Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Everyone!

Hey guys!

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all of you!

I wish I could say that I've been busy on the movie since my last posting but the truth is that I've accomplished very little. That's not to say I haven't been working hard, but I just haven't been able to solve the problem I've had with rigging the clothing yet.

And, now that the holidays are upon us, I seriously doubt I'll be working much on the movie these next couple of weeks.

Don't worry though. I know I'll have a few spare hours to work on the movie and if I have anything worth reporting I will certainly let you know.

Until then, let me say that this has been an excellent year for the film. It may be true to say that I'm no further along at the end of the year than I was at the beginning but if you take a look back through this year's postings you'll see I've actually accomplished quite a lot. I absolutely love that I took the time to redesign the characters. I'm so please with what I've learning this year concerning modeling and I'm even more pleased I took the time to apply that knowledge toward what is truly my most prized project. I love all these characters so much and I think that is finally starting to reflect in the work.

So, for the time being, if I don't have time to post another entry this year, everyone have a truly wonderful holiday season with a spectacular new year!

2012 is going to be a great year for Xam and Power Dog and I can't wait to get it started!

Moved on to Rig Thomas!

Sorry it's been a while since my last post. I know, I said I was going to have the T-Boom model rigged by the beginning of the week (which was yesterday).

Surprise, surprise. I kept running into problems that I just haven't been able to figure out. The main problem is his hoodie. I just can't get the hoodie to conform with the moving mesh. I know there's a little secret I'm missing, but I just haven't been able to figure it out.

So, I thought I'd move on to a model without a hoodie. I decided to go with Thomas and so far that has proven to be a good choice. Here are a couple of pics of Thomas. The first is his default pose and in the other two I've moved his arms and hands...




The reason I decided to go with the Thomas model is that I'm going to have something of a similar problem with Thomas as I had with T-Boom and that is that his pants are separate from his body, just like T-Boom's hoodie. While I was working with T-Boom, his pants were something of a problem. Of course, I'm having the same trouble with Thomas since they're both basically wearing the same pants (only mapped with a different texture). So, now that I've got the arms moving I will tackle the pants problem.

To give you an idea of what I'm talking about, here's what happens when I move Thomas' leg...


As you can see, his leg goes right through his pants. That clearly won't work so I'll be hitting the internet again trying to figure out how to prevent this.

I'm hoping that figuring out the pants will give me some insight on how to fix the hoodie problem.

I'll let you know how that goes.

Still Rigging!

Hey guys!

Well, Thanksgiving slowed down most of my work on the movie last week.

That being the case, I'm going to double my efforts to have T-Boom mostly rigged by the end of the week.

I say "mostly" because the rigging I'm working on right now is essentially his bone structure. This will allow me to bend and pose him at all his joints (elbows, knees, fingers, etc.). Once I have that done I will then have to rig the muscles of his face so I can control his eyes and mouth and all the other subtle movements a face can make. That will surely bring with it a different set of problems.

So, like I said, my target for bone rigging will be the end of the week. I'll let you know how that goes.

Later!

Still Working on Rigging!

Hey guys,

Sorry it's been so long since my last update. I knew rigging would be hard and so far it hasn't let me down.

I know I've done rigging before but the truth is that I was never really happy with what I had done (hard to believe I know) so I'm looking into different ways to set up the rigging.

I think I'm on to something really good so I will continue to work on this new way of rigging and see where it takes me.

I will, of course, keep you informed.

Later!

Old and New Rocky Comparison!

Hey guys,

I was reading up on character rigging when I realized that I haven't done an old/new Rocky model comparison.

So, let's take a look...


Alright. So, you have the same differences as with all the other updated models, and that is that the updated Rocky model looks more realistic while retaining her "cartoon" feel.

To me, the biggest difference between this updated model and the others is this character was deliberately made to look older than her previous version. Why did I want her older? Because she works for NASA's Near Earth Object Center and she can't look 12. How did I make her look older? I gave her lipstick and dressed her more like a young adult. Her character works the night shift so she can dress a little more casual. Her shirt has a wider collar and you can see the little red straps of her bra. I gave her a short shirt and waist hugging, form fitting jeans and you can see a little of her belly. I also added some glasses and messed up her hair a little more to accent her character's inner nerd.

