The Ogre Rig

Here is a rig I am currently working on for a new ogre character.  My portfolio was absent a really nice custom rig, so I took to the challenge and create a custom rig for my ogre character.  Normally I use character studio due to the advantages of the modular animation setup, but with this model and what I intend to use it for, a custom rig was a solid choice.  I worked out twist bones on both the arms and the legs, I went threw several setups on that, and added in a facial rig and bones for his loin cloth.  One I finish I will give updated shots on my blog.  Here is what I have left to do: finish textures, skin, and animate.  I hopefully will have it completed by the new year.  And once that is done off to Unity he goes, he'll make an excellent character for my arena concept. Hint, hint!

Status Update

I know I have been dormant for a while, or so it may seem. But as many of your know if I'm being quite it is because I am up to something. I do not have any new artwork to show, but soon. I am almost done with my second game and once it releases I will post up what I have been working on. But for now it is top secret. I should have the beta version in a couple of months.

On another note, this morning I re-certified in 3D Studio Max! Keeping the Autodesk cert current is not easy but well worth it.

Keep an eye out for "Flick the Frog", it's gonna take down angry birds. Well maybe not but hopefully it at least knocks it down a peg or two.

Tutorial: Introduction to Facial Modeling

Here is a video of a lecture I did on basic facial modeling techniques.  The focus is on modeling a low poly face concentrating on the "T" section of the face; eyes, eyebrow, nose, mouth, chin and jaw line.  I do assume that you have an understanding of basic poly modeling tools and techniques, and an understanding of 3D Studio's UI and terminology. Once you have an understanding of the modeling process demonstrated in the video you will be able to model almost any object or character.  I hope you enjoy!

Intro to 3D Facial Modeling by Ralph Apgar

Portfolio - 2011 Demo Reel and Images

I have just moved "The Balor" video from the top of the page to the bottom and replaced it with my new 2011 Modeling and Textures Demo. I have also posted several new images in this post that I used for my SCAD portfolio. Some of them are repeats, but I wanted to post them for future reference when lecturing. They include mesh renders and UV layouts of various models. 

Soon I will be posting up the video game.  I finally finished off that project.  Once I get the website up and running I will let you know were to go.  It will be a free download for you to enjoy.  I'll keep you posted!

Tutorial: Modeling a Car in 3D Studio Max

I finally broke down and created a nice video tutorial on basic poly modeling techniques.  I go over using a plane and matching it up to reference to end up with a car model.  Also, for all the people that requested that I slow my videos down, this is at a rate if 1:1, meaning it is in real time.  This was also a live lecture, so I do field a couple of questions and go off on a few tangents, but it does help show the workflow and thought process of starting a complex model from scratch.  I hope you enjoy and keep sending your comments and suggestions.

O yeah let me know about the audio levels, this was the first time I used this capture setup and compression so I may need to adjust it for future videos.  Also, let me know what topics you would like to see in future videos.

Enjoy!

A New Year Update: A New Head Model

It may seem like I have been quite, and that's because I have.  I am working on a deadline of Feburary for my Graduate Portfolio, I have completed up some models for it and I am very excited about the results.  But more exciting is the fact that I have resurected my game, and better yet, if it is not done by the end of this week it will be completed in the next couple of weeks.  I am going to keep this breif so I can get back to the grind, but here is a nice teaser of what is to come with my new portfolio.  I will make sure to write up a full article as soon as I am done with the game.