Sunday 28 February 2010

Tiny Robot

Now it's time for something that isn't a hate induced rant of rage. Josh wanted us to do a simple 3D model of a tin toy, using only a few tools and a simple diffuse texture. Of course, this feels like going backwards for me, since I've already done this. I've read the book, seen the movie (hated it) and collected all the action figures. I can safely say that I'm over it, but starting out, it's a very useful project to do. Low poly skills are essential for high poly work. Many people don't realize this, eager to jump into Zbrush before they've mastered the basics. Zbrush isn't a miracle program, it doesn't have a "Make look good" button on it like some people seem to think. In fact, Zbrush will ruin your work if you don't know how to use it. Alas, I learned everything the hard way, so I know my words are truth. I know how right I am (forgive the arrogance), but saying these words to people who don't know any better is a waste of time. People need to know that hitting their head on a brick wall hurts, but without a frame of reference or the experience to know that this is the truth. They'll doubt it, question it and inevitably smash their head against the wall only to go, "Yeah, that does hurt."

I once heard a quote, "A smart man makes a mistake, learns from it, and never makes that mistake again. But a wise man finds a smart man and learns from him how to avoid the mistake altogether."

I thought there was more to it, something about a fool constantly making mistakes and not learning from them. But I urge people listening or reading, even if they don't care (I often don't) to be a wise man.

Anyway, my Robot is called... well, Tiny Robot. It's a small tin robot, patched up and made by a small boy who wanted nothing more than a friend. His wishes came true one day when the robot came to life and started moving. It was only made out of tin at this point, it was worn out and rusted, so the boy wanted to paint over it, but didn't get a chance to finish. I want to show this in the texture, I want it to be half tin and half painted. A 50/50 split between clean textures (somewhat) on a dirty, raw material. ENOUGH TALK! Pictures.


Textures are still unfinished, I've only begun to start detailing. Sooner or later, I'll get to making some Maya life lessons for John.

1 comment:

  1. Tin robots, pictures and back to low poly basics...great combination ;-)

    ReplyDelete

Remind me that I'm whining. Oh, and that I'm black.