Modeling faces, especially realistic faces on 3d animation softwares demands a good command over modeling skills and a sense of shape and size of things. But once an artist with these qualities sets off to model a face, the quality of the outcome of his efforts is hugely influenced by the type of tools and procedures that he uses. There are several modeling softwares available in the market and most of them are technically very advanced and are capable of delivering excellent results. If you have a clear idea of the face that is to be modeled or have proper references like character model sheets or even photographs of the face from appropriate angles then an accurate model is never too far away from becoming a reality. But the softwares which stand out as being the choice of majority of artists are those which are capable of delivering results which were never possible before. All these softwares use very similar techniques and procedures for face modeling, but what makes a difference is basically the level of detail that can be achieved with minimum effort. Now, let us have a look at the three softwares which have done well to stand out as the best for face modeling over the recent years.
Alias/Autodesk Maya: Maya has quite a few different procedures for face modeling. All of these find preference among different artists because all of them prove to be good means of achieving quality results. One of the more popular procedures is modeling with NURBS surfaces where you work with relatively soft surfaces which are wrapped over smooth curves. Another one is that of polygonal modeling which is like working with a crystal-like rock where you split faces, divide edges and extrude parts of the crystal to make what you want. This procedure gives a more edgy and solid model as compared to that by the NURBS method and this makes it more popular as the result is more accurate and easier to work with. Polygonal modeling is further made better by using tools such as the ‘Sculpt too”. This tool, as its name sounds, helps to refine the model by pulling out or pressing in the faces of the model, as if it were made of clay. This adds an amazing touch of artistry to the whole thing and also makes the results much more detailed as with this, one can easily add deformations in the skin, with the effect of veins or bones under it. Then there is the method of using ‘sub-division surfaces’. This is a tool which tries to combine the qualities of both NURBS and polygons. Sub-division surfaces offer a hierarchical approach for local refinement which lets artists to begin modeling with a simple object and selectively generate increasing levels of detail only where needed.
Z-brush: This software has come out as much of a revolution on the modeling arena and its amazingly artistic way of doing things has gained it popularity among artists in haste. This tool claims to make the artist feel like he is working with clay, while he models on the computer. The simple interface, obvious names of tools, near absence of complexities and life-like procedures make this a very good bundle indeed. The ease with which this software lets an artist work results in extremely detailed results and the lack of complexities increases the scope of detail immensely. Basically, in Z-brush one gets to work in a way which is very similar to working with the ‘Sculpt tool’ in Maya. However this feels much more advanced. So here too, the artist can pull out and push in the faces of polygon-like surfaces. He can go on adding more and more details by sub-dividing this polygonal surface (increasing the density of the mesh). These details go right down to adding features like wrinkles and tiny folds of the skin with ease and accuracy. The ‘working with clay’ principle of this software works very well indeed and has changed the way people model.
3ds Max: This software has been around for quite some time now and is widely popular among modelers who use this for architectural, inorganic or environmental modeling. However, 3ds max is a very powerful software which provides tools at par with those of Maya when it comes to modeling. Its straight-forward interface and bright colors make it very appealing. The techniques used in it are very similar to those used in Maya. However, the terms and ways to execute them differ. Here too, we use polygonal modeling in which we work with edges and faces of a polygonal mesh. Here we can also hinge from edge, turn, cut, split, slice wedge, bevel, extrude etc. and make the model in a very detailed and accurate way. Moreover, like Maya, Max too has NURBS modeling which is a precise spline-based curve and surface creation method. Moreover, as Max and Maya belong to the same mother company, they have striking similarities and offer comparable modeling techniques for face modeling.
As mentioned earlier, modeling, or let's just say creating anything on these softwares requires good skills and a sense of size and shape. The three softwares mentioned above are immensely powerful and can be used to make stunningly accurate and realistic faces provided that one keeps his focus and patience intact.
Chillibreeze's disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article.
Out of 5 “chilies”, our editorial team gave this article...
—About our writer:
Shekhoo says, "Am passionate about dreaming for a better life and more importantly I am passionate about living those dreams awake. Am in the creative business of animation, looking forward to making big films."
>> Read more articles written by Chillibreeze writers:
Chillibreeze offers Indian writers the opportunity to work on customer projects. We are also India’s biggest writer network and a one-stop shop for Indian writers and editors. The writers’ section on Chillibreeze offers freelance writers and editors a variety of tools to advance their careers. Resources for writers include:
