3D Character Modeling & Rigging

Before jumping into Cinema 4d we need to give ourselves a model sheet to work from. This means coming up with a simple design and doing a model sheet that acts as a guide for our 3d modeling process.

You’ll be provided with Joey’s model sheet so you can follow along with his modeling of Mira.

Jumping into Cinema 4d to start the modeling process. We’ll be doing what’s called “Box Modeling.” We start with a simple cube and use modeling tools to create subdivisions and start forming our torso shape.

Then we’ll walk you through the modeling of a hand with a very simple approach. 

We’re off and running with our model and we now continue to the head and facial features. Keeping our base model simple and using a subdivision surface will allow us to work clean.

We’ll then add details like the hair, eyes, and mouth.

By now you’ll understand the basic modeling workflow and best practices of edge flow and topology. We continue with our box modeling approach to create the lower body of the character.

Using simple tools we’ll create the waist, legs, and feet as the final step in modeling.

Our mesh is modeled and it’s time to build the skeleton of joints that will become our rig. Using the joint tool we’ll start from the waist and work our way towards the fingers.

You’ll learn how to work symmetrically, so you’re not repeating steps for each side of the body. 

The joints are in place, we’ve binded them to our character model, now we must refine the weights of each joint. This is the final step before we can build controllers for the rig.

The important part about weight painting it to work clean and with an eye towards the poses your character needs to achieve.

You made it through weight painting! The fun part is only moments away. Before we can animate our character we need to build controllers so that our base joints stay clean.

Using nulls and splines you’ll create a custom set of controllers to drive the animation of your rig. 

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Get constructive feedback on your work assignments by uploading your projects on Discord in the course dedicated channel. Tag @review in your message to notify one of our teaching assistants and we will get back to you with a written critique.