grey 3D model of old man’s face
Images by Juan Pablo Torres.
grey 3D rendering of man in cloak from front, side, and back

How to create 3D characters.

Whether you want to create a stlylised character or a photorealistic one, the basic steps are mostly the same. Here are our six tips for creating any character in 3D.

1. Conceptualise your characters.

3D is a technical process. Starting from nothing in a 3D space can be daunting. Use concept art and 2D references to keep you focused and guide your choices around character proportion and appearance.

2. Begin character modelling.

After you’ve conceptualised your character, it’s time to start modelling. Don’t rush yourself. Start with basic shapes to block out the figure, then add detail from there. Think in terms of big to small—save the smallest details for last.

3. Texture your character.

With your character modelled, you may be wondering what to do next. At best, a mesh on its own will never look like more than a clay sculpture. Texturing is how 3D artists give an object life by apply textures and materials to its surface.

Consider using a powerful app like Adobe Substance 3D Painter to help you texture your character perfectly. You can use smart materials and masks to paint every detail onto your model’s surface in real time.

4. Rig your character.

Like any person, models need bones, too. Well, sort of. Rigging is the process of assigning joints to an object, so the 3D software knows how to manipulate the mesh for posing and animation. This is a crucial step which requires the help of 3D software and careful adherence to best practices to accomplish.

When done right, you’ll be able to grab any bone or joint and position your model however you’d like. Some software allows you to “weight paint” parts of your mesh to help each bone of the rig apply control to the right part of the mesh. You’ll know something isn’t right when animating and posing if your mesh contorts in odd ways during movement.

5. Render your character.

Rendering is the final step in the process for creating images and video of your character. Think of it like pressing record on a camera or taking a snapshot. 3D renderers use lighting and effects to create style and realism, then capture images or video sequences of animations.

Adobe Substance 3D

A toolset for creative 3D solutions. 30 days free, then £40.45/mo incl. VAT.

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