Character modeling
is where two dimensional visual development comes to life in 3D for the
first time. It's where we see how a character's physical shape
and presence influence the story and environment they inhabit.
Modelers are challenged with solving how to interpret and transform a
2D design idea into a three dimensional form. This process
requires solving many creative issues and it demands that modelers have
strong design skills. In addition,
modelers balance several technical issues such as surface
parametrization and complexity. These important skills have a
huge impact on the production success of other departments which
include rigging, animation, look development and lighting. It is
necessary for modeling to maintain a close relationship with all of
these
departments throughout the course of a film production.
Modeling uses tools like Maya and Mudbox to achieve many of these
tasks. Modelers have a
strong knowledge of polygons,
NURBS and subdivision surfaces and they have a good understanding of
anatomy as well as rigging,
layout and texturing. For instance further down the pipeline,
the data generated from modeling is critical for
the optimization of final renders. A modeling artist's strong sense for
spatial
relationships is essential to developing successful models that can be
used for intricate animation, such as when animators create eye and
facial shapes. A good model is also one that will read well
during and after texturing, lighting and rendering.
