NEXT-GEN Nescot Year 3 HND - my face model (completed)

During week 1 we were tasked with creating a model creation for the split-face poster. I did this by creating a beginning shape of a head then using a skull model that I made to then correctly proportion it. However, I ultimately used that version as a draft and instead looked into other means of creating an accurate and well textured head.

Eventually, I decided that my draft models topology wasn't good enough and started again by using a character modelling software called "MakeHuman" and used the default model as a bases for my head. From here, I reshaped the head into a more round visage and imported it into Maya.

Once it was imported into Maya, I began reshaping the head to more closely resemble myself. I did this by widening the nose, extending and elongating the forehead as well as smoothing the chin to loop more seamlessly.

Next, I chose to change the texture of the areas that I thought would eventually have hair on. This also allowed me to get the models proportions and topology correct alongside images that I had of my face.

Then I began elongating the chin, mouth and nose to fit a side view of my face. Afterwards I elongated the eyebrows and added detail to the cheeks and eyes to make them have a more bumpy texture.

My fifth course of action was to thin the sides of the head and begin texturing the eyes and teeth. I also improved the eye bags by making them stand out more prominently and started to smooth the chin again for a more even edge.

Afterwards I added a texture to the model and began deforming the mouth. This would then become a hole in the side of the models mouth for added effect on the monster. I also began to elongate the side of the head where the monster would be, creating a lumpy effect.

Next I started by fully extending the side of the head outwards to create a large jaw effect as well as exaggerating the bumps to a much larger level. Once I had done this I finished the hole in the side of the mouth and made the ear on the monster side stick out in a much more pointy and vampiric manner.

Then, I began working on the jaw and mouth by creating a "Lattice" (deform option on the rigging tab) on the teeth and gums so that I could quickly and easily extend them across the deformed mouth seamlessly.

Finally, I used the XGen editor to create layer of hair across the chin and top of the human side of the head, allowing me to give a more realistic appearance to that side of the head. I also re-textured the gums and teeth to mix better with the rest of the body.

My final face model was based mostly around the 'reaper virus' from 'Blade' and the 'Thing' from 'The Thing'. However, I did take some elements from other movies into account as well. These can be seen in my blog post "NEXT-GEN Nescot Year 3 HND - research : movies, directors and actors".

In conclusion, I believe I did well because of the detail of the model and how the textures blend together nicely due to the UV mapping. However, if I could improve this model I would edit the nose and monster ear to appear more accurate and detailed.