MAQUETTES
I was skimming through some images on my computer and I came across this student work. These are representative of the works of some very talented folks from Layout and Character Design classes.
 |
| A wonderful example of character constructiuon in 2D from Rei Cayetano |
First with drawing, we would explore very simple basic structure with basic shapes (although we really meant forms – more of a 3D approach) and then build upon these forms. Next, a drawn model sheet was created and from that the participants had to take their characters to 3D in the form of MAQUETTES.
The goal was to see what happened when 2D was translated into 3D.
Many students put a extraordinary amount of effort into their characters. They began with a base, built a wire armature, layered the supper sculpey around and there worked on the details and smoothing - before baking it in their ovens.
 |
| Nate’s hero pirate mouse |
 |
| Lindsey B.’s pirate mouse girl |
 |
| An aged mouse |
 |
| A sword slinging rabbit |
 |
| Some of S. Hollis’ handiwork |
This endeavor was an excellent exercise for them since most were headed into 3D CG animation.
At a later time, I will show some layouts and model sheets.
Keep Animated!
February 20th, 2007 at 4:48 pm e
Wow, that is beautiful work. I had to do a maquette for a class and really enjoyed it. Picked up a few packs of Sculpey to do some more when time allows. Wish I could attend some classes like you describe - I’ve had a great experience in my current school but it is only 18 months and so we don’t spend much time on any one area.
February 20th, 2007 at 8:40 pm e
That’s fantastic work. Did you teach those classes?
February 21st, 2007 at 1:29 am e
Thanks so much for the compliments! It was my pleasure to teach these folks. You give them the basics - and point them in the right direction - and there they go!!! All of these folks were “sponges” when it came to information.
February 21st, 2007 at 2:52 pm e
Well if you ever come to California and run a training of some sort be sure to let us west coast sponges know.
February 21st, 2007 at 7:06 pm e
dose anyone know how to start the maquettes from wire work till modeling i just ned a step by step so i could start one. and thank u !
February 22nd, 2007 at 12:15 am e
There are a few tutorials around. One I remember is Greg Southern’s http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/general/tutorials/tutorial.htm There were also some referenced on the conceptart.org forums if you want to go there and search.
The way I was taught was to draw a front and side view of the model, blow it up is needed to your maquettes final size and use this to guide you in bending the wire beginning with the attachment point (usually the feet but depends on how you are mounting it I guess). After the wire armature is ready and firmly attached to the base we wrapped it tightly with tinfoil to the basic shape. In some cases you may add more layers of wire and tinfoul and I also used a aluminum mesh I got at the craft shop to make the fins -firmer than foil and easily cut.
Then you need to put on the Sculpey.
One of the tutorials I saw also had a good suggestion I want to try and that was that he mounted an accurate drawing on cardboard and cut the shape out, then used the hole as a template to make sure the maquette stayed on model.
February 24th, 2007 at 6:12 am e
Hey,
I will post info on how to create a maquette next week. I will do a lesson.
Thanks.
February 28th, 2007 at 12:06 pm e
very cool sculptures!