Introducing 3ds Max® 2008

Chapter 6. Character Poly Modeling

Organic modeling is typically used when you create natural objects, such as a tree trunk, a hilly landscape, or a character. These models are generally of a higher polygon count than most, because organic models require smooth surfaces and need to be seamless. With a more mechanical model such as the dresser you modeled in Chapter 4, "Modeling in 3ds Max: Part I," there is little to no need for highly detailed, high-polygoncount surfaces. A human head model for a character, however, needs finely detailed surfaces because an organic model's parts need to flow together seamlessly. With the human head model, there should really be no clear distinction between where the geometry of the lower lip stops and the jaw starts, or where the top of the nose ends and the forehead begins. A basic knowledge of anatomy and an understanding of balance and proportion are important when you're designing a character that needs to be appealing and believable.

Realistic computer-generated (CG) characters are already very common in television and films; they appear as stunt doubles, as vast crowds of people, and even as primarycharacters to the scene or even the entire show. There are several situations where using aCG character works better for a show than using a real person. For example, CG stunt doubles are safer and sometimes cheaper than using an actual stunt person.

Another opportunity for organic character modeling arises when a storyline calls for anunusual or ...