Master the Art of 3D Anime Character Creation!

Master the Art of 3D Anime Character Creation!

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Start of Project Feline
3. Game Prototype Release
4. Returning to the Core Focus
5. Designing the Character
6. Creating a Model Sheet
7. Using Blender for 3D Modeling
8. Modular Approach in Character Design
9. Importance of the Playable Character Model
10. Learning New Skills in 3D Modeling
11. Refining and Adding Detail to the Model
12. Stitching the Pieces Together
13. Focus on Hair, Face Detail, and Feline Suit
14. Texturing Phase
15. Conclusion

Article:

Introduction

Welcome back to the next installment of the Project Feline devlog series. In this series, I'll be sharing my Journey in designing and developing my dream game from start to finish. In the previous episode, I released a prototype of the game on the itch.io store and received a positive response from players. In this episode, I will be shifting my focus back to the core aspect of the game - the character design.

The Start of Project Feline

When I began Project Feline, I started with the idea of reimagining a character I had designed during my childhood. I wanted to Create a game that the character could fit into seamlessly. After the successful release of the game prototype, I decided it was time to revisit the character and give it the Attention it deserves.

Game Prototype Release

Before diving into the character design, I'd like to express my gratitude to all the players who downloaded and tested the game prototype. I was thrilled to see that many of You enjoyed it and even created "let's play" videos. Your support means a lot to me, and it motivates me to Continue working on the game.

Returning to the Core Focus

Now that most of the heavy back-end programming and gameplay development is complete, it's time for me to Refocus on the game's core - the character. In this episode, I will share the beginning of my pipeline for creating a fully 3D game-ready character from scratch.

Designing the Character

For the final character design, I wanted to create something unique and inspired by the Japanese manga/anime style seen in popular games like Jet Set Radio and Okami. I wanted to challenge myself to emulate this distinctive style and make it an integral part of the character design.

Creating a Model Sheet

To begin the character design process, I started with a model sheet or projection sheet. This 2D image serves as a reference for the 3D modeling process. I drew the character from various angles, including front, back, and sides, in an A-pose. The A-pose provides a relaxed state for the limbs, making it easier for rigging.

Using Blender for 3D Modeling

To bring the character to life in 3D, I used a free software called Blender. Blender has proved to be an excellent tool for my modeling needs. Importing the model sheets into Blender, I positioned them and started the 3D modeling process.

Modular Approach in Character Design

To ensure flexibility and easy customization in the future, I took a modular approach to character design. I first drew and colored the entire character without armor or accessories to establish accurate body proportions. Then, I added armor pieces on top of the base drawing. This modular approach allows me to create different outfits or skins for the character effortlessly.

Importance of the Playable Character Model

The playable character model is crucial in a third-person game like Project Feline. It serves as the representation of the player in the game world. Considering its significance, I wanted to push myself to create a more detailed and stylish model than anything I had done before.

Learning New Skills in 3D Modeling

Although I had previous experience with character modeling, I knew I needed to learn new skills to create a model that surpassed my previous work. To achieve this, I incorporated techniques I learned from a tutorial series on modeling Japanese anime-style characters. This tutorial series helped me refine my modeling process and achieve the desired anime aesthetic.

Refining and Adding Detail to the Model

The modeling process for this character was a bit slower than my previous works as I focused on learning and integrating new techniques. I started by modeling different body parts separately, using as few polygons as possible. Then, I refined and added detail to each piece individually, often using the subdivide modifier to enhance smoothness.

Stitching the Pieces Together

Once I had modeled the essential limbs and pieces, I faced the challenge of stitching them together into a Cohesive, single piece of geometry. This process required careful adjustments to accommodate differences in Poly count and avoid creating issues like n-gons or triangles in the mesh. However, after some meticulous work, I successfully combined all the pieces seamlessly.

Focus on Hair, Face Detail, and Feline Suit

In the next phase of the character creation process, I will be focusing on adding hair, refining face details, and modeling the feline suit. These aspects are crucial in capturing the desired aesthetic and character identity. By incorporating these elements, the character will truly come to life in the game.

Texturing Phase

After completing the modeling phase, I will move on to the exciting process of texturing the character. This phase will involve adding colors, materials, and textures to give the character a visually appealing and cohesive appearance. The texturing phase is crucial for enhancing the overall quality and realism of the character model.

Conclusion

Thank you for following along with the development of Project Feline. In the next installment, I will continue the journey of creating the character, focusing on the armor modeling and texturing process. As always, your thoughts, comments, and feedback are greatly appreciated. If you have any ideas on how the character should look or any other suggestions, please feel free to share them in the comments or join the community Discord. Stay tuned for more updates and progress on this exciting game development journey.