Overall, I think this is the most radically different model when compared to version 1.0. It took me a while to finish this model. Most of this was due to the Halloween holiday but a small part was due to my deciding how far to go when trying to make her look older.

I think I managed to do that while keeping this a kid friendly film.

Now, back to character rigging.

Ugggggg. :|

Updated Rocky is Finished!

Alright! Updated Rocky is finished!

Well, at least the modeling is done.

Here she is with detailed hair...


So, now I'm out of excuses. I have no choice now but to start rigging these models.

I'm going to start with T-Boom. I have no idea how long this will take.

Why? Because I know I didn't rig my previous models correctly. There was so much I didn't do and I plan on doing these models right.

I'll let you know how that goes. :)

Back from Vacation!

Hey guys!

I haven't done a whole heck of a lot on the movie the last couple of weeks because I've been working on one of my side projects, Hollinger Hollow. Halloween is such a big event in my family that I've taken the last couple weeks off in order to focus solely on the Hollow.

Well, now that Halloween is over so is my vacation and that means I will once again refocus my attention back on the movie.

When last I left I said I was going to work on adding detail to Updated Rocky's hair. I haven't started that yet but I did add a blue jeans texture to her pants and here's a pic...


Alright, now it's time to get back to work.

I'll keep you posted.

Added Color to Rocky 2 Model!

Hey guys!

Just a quick posting to let you know I've added color to the updated Rocky model...


As you can see, she works for NASA!

Now I need to add detail to the hair.

I'll let you know how that goes!

Updated Rocky Model Moving Along...Slowly!

Hey guys,

Well, I've been finding a little time here and there to work on the updated Rocky model. Not much. Just an hour here or an hour there.

Here's what I've got so far...


So, what's different?

The most noticeable difference is she now has hands. What you really can't tell from this pic is that she also now has teeth and a tongue.

So, now I'm going to look the model over for the next couple of days and make sure I'm happy with everything. Then I will add detail to the hair and color.

After that, I really don't have any other choice but to rig the new models. I'm dreading it because I don't think I did a very good job when I rigged the old models. Still, if I don't rig them I can't animate them so it's kinda an important step.

I'll keep you posted.

Still Working On Updated Rocky Model!

Hey guys!

Just a quick note to let you know I'm still working on the updated Rocky model.

Again, prepping for Halloween is taking up a lot of my free time but this is what I have so far...



I wish I had more time to work on the movie, but if you've been following my blog long enough you know my family really goes all out for Halloween and you understand the delays.

Not to worry. I may be busy doing other things but I still manage to find an hour here or there to work on the movie so keep checking back once a week or so. I promise I will have something movie related worth updating.

See you!

Did a Little Work on Rocky 2 Model!

Hey guys,

Been pretty busy but I found a little time to do a couple additions to the updated Rocky model...


As you can see, I've added some rough hair and something I decided at the last minute, some glasses.

All in all, I like it.

I'll post more when there's more to post.

Later!

Sorry It's Taking So Long... Rocky 2 Update!

Hey guys,

Sorry it's been so long since my last update. I wish I could say I've been working steadily on the movie but the truth is I haven't been working on it much at all.

Why? Well, it's October and that means most of my attention goes to our annual Halloween display. If you want more info on that, head on over to Hollinger Hollow.

But, since I had some free time I finally started working on the updated Rocky model. Here's what I have so far...


I know. I'm not very far along. Why is that? Well, unlike the Willow and Jacko models (which were altered versions of Max and Gibson) I decided not to use the Thomas model to make Rocky. Girl cats don't look much different from boy cats but there are enough differences between humans that I decided to build the updated Rocky model from scratch.

So, I'll keep you posted as the model moves along but please be patient. As you can tell from the link above (or from last year if you've been following Xam and Power Dog that long) October is a pretty busy month for me.

Later.

Updated, Updated Jacko!

Hey guys,

I've made a small correction to the updated Jacko model.


Basically, I just made the fur on his legs longer. I didn't like how short it was.

Later!

Jacko 2 Finished!

Hey guys.

Alright, updated Jacko is complete.


So. What's different? Actually, this genuinely may be a little hard to tell, but let's take a look anyway...


Well, you can see his eyes are more realistic. What you can't see is so is his mouth and teeth. Of course, you couldn't see his mouth on the old model either but trust me, it's better. I still laugh every time I look at this character. I truly liked his old model. Of course, that's because so many of his flaws were hidden under his fur, but even his old model always put a smile on my face. That hasn't changed with Jacko's updated model. He still makes me smile.

So, now it's on to the last character I need to animate, Rocky.

I'll update you on her progress as I go.

Later!

Quick Willow Update!

Hey guys!

Not a big deal, but I did make one small update to the Updated Willow model.

I meant to make her eyes blue and simply forgot. So, here she is with blue eyes...


Definitely better!

Later!

Finished Willow 2!

Alrighty!

What can I say? Updated Willow was the easiest model thus far!

So, what's she look like? Well, let's take a look...


As you can probably tell, Willow is simply a modified model of Max, except I've "girled" him up to make him look like girl (given him a thinner body and a longer neck).

Like Max, I was never really happy with the original Willow. That's because, like this Willow, Original Willow was a modified version of Original Max, and as I've discussed, I was never happy with Original Max.

How does the updated Willow compare to the old model?


As you can see, like all the other models, this new model is more realistic in the way the eyes, mouth and ears attach to the head. Plus, I think the shape of the body is more like a cat and less like a linebacker! I also think the updated color pattern looks more like her inspiration, the real Willow the Cat (see very first blog entries for pics). All in all, I'm very happy with updated Willow.

So, now all I have left to update is Jacko the Terrier and and a female character named Rocky, who has a very brief cameo in the first movie but will play a significant role in the second (provided I ever finish the first movie). I haven't decided which one I'll do first but it will probably be Jacko.

Either way, I'll let you know.

Later!

Took a Break from Modeling...

Hey guys,

Well, I needed a short break from modeling so I decided to try working with animation.

Of course, none of my models are rigged and I haven't done anything with animation in quite some time so I needed something simple.

I saw a couple of tutorials explaining how to set up a box to do a simple spin maneuver. I thought that would be fun but I didn't want to do a plain old, boring box.

So, I made me a TARDIS!

Yes, I'm a Whovian and to be honest, I loved the idea of building a model of the Doctor's famous time machine. Of course, I didn't put a whole lot of effort in building the model. If I had, I would have made the windows less transparent and I would have done a better job with the TARDIS lights (to include lighting up the "Police Box" signs), but I had a blast none the less.

I know, I know. This has nothing to do with Xam and Power Dog, but since working on this will benefit the movie I decided to show you the clip on my animated TARDIS...


DISCLAIMER: Doctor Who and the TARIS are the property of the BBC. I could only hope to create something this cool...ever!

OK. That was fun and a learning experience.

Now it's time to get back to Xam and Power Dog, or more specifically, Willow the Cat...

Xam 2 Finished!

Alright guys!

The updated Xam model is finished.

Take a look...


So, what is different? Well, let's compare...



Of course, you have the same differences between the old and updated Max models. As far as Xam goes, I was able to fix something that absolutely bothered me about old Xam, his cowl.

If you look at the old model, his cowl cut across his face, took a dramatic 90 degree turn up and then turned another 90 degrees to wrap around his head. This was done because I built his old cowl from his models head. It was literally a part of the models head. On the updated model, his cowl is completely separate (as is Power Dog's mask). This allowed me to shape it as I originally meant it to be shaped.

I also gave updated Xam a wider collar, belt and cuffs. They were way to small on his old costume which gave it an odd look.

So, like the Max model, I was never happy with the old Xam model. Truthfully, old Xam was never really very good. I know I started rebuilding the old models with Thomas/T-Boom and Gibson/Power Dog but those old models, although needing an update, were pretty good early attempts at modeling. Max/Xam, however, were simply never good enough for the star of the movie. I am so glad I decided to re-work these old models because I absolutely love updated Max/Xam!

Now it's on to Willow. She will go a little quicker because Willow doesn't have a superhero identity.

I will let you know how that goes.

Later!

Max 2 Finished!

Alright!

The updated Max model is done!

Here is a pic of the old model standing next to the new model...


Man, where do I begin?

I was never truly happy with the old Max model. His ears, eyes, nose and body shape were all wrong. At the time, the old model was the best I could do but I always wanted to go back and start over on Max. He is, after all, the star of the movie and he was the model I was least happy with.

