but i dont want it to be totally cartoony (a bit like the people and spaceship in wally (but it obviously wont be that good))

Wow, Ive even confused myself

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# 70 27-08-2008 , 07:37 AM

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If you go for realistic theres lots of reference so try it, from scratch. You've had 3 previous attempts at making an Elephant (if you class this one) so you should know the topology now, and you should be able to position the polys to aid you.

If you want to do a cartooney one, then choose one, Dumbo maybe? Again lots of ref and again you should have a understanding so far, that way you dont have to design a character and you'll pick it up on the way.

Edit - If you want to make this cartooney, then make the ears bigger, give only say 5 rings on the trunk and make a tiny tail or something, look at what Alexander said, good advice.

"No pressure, no diamonds" Thomas Carlyle

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# 71 27-08-2008 , 10:23 AM

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One thing I would like to add to this whole discussion if I may.
And keep in mind when I say this that I am no good at drawing, but I see things vividly enough that I can re-create em fairly decently in 3D space.
If you can sketch, or if it aids in the process I think it might help for you to think of 1 - the style, and since you said you don't want realistic, but not entirely cartoony I would think a hybrid would do best.
What kind of hybrid? Well if you want my opinion or the first thing that came to mind when this whole discussion started...
Sorry, terrible writing skills here.

When the first mention of cartoon elephant came to mind I immediately thought back to watching cartoons as a kid, surprisingly not any elephants. Sorry, it just hit me mid thought here, have you seen Horton Hears a Who?
user added image

The animated movie was actually really good.
user added image

I personally love the idea of trying to make an elephant seem light footed.
Anyways, long story short, it is not hyper realistic, but it lends itself to the proportions and actual details of real elephants, and it is not cartoonish either. It is a nice blend if you will.
I dunno if I've gotten any point across, but I hope I've inspired some thought.

Back to my original speach, think of a pose or two, sketch it out or find references and see what details become more prominent in what poses. It may help to identify a style, a theme, or some insight into what details need to be modeled vs textured.

Cheers,
Alexander