Discussion Point: 12-08

Welcome to this month's Discussion Point episode. I get down to some technical mumbo-jumbo with Kynan Stephenson - modeler of the Stanton Sandboaters.

We talk mainly about UV unwrapping, but we compare notes on modeling, unwrapping and rigging methods. Kynan brings a lot of insight on these topics, but that's not the end of it: we chat a bit about story construction while we're at it... and I dunno... maybe it's just part and parcel of hearing two 3D guys talk, but we very quickly get into Music to Model by... but never fear! It quickly leads to an interesting discussion on Neon Genesis and religious iconography in anime.

It may seem like a ramble, but trust me: it leads right into some juicy talk on the premise which brings about the world of Character Development.

If you're a visitor to this blog to read up on the changes, but don't have the time to listen to the chats online, why not get subscribed to the podcast via iTunes and listen to a couple of graphic guys chat about some pretty fascinating stuff? Stick it on your iPod.

The relevance of this chat for this December episode was because I am nearing completion of the Minauld rig, and have begun to texture Kynan's models. Like with the modeling process, we are getting into a to-and-fro with the texturing.

Here is a WIP version of Corben Wallace as he looks at present:

From Public Album

One of the things Kynan and I are discussing is the level of realism: should the textures be "painted down" as Kynan puts it, to a more toon-like representation of those materials? Any thoughts or comments you guys have would be much appreciated.

I received one interesting email from a listener this week, which I am sure is something on many of your minds:

Paul,

Nice music in your latest WIP video. Just wondering the name & artist... Thanks!

Great website/blog, BTW. Lots of useful things in there. I'm also big on Linux and am trying to get Blender to help me make sets & machines for a graphic novel. I'm also struggling with the same journey of writing, character design, etc. that you guys are. It's helpful and reassuring that these challenges are normal... ;)

-Abe

Cheers, Abe, for the kind words and for getting in contact. Most of the music tracks (besides the opening theme, which I kinda... composed myself) come from Garageband, so credit goes to uh... Apple, I guess? Beyond that, I use soundsnap as a resource for royalty-free (and cost free, in case you're wondering) tracks. In the past, getting free tracks meant having to settle for some poor quality home MIDI recordings, but soundsnap has got some really good stuff. If you find a track you like, email the artist who made it, and make them aware of the exposure you are giving them. They'll get warm and fuzzies and you'll get... good cosmic Karma. As well as a kick-botbot soundtrack to your next video!

If you do have the funds, I highly suggest you swing by magnatune and check out some of the tracks available there. There are some real pros on that list. You can listen to full tracks there, and then get in contact with magnatune or the artists to discuss payment for use of their music.

Buying the music outright, magnatune has a sliding scale system: pay as little or as much as you like for a track. I think 50% (or more) goes directly to the artist, so it's a pretty fine system, IMO.

Well, that's my commie-pinko rant for the month! Hopefully, I'll have a special "textured model" WIP video out just before Christmas for you guys - a good combo of Kyna's work, and my own.

Thanks for listening.



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