Now I don't have to worry about that. I love this new model! This is the Max I always pictured in my mind.

Here is another pic, this one of only him...


I'm pretty darned happy. :)

So, now it's on to Xam. I've got a lot to do this weekend so I'm not really sure how much I'm gonna get done.

I'll post some pics as soon as there's something to post!

Max 2 Starting to Get Some Color!

Well, this week has been just as crazy as last week!

The sad part is that it doesn't look like it's gonna get any better any time soon.

That being said, I did find some time (about 30 minutes) to start adding color to the updated Max model...


As you can see, I've just started his coloring. He's going to get a lot more detail than that, but this is a good start.

I hope to have some time this weekend to work on him some more.

As always, I'll post something when I have something worth showing.

Later!

Max 2 is Coming Along....

Hey guys,

Well, it's been one heck of a busy week and I'm afraid I'm not as far along on the updated Max model as I would like to be, but I'm still managing to get some work done...


I'm gonna take the next few days to look him over and make any corrections that are necessary. Once that is done I will begin to add fur and color.

I'll let you know how that goes.

Later!

Just Started New Max Model!

Hey guys,

I started the updated Max model yesterday...


As you can see, he's still got quite a way to go. I've been pretty busy these last couple days and haven't really had a lot of time to work on him.

I'll keep plugging away the next couple of days. So far I'm really pleased with way he is coming along.

I'll post again when I'm closer to being done.

later!

Updated Power Dog Finished!

Well, my headache subsided enough for me to get bored from sitting on my butt so I finished the work on the updated Power Dog model.

And, as promised, here's a comparison pic between the old and the new...


Of course, you can see the same differences with the structure of these models as you could see in the Gibson comparison pic. Again, the eyelids, mouth and expression are a little more realistic, but the differences don't stop there.

Updated Power Dog resolved something I was never happy with on the old model and that's the collar. The new collar has a buckle and some left over belt hanging down. It's not the solid band the old model had. Also, the costume colors are brighter. The darker costume just didn't look right on updated Power Dog.

Also, here's a pic of just Power Dog...


This pic is a better quality than the comparison pic. I had to scale updated Power Dog up to be the same size as the old model and that lost some quality in the pic. No such problem above.

So, now what? Well, it's on to Max/Xam. I'm definitely taking the rest of the weekend off so look back here about the middle of next week for an updated Max posting!

Power Dog 2 Coming Along Nicely!

Hey guys,

I had an extra couple of hours so I thought I'd start on the updated Power Dog model.

Here's what I got so far...



All I have left to do is droop his cape down to his side. I know, that doesn't sound like much but I have a killer headache and really need to take a break.

So, I'm probably done for the weekend. I'll finish Power Dog up next week and post pics when I'm done.

Later!

Gibson and Gibson 2 Comparison!

Hey Guys,

Well, I've tinkered with the new Gibson model a little more. I adjusted his color and made his tongue a little wider. I think I'm finished!

As with Thomas and T-Boom, here is a comparison pic...


As you can see, the updates are pretty significant. The updated Gibson has a bigger head and nose. His coloration is closer to the real Gibson (Gibby in real life is getting some gray in his fur) and his details are better in his eyes, mouth, nose and nails. Heck, the old Gibson model didn't even have nails.

Again, the lighting is better on updated Gibson because I'm better at lighting (I hope).

As much as I enjoyed the old Gibson model I really like this new one. He's a little more "cartoony" but more realistic in the way his eyelids and mouth are connected. Before, I cheated by using separate spheres to create those features where in the new model they are modeled directly to the mesh. Plus, this updated Gibson has more of a reluctant hero look about him which is certainly in line with his character.

All in all, I'm very happy with updated Gibson.

So, now on to Power Dog. I'll post pics when I'm close to done.

Later!

Still Working on Gibson 2!

Hey guys,

It's been a long week and I haven't had much time to work on the new Gibson model.

This is what I have so far...


I know, he may look done, but I'm not certain of that just yet.

I'm gonna spend the next couple of days doing touch-ups and see where that gets me.

I'll let you know when I'm done and starting on the new Power Dog model!

Started Work On Gibson 2 Model!

I know, I know... I said I would start rigging the T-Boom model.

