Xaeth Model Complete

Here's the finished model of Xaeth. Now I need to come up with animations and model clothing and armor, which I haven't tried before. This will prove to be a new test.

Xaeth Model Progress

Still fine-tuning posture and proportions. I'm currently working on the textures of the individual pieces; blending the textures together is a laborious but rewarding process. The only drawback is that I constantly have to switch windows between Photoshop and Maya, until I get a dual monitor setup.

Xaeth - Nurbs Model

Here's the finished nurbs sculpt model of my character Xaeth based on the finalized design.

Textures come next.

The complete character evolution for Xaeth, showing all the major changes in design and artist ability.

Character Sketch: Danielle

Los Angeles Zoo / Museum Sketches

California Update

Well, it's winding down to the last few days of my trip to California, it's been an amazing experience all-around.

We started out a little behind schedule, but quickly caught up by the second day of the trip when we made it all the way to Denver, Colorado, my birthplace.

Before we started out on the third day, we had the opportunity to see the Body Worlds exhibit, which Sarah and I had both heard of but had never seen in person. It was a fascinating experience, a great anatomy lesson, and a lesson in mortality all in one.

Once in Los Angeles, Sarah and I parted ways; she continued up to Sacramento where she's moving in with a friend and I stayed with my aunt Paula, and began to explore the various opportunities afforded to me with a week in L.A.

I started off with the L.A. Zoo, doing a series of sketch studies of all but the quickest, most illusive, or least interesting animals. Following the Zoo, I made my way further downtown to the Natural History museum which was sadly under heavy renovation. The lack of exhibits was made up for by the quality of the gift shop merchandise.

(Images to be posted on my return on Sunday)

I also had the opportunity to speak to a number of people regarding my portfolio and my