Since the beginning of the summer I’ve been working almost exclusively in Cinema 4D. C4D is a full package professional level tool. Among any of the 3D modeling tools I’ve used, it is by far the easiest to use and the most powerful. My skill level barely scratches the surface of what can be done with C4D. Most of my work continues to be character bases and since Poser materials can be used within C4D, it’s been rather easy to make that my exclusive tool.
For the last week or so I’ve been trying to build up my network at Deviant Art and in the process I have seen some stunning work. A lot of that work I noticed was done with Daz Studio. Daz has been around a long time as a sort of Poser clone and for years has been free. It’s still free, but they also now have a commercial version. I have played around with Daz here and there but never truly serious. Since been forced to use a different computer than my primary machine, I decided to download the 30 trial and give it a serious look.
The image below is the same character I rendered yesterday in C4D, this time rendered in Daz Studio. In my opinion the results are certainly an improvement. The difference being while C4D is certainly very strong with it’s texture tools, the character textures are native to Daz, and therefore have much more control in that area.
For this image I have used Bodypaint, the 3D painting tool in C4D, then configured the textures and rendered in Daz. I still have some work to do on her eyes, but she is getting closer to the character I am looking for.
Most 3D work is done in some sort of "pipeline". The modeling, the rendering, and the post work are typically done with different tools, those best suited for the job. I think I got a little off track and consumed with C4D that I started to lose sight of that. I consider myself very fortunate in that I have access to several different great tools, Daz/Poser for character set up, C4D for modeling, Bodypaint for 3D painting and texture work, Vue for environments, and Photoshop for textures and post work. If and when I find the time to get back into animation add in After Effects and Flash.
Ten years ago some of these tools were not even heard of, others were in their infancy. Despite the general state of the world, it is a good time to be into digital art.
They just announced the contest winners for that Halloween contest I entered so I can now post my image, I didn’t win but the one I voted for and thought was exceptionally better than any others including my own didn’t finish in the top five either, guess I’m just a little out of sync.
This is the text that went along with the entry:
"The gossip around the neighborhood, the Beaumont twins were quiet and kept to themselves. Most everyone was certain they had been introduced at one time or another, yet if they thought about it no one could remember when they had or whether or not they had ever been guests in the old Beaumont home.
Yes the twins were quiet, no one could complain, most assumed they both spent a lot of time out of town, usually the only time anyone ever saw either of them was late at night.
It was different on All Hallows’ Eve, the twins hosted a party every year and they both did enjoy a delicious party. And this year as opposed to past, several from the neighborhood were invited. Most could not wait to get inside."
This image was inspired by my fascination with vampires. With the exception of the characters, clothing, and hair everything was modeled and textured by hand, including the character’s skin textures. I used C4D for modeling and rendering. Photoshop and Bodypaint were used for materials. Additionally PS for some touch up postwork.
Not sure about how many hours, but I worked on this image for about 10 days. I had a blast working on this and being very much a student of digital art learned a ton.
Best of luck to all others who are entering, and most of all thanks for sharing your art.
.
For years I’ve had this recurring dream, a gray featureless plane that extends infinitely along the X and Z axis. The horizon is a dark void. It is not a nightmare but a dream of discovery, a blank canvas that is not really blank at all. Take a chance and wander off in one direction, keep going until you find something. And when you do, it doesn’t end there, the journey is always infinite.
This image was modeled and rendered completely in Cinema 4D, very little post work in Photoshop. The basic scene did not change much after the initial set up. I probably ran up to sixty test rendered until I was able to come up with an image I was happy with. All of those changes came in the lighting set up.
This final render is using a single light which is cast on the character through the window. At one point along the way I experimented with some fill lighting but preferred the more natural effect of a single light.
Through the different phases, at one point the scene was rather dark, yes the lighting was low but I speak more of the mood of the scene. I must admit that even though all of the characters in my scenes are women, they do often times reflect my own moods and feeling. Recently I have found myself waiting for news to come. There is that worry and concern, inner emotions that manifest outward. Those emotions were certainly inspiration for this piece of digital art.
(please click on the thumbnail for a full size view)