OK, so what? I got bored doing that. It's not the most fun thing in animation. Actually, in my experience, it's one of the more frustrating things in animation.

Now, model building. That's fun!

So, I took a break from rigging (funny, if you look at my earlier entries I did the same thing a million years ago) and started the next model. I decided Gibson/Power Dog will be the next model.

And here is the beginning of the new Gibson model...


Not a bad start. He's coming along rather nicely.

I think I'll finish the new models and then move on to rigging. I'm having too much fun creating the new models.

I'll post again when I finish building Gibson.

New T-Boom Model!!!

Hey everyone!

Well, the new T-Boom model is done!

As with the Thomas pics, here is a comparison of the old model with the new...


Now, I didn't purposely make the new model look better with different lighting. Like modeling, I've gotten a little better with lighting as well and the is the reason for the difference. Still, the pic shows you what was and now what is.

Also, since I had a few minutes, I created a wallpaper with the new model...


So, now I need to rig the new Thomas and T-Boom models. As you know, that will allow me to pose them. Then I'll be able to close his mouth and eyelids as well as put his arms down to his side. That will allow me check his proportions better and then I will try a test animation.

I know, I've said all this before. This is all going to take some time as I undoubtedly will find mistakes as I work, so be patient.

I'm taking the weekend off but I promise I will update you when there's something worth reporting.

Later.

T-Boom 2 With Hoodie!

I don't want to beat you to death with so many updates in one day, but I'm gonna post another updated pic of the new T-Boom model. This time, he's got his hoodie...


Only thing left is to add his sunglasses but I need to take a little break to uncross my eyes from staring at this computer for so long.

Of course, once I have the sunglasses added I'll post another pic. :)

T-Boom 2 Work In Progress!

Hey guys!

Just wanted to show you how quickly things move when you've already got the base model done.

This is what I've been able to do on T-Boom2 so far...


As you can see, once you have the base model done adding color moves pretty quickly. Despite the fact a couple of hours have passed since my last post I only started working on T-Boom about 15 minutes ago. I'm now about to start his hoodie.

That is going to take some time since I'm doing the hoodie from scratch, so I better get stared.

See ya!

Finished with Thomas2!

Alrighty!

I am declaring the new Thomas model is finally finished.

I've tweaked him ever so slightly since the last post. I softened up his face and adjusted his smile just a little. I also added some color to his cheeks and eye lids. I now believe he is done.

Here is an updated comparison pic...


And here's a pic of him all by himself...


So, now what? Simple, I now start work on the updated T-Boom model. This shouldn't take too long as I just need to add a hoodie, use the sunglasses model from the old model and color him up. One day, two at the most.

I'll post something when I've got T-Boom2 finished!

I Think I'm Finished with Thomas2!

I say "I think I'm finished" because I always have to look at the model for a couple of days before I make up my mind, but this is what I've got...


Again, the pic compares the new model with the old. I am really happy with this. I think this represents what the old model would look like had I known then what I know now about modeling, but I still am not 100% sure it's done.

So, give me a few days to make up my mind and I'll get back with you!

Updates on Thomas2 Model!

Well, I've been working on the Thomas2 model.

Basically, I've just been working on some of the things I didn't like, tweaking him here and there. This is the updated new model compared with his old model...



I think this is nearly finished. I softened up his face and now I think he's retained some of his old model charm. I'm gonna go over it one more time to see if anything stands out as needing fixed and then it's on to T-Boom2!

I'll keep you posted.

Thomas1 and Thomas2 Comparison!

Alright!

Got the Thomas2 model all colored up...



And, as I promised, here is a comparison photo...


As you can see, there is quite a difference between the two models.

I think Thomas2 is more realistic all the while maintaining his cartoon feeling.

I guess I would say the new model is more professional. His eyelids, nose and mouth (to include teeth and tongue) are more detailed and actually part of the face, which is different from the old model as I build those out of individual sphere's. I also modeled shoe laces, which is something I painted on in the old model! His body is more rounded and not so square. I've also gave him different clothes to help him stand out from his alter ego, T-Boom.

All in all, I am very happy with this new model. I'm going to work on his hair a little more, mainly just going to make it thicker so that probably won't be all that noticeable. When that is done I will post another pic.

The end result of this little experiment is that it has convinced me I need to re-work all the old models with this new technique. I know, that is going to push my movie back quite a bit but I really don't fell like I have a choice. This new model is better and the characters deserve to be the best that I can do.

It is the best thing for the movie.

So, like I said. I'm going to tweak this new model a little more and when that is done I will start the next model!

Thomas 2 Model With Hair!

Hey guys!

Well, the Thomas2 model keeps moving forward. I've finished up the details and even added the hair!



I really like the way this model is coming along. I'll try to add color over the next couple of days and then do a side by side comparison (Thomas vs. Thomas2) to help demonstrate the differences between the two.

Until then, talk to you later...

Thomas 2 Moving Along!

Well, Thomas 2 is coming along nicely.



As you can see, this model is a little more realistic, but still looks like a cartoon. So far I am pleased, but I'm still holding off judgement until I've added color, hair and everything else so I can compare him to his old model.

I figure I'll spend another day (whenever that will be) adding a little more detail and then I'll add color. Once that is done, I'll be able to make a decision to re-do all the other models or keep the originals.

I'll keep you posted.

Thomas 2!

Alright,

As promised, I said I'd update you as I work on the update to the Thomas model.

This is what I got so far...


As you can see, this looks a little less "cartoony" and a little more realistic. Like I said, I've gotten better at modeling (at least I think so, maybe you disagree...).

Anyway, I'm going to keep moving ahead with this model. Who knows. Maybe I'll decide to keep my original models. Maybe I will completely change this one. I don't know at the moment.

As always, I'll keep you posted.

Having Some Trouble...Can't Decide...

Hey guys,

So, I've been messing around with modeling a lot these last few weeks. Long story short, I'm always doing multiple projects at once. One idea leads to another and once it starts to build I have to work on it. It can be frustrating as I really don't like working on more than one thing at a time but when I get an idea I really like I have to work on it while it's hot.

That said, while working on Xam and Power Dog I've had other ideas for stories, none of them Xam and PD related, and therefore they have always been on the back burner. One of those ideas would work great in an animated medium so on a slow day I started building models for it. That lead to another idea that I thought would work great in an animated medium so on another slow day I started building models for it.

The problem now is that all this modeling has allowed me to get better at building models. So, what does that have to do with Xam and Power Dog?

Simple, I'm not sure I like these models now. There were little shortcuts I used when creating the Xam and Power Dog characters and since then have learned the proper way to deal with these problems and not rely on those shortcuts.

So, although I like the look of the characters, I can't help but feel I've created a unique look for the Xam and Power Dog world, I can't help but wonder what the characters would look like if I used my newly learned techniques for modeling.

This thought has become so distracting that I can't concentrate on completing the old models until I know if I could do them any better.

That said, I've decided to redo the T-Boom model (since I am still in the process of tweaking him) and see what that looks like. Once I've got him done I'll show him around to some people and see what they think.

I have no idea how long that will take. I suspect it will take the weekend. As always, I will let you know how that goes.

Had Time To Do Some Work On T-Boom!

Hey guys,

Had some time over the last couple of days to work on animating T-Boom. As you can see, there is no pic or video accompanying this post. :(

Not to worry though. I did a lot of work, just nothing noticeable. The problem is getting his clothing to move with his body and have it look right. It's funny, but T-Boom is the only character without form fitting clothing in this movie. His hood, vest and shorts all hang loose and that is giving me some trouble with rigging his movements.

So, despite there not being anything visually to post I feel I've done a lot of work this week. That said, I'm still not close enough to actually being able to animate him. I know, that sounds like a contradiction. I've done a lot but nothing noticeable, but it's true.

Got family in town this weekend so I don't think I'm gonna get a whole lot done this week.

As always, if I have anything to post I will post it.

Another Week of Not Doing Much!

Sorry guys,

I wish I could say I made progress this weekend but the truth is I as sick most of the weekend and didn't even touch the movie.

I hope to get more done this week and will certainly post anything worth reporting.

Hang in there. I'm still working!

Didn't Do Much This Weekend!

Hey guys,

Sorry, but I don't have anything new to report since I really didn't do much on the movie this weekend. I did work on the T-Boom model some more, touching up the hoodie and cleaning up the object mesh, but other than that I pretty much took the weekend off.

