Introduction to Maya - Modeling Fundamentals Vol 1
This course will look at the fundamentals of modeling in Maya with an emphasis on creating good topology. We'll look at what makes a good model in Maya and why objects are modeled in the way they are.
# 1 05-01-2010 , 09:54 PM
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Winter Challenge - Simply Avatar

https://www.outlaws3d.com/training/AVA.jpg



Hey All

Welcome to the first Simply Challenge of 2010. I've been let loose on here to kick this one off whilst Uncle Mike Mckinley takes a well earned break.

So here at Simply we decided that this challenge should be of a current topic based on James Camerons latest Scifi epic, AVATAR.


YOU AS AN AVATAR
Now for this challenge you will be asked to create an AVATAR of yourself based on the Na'vi characters from the movie. If you look at the faces of the characters they are a mix of the Na'vi Race and a human being. So you are going to have to pay attention on this and study your own features, mainly the lower half of the face. The Upper half will of course be like that of the movie characters.

Okay so a few rules before we start.

1. A base mesh will be supplied in OBJ format for you to use, so you dont have to worry about starting from scratch, you can jump straight in. You'll have to make your own eyes though

2. You can use any software you want, including mudbox or Zbrush.

3. Texturing, Yes if you want. We'll be looking for the best Avatar-a-like at the end of the day but if you want to go the full distance, we'll take your efforts into consideration as well.

4. Your threads must be called Simply Avatar: Your Name

5. Before starting modelling you must post images of yourself so we can see what you look like and please keep posting them along the way side by side with the in progress model.

6. I'm not worried about the hair, but again if you want you can.

7. Have fun and do your damdest.

8. Deadline is now 15th MARCH

Theres lots of references around the web of Avatar so grab those too and use them.

any probs mail me on this thread, I'll answer asap.



Prizes:


1st Prize

Theres a First Prize on this of 100pts from Simply. So make it good

2nd and 3rd Prizes
Crew T-shirt from VFX house Cinesite London for 2nd and 3rd runner ups. It has all the cool movies we are working on at the moment and will begin working on.




Here the link for the base head for you to download.
https://simply3dworld.com/vip_movie_i...vatar_Head.obj



Ladies and Gents start your modelling.

best of luck
Jay

 
# 2 06-01-2010 , 12:45 AM
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Just a fast question jay ... Can i make my girlfriends avatar not mine ... ?

If not ok !!!

I'll start workin ASAP ! user added image

 
# 3 06-01-2010 , 12:57 AM
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# 4 06-01-2010 , 06:49 AM
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Coldwave: I had a feeling a question like this may pop up. So yeah go ahead and make her instead. Same for everyone else too....


BUT.....YOU STILL HAVE TO POST UP REFS OF THE PERSON YOU ARE 'AVATARING' BEFORE YOU START AND DURING THE MODELLING PHASE.....


Rules as before still apply.....

best of luck - I am watching
Jay

 
# 5 06-01-2010 , 10:18 AM
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Just a quick heads up....

I was just asked by SomeGuy about whether there was a lower poly mesh to use than the one supplied for the challenge as he felt it was too high. The answer is basically no there isnt.

The mesh is there for you to get going so please edit it as you see fit, delete what you want. Building a head from scratch takes long enough as it is, as does creating a fairly good UV set.

So feel free to do what you will to the mesh in order to make it work for you.

cheers
Jay

 
# 6 06-01-2010 , 12:29 PM
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When I go to the object file there are a load of cordinance how do I load these........dave

 
# 7 06-01-2010 , 12:33 PM
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Sorry mate I dont understand.

Simply right click > save taget as, then import into your maya scene and save as normal

That should do it

Jay

 
# 8 06-01-2010 , 12:49 PM
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silly me, all ok.............dave

 
# 9 06-01-2010 , 12:56 PM
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Cool Good Man!

Jay

 
# 10 06-01-2010 , 04:45 PM
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omg i loaded the obj and it looks exactly like me! user added image

 
# 11 06-01-2010 , 10:17 PM
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LOL you win!!

Actually that kinda sux, you need to get those ears sorted LOL

Jay

 
# 12 06-01-2010 , 10:27 PM
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I see we have one dude in the challenge forum with his thread already underway - Someguy well done sir!!

Jay

 
# 13 07-01-2010 , 01:53 AM
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Why thankyou! Hopefully we can rally more people!
I can donate another 50 points if you'd like? Maybe thatll tempt people more.


"If Less is more then think how much more more would be..."


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# 14 07-01-2010 , 02:00 PM
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Im going to Extend the Cut off date to March 15th


Jay

 
# 15 07-01-2010 , 05:57 PM
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Bah, id love to get in on this, Not for the challenge, but just to do it....
might be good practice for my current drive to learn to do organic modeling...but, i just don't have time at the moment. >.<.....suppose i might have to do it later sometime

G-man


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