What is 3D Character Modeling? Tools, Techniques, and Process

3D character modeling is a process of developing character anatomy, features, body, and overall structure using specialized tools, techniques and software. 

 

In 3D character modeling, there are a number of processes that are involved to create the final and humanoid look which we will be discussing under this blog. Let’s start it. 

 

3D Character Modeling 

 

3D character modeling can be done for any type of character such as robot, mythical creature, humanistic character, animals, inorganic objects, and many other kinds.

 

The purpose of 3D character modeling is to bring the realistic touch to the shape, gestures, and body movement of the character. In terms of inorganic objects, the 3D modeling is to make them look as realistic as in the real world environment. 

 

3D Character Modeling Software 

 

3D character modeling accompanies a number of processes such as skinning, rigging, baking, lighting, and a lot more which is why they need multiple software to develop a 3D character. The most used and globally acknowledged tools for 3D character modeling are ZBrush, 3ds Max, Daz Studio, Blender, Houdini, and Autodesk Maya. 

 

Process of 3D Character Modeling 

 

The 3D character modeling process involves a number of steps such as skinning, rigging, baking, redmering, and a lot more which makes the process extensive intrinsically. Let’s take a look at the process in detail. 

 

3D Character Concept

 

It all starts with the character concept in which the game requirements, character’s overall look, and other game characteristics. These factors help in determining the character look, its costumes, makeover, gestures, and body movements. Once the character concept gets as clear as diamond, it will be easier to carry out the rest of the process.

 

The character concept art also helps the artists in making the rough designs, drafts, and different characters look from three dimensional planes. It also involves brainstorming and other referential work to develop the preliminary work of the character and set its tone. 

 

Blocking 

 

This process entails attaching all the primitive shapes that were developed in the conceptual art of the character in one. After attaching all the shapes into one, this will give an overall and bit refined look of the character’s anatomy. 

 

Sculpting  

 

After the character blocking has been done, the process of sculpting starts in which the character artist starts with the digital clay to smooth the anatomy. Using digitized clay, the character’s body is carved and formed into the shapes to give more defined looks and clear body structure. 

 

UV Unwrapping 

 

UV wrapping in 3D character modeling is the process of mapping a 2D texture onto a 3D model's surface. It involves unwrapping the model's geometry and creating a flat representation of it called a UV map. This map is then used as a guide to apply textures accurately onto the model, ensuring that they appear correctly and without distortion. UV wrapping is done by manipulating the UV coordinates of each vertex, aligning them with corresponding areas on the texture image. This process allows for realistic and visually appealing texturing on 3D character models.

 

Texturing

 

After the main processes of 3D character modeling have been completed, the texturing comes in. The process of texturing entails adding the minor details to the characters so that it looks realistic. The texturing is mainly done on the character costumes, character props, and character backgrounds. To add more to it, the texture is done to add folds and creases to the clothes, wrinkles on the body, face and other important details that can make the character look real. 

 

Rigging and Skinning 

 

The process of rigging and skinning are important for animating the character so that the skeleton moves aptly for making it look realistic to the maximum scale. 

 

To explain them separately, rigging is the process of developing a character's skeleton. Studying the anatomy of the character, the skeleton is developed which is then further refined using skinning. The skinning process is utilized to move the skeleton to the character in order to move the character i.e. animation. 

 

3D Character Animation 

 

This is the final product of the whole process to achieve the moving character for the game or any video. Sometimes, the character animation is processed using different models or renders as well. The animations can be captured using capture motion, ready-made mockups and keyframe-animation.

 

Character Export to the Game 

 

The last step to take for 3D character animation is to export the game character or 3D character to the game engine such as Unreal, Unity, or any other game engine you use. The most common file formats that game artists use are FBX and OBJ. 

 

 

3D Character Modeling Glossary 

 

3D character modeling talks about different processes and hence gets pretty difficult for the readers to accumulate and understand it once. Here is a quick glossary for 3d character modeling that will help you in learning and understanding it. 

 

 

Benefits of Outsourcing 3D Character Modeling 

Outsourcing has always proven to be beneficial for the companies as it allows them to drive the development as per the requirement. Here are the five main reasons on why you should outsource 3D character modeling to a game studio:

 

Expertise and Specialization 

 

3D game studios are equipped with game designers, game artists, and CG artists with years of expertise and proper talent which can help you to excel in your project for game development. Furthermore, 3D model sculpting requires intricating details which demand for the professional artists and their expertise. Hence, it is important to work with the artists that specialize in those with extensive hands-on experience. 

 

Flexibility and Scalability 

 

Outsourcing gives you the chance to allocate the resources as much as you want and according to your preferences. Adjustment of the resources according to the project requirements and demands can help you choose from a big pool of resources and further utilize their expertise to the full potential. This flexibility and scalability enable efficient production processes and the ability to adapt to changing project demands.

 

Access to Latest Technologies 

 

As the core purpose of game studios is building and working on gaming projects, they are always equipped with the softwares. By outsourcing the 3D character modeling, you will be able to have it developed on the premium and latest software which would give impetus to the working - resulting in the high quality art production. 

 

Time Saving

 

Hiring the right talent and further elaborating or training them can consume a lot of time. In order to save time, outsourcing 3D character modeling can prove to be the right thing as it allows companies to leverage the professional modelers and artists while focusing on other important projects. 

 

Cost Effective

 

Character modeling requires a lot of time, tools, and resources which can only increase the expenses. However, by outsourcing, the overhead costs of tools, paid softwares, hiring resources, and maintaining costs are reduced. Furthermore, it also helps in building the business and getting the required resources at competitive prices while also focusing on the other projects. 

 

Outsource 3D Character Modeling | InvoGames 

 

We offer 3D character modeling services from scratch to build highly-realistic game characters with humanistic body movements. This will make the game look professional that will further resonate with the gamers and captivate them in its realism. Hire our game artists and modelers to take your game character development to the next level. Reach out to us at [email protected] and let’s get connected.