I did start working on rigging the hoodie with the rest of the model but I pretty much figured out it's gonna be a little more involved than I previously thought and the truth is that I was pretty worn out from a long couple of weeks at work.

So, I took the weekend off, for the most part. I needed a break and took advantage of a long weekend and just chilled.

No worries though, I'm still working on the movie and fully expect to hit it hard this coming weekend.

As always, I'll keep you posted.

Well, Still Working on the T-Boom Model!

Well, what can I say?

As usual, just when I think I'm getting somewhere I discover something is wrong.

Just like every other time I've tried to animate a newly finished model, I was working with animating the T-Boom model and I discovered the hoodie was completely messed up. This caused me to have to rebuild the hoodie model.

As far as I can tell, I've fixed the problems. So, how does it look?

You decide...



Not too different except I was able to add the stripe at the bottom of the hoodie, something I had done before but had to drop. This time I got to keep it.

So, now I have to rig the hoodie to match T-Boom's movements. Not terribly difficult, as long as this new hoodie doesn't have any problems.

As always, I'll keep you informed.

Think I'm Done With the Hoodie!

Alright guys,

I think I'm finally done with T-Boom's hoodie.



I know, I know. What's the difference? Well, actually, I softened up the hood quite a bit. If you look at the last pic posted, his hood has more of a sharpness to it and this hood lays more like cloth than leather.

Subtle change to be sure, but I think this looks more natural and that's the most important thing.

So, now what? Well, it's time to work with animation!

I honestly have no idea how long this will take. I will try to have something to show you next week, but I promise nothing!

Later...

Still Need to Tweak Hoodie!

Hey guys,

Sorry for the lack of updates. I've been doing nothing this last week but looking at T-Boom's new hoodie and all I've decided is it still needs tweaking. I'm not sure what exactly needs to be changed and that is the reason for the delays.

All I know is that I'm not quite happy with the look yet.

So, bear with me. I'll spend another week messing around with it and let you know how it goes.

Later.

Making T-Boom's Hood Look More Like a Hood and Less Like a Helmet!

Hey guys,

It's been a busy week. I thought the weekend would never get here!

Of course, the reason I look forward to the weekend (other than the obvious) is that I get to work on the movie!

This week, it was my goal to make T-Boom's hood on his hoodie look more like a hood and less like a helmet. I think I did that, but you tell me...



Not too bad if I do say so myself!

So, now what?

Well, I'm gonna stare at this model for the next week and make sure I like it. Once I do that I truly believe I will have run out of reasons to not start an animation test.

Of course, I'll let you know.

T-Boom with Hoodie WIP!

Hey guys,

It's getting late and I'm getting tired so I'm calling it a night on the T-Boom model.

Since it's been a couple of days since my last post I thought I'd show you what I got...



As you can see, I've got the hood stared. Now, I'm looking at it with tired eyes so I'm guessing I'm not as done as I think I am. That being the case, I'm calling this a work in progress and I'll pick up again tomorrow.

Till next time...

Had Some Time for T-Boom Today!

Hey guys!

I had some free time to work on the T-Boom model today!

I decided last night to give his look an update and instead of going with a black leather vest or a camo vest I would instead go with a yellow, sleeveless hoodie...



As you can see, I started the hoodie. The pain in the butt is going to be the hood, which he will be wearing to help cover his face. I suspect that is going to take me a while so I'm stopping here for today and will pick up again tomorrow.

Talk to you then!

Good to Be Back!

Man, it has been a while!

Started working on the T-Boom model this morning and boy am I rusty!

I had forgotten all the little blender shortcuts and tricks of the trade. Consequentially, it is taking me a while to remember everything I have done and the secrets on how to do it.

Still, perseverance will prevail and after a morning of googling for answers I feel I am back in action again.

Now, I know there are a lot of things I will have to re-learn but damn it sure feels good to be back in the saddle.

So, although it took so much longer than it should have, here is a pic of the updated T-Boom model with the logo on his shirt...



I know, not much of a difference since the last image I posted (lord knows how long ago that was) but if I remember correctly, all I had was his sunglasses before. Now he has his logo.

It's been a long morning so I'm calling it a day. I start work again tonight so check back next week for more updates.

Later!