Thread Goals/ progress
The goal of this thread is to go through the whole creature pipeline using ziva from gathering reference to render. Note: I have never worked on the post side of the rigging pipeline and this workflow is what is assumed, if there are any alterations and recommendations on my workflow/ critiques on the work, this would be GREATLY appreciated. Let's learn the production pipeline together!
Part 1: Gathering Reference
I was lucky enough to take some pictures at the La Brea Tar Pit a few days ago. In addition I have found some good reference online
Part 2: Building the skeleton
Using some of the images, I was able us photogrammetry software to stitch a very rough mesh of a sabertooth,
(I am hoping to go back to get better access of the skeletons, however what I got with the scan will do )
I then referenced the lion skeleton, and added a few bones/ creative liberties which were missed by the scan
The Current Build mesh looks like this:
After creating the initial Mesh starts the rigging. Most of the rigging produced is procedural. This allows for faster iterations and easier rig modifications. (Credit to Jakub Krompolc )
Part 3: Building reference muscles/ tweaking the mesh (Current step that i'm on)
Currently Building muscle planes to build the muscles upon. I feel like building simplified planes is a good method to flesh out a creatures muscles without spending much time. In addition this method allows for quick observations on what can be potential issues later on down the line.
Now a few questions:
Rib cage recommendations. Currently the meshes rib cage is filled between the gaps. Later on i may create the individual ribs, however for simulation underneath the muscles Is the best practice to build the rib cage in one piece or individual ribs? in addition including the abdomen and intestines I figure could be combined into the ribs. In addition similarly is the deep muscles which could simply be combined like an armature for the visible external muscles to be attached upon.