This week in our Digital Literacy class, we were challenged with a more difficult model to sculpt. We were given the task to sculpt a Shiba using metaballs to block out the initial form. In comparison to using regular 3D shapes to do this, I found that using the metaball method is far easier, quicker and more efficient in the outcome of blocking out a model. Due to this, I feel that this is now my preferred technique to make a quick model base. Ultimately, my outcome with this task turned out better than I expected and I am really happy with the result as it has a decent shape and amount of detail. Out of the whole model, my favourite part about my model are the paws, as I decided to make the toes more prominent and this made the model appear more canine.
Images of my progress…
Below are some images of the metaball and sculpting process. As shown, I began blocking out my model and sculpting it to match the reference. However, once I finished the Shiba model, I decided that I wanted to experiment and add fur to the model. This wasn’t necessarily accurate to the reference, instead, it was just a challenge I gave myself. I used the tools, grab, smooth and snake hook to make these individual tufts of fur. In future, I feel like I will probably use this method again due to how well it looked when finished. This applies especially if I decide to do a furry animal as my cute character model – this would add personality.
Blocking out using Metaballs
Making this a mesh and adjusting form
Smoothing out base
Adding crease lines
Further detail to muscles
Experimenting with fur texture
The final outcome of the fur experiment
Videos of inspiration thus far…
Here are some videos of some model creations that I have been inspired by recently. I particularly love how both of them create fur tufts in different ways to achieve a certain style. The first one relies mostly on the use of the application of tools on the single mesh, whereas the other one makes use of extrusion and repetition. I feel as though I will probably go with similar techniques to the first video due to how much time I have to create my model and on top of that, conduct research. In addition, I have more knowledge on the tools in Blender in comparison to its use of modifiers- which I will focus on in my own time and side projects during the summer.
Video one
Video two
What makes things cute?
To understand how to make my model look cute I decided to research what traits and features are typically considered cute. I looked at some videos and read some articles to learn more about the science of cuteness. My aim here was to learn more about the science behind the responses that cause things to appear to be ‘cute’ and I researched a handful of videos/articles to learn more about this…
The first video I watched was this video:
The science of cuteness – YouTube
I also read this article:
What makes things cute? (zmescience.com)
Both of these videos refer to a theory created by Austrian zoologist Konrad Lorenz. He theorised that certain traits found in babies and infants trigger a specific response in adult brains that activates the desire to nurture and take care of the baby. These traits are described as being (in no particular order):
- Big eyes
- Large forehead
- Big head-to-body ratio
- Round and soft features
- Small mouth
Seeing these features activates the areas of the brain responsible for processing positive emotions and pleasure, as well as our nurturing instinct. This response does not exclusively happen when looking at human babies but is the original source for it. We also have this response when seeing other beings with these features – or even inanimate objects.
To make my model cute, I should aim to include at least some of these traits in it. The more traits it has, the cuter it will appear to be to the viewer.
Brainstorming my ideas for this theme…
Here are my ideas thus far. I decided to include a huge range of things I would be enthusiastic to create and features that correlate to the research I have already conducted on the topic of ‘cuteness’. Ultimately, the main ideas I am particularly interested in at the moment are elemental features and possibly one of the mammal categories? At the moment I am swaying towards the idea of sculpting a goat or a kitten for my character. Overall, doing this brainstorm and the research which was shown previously, has given me better opportunity and inspiration for my ideas. Next week, I plan to have mood boards and various concepts finished in preparation for the beginning of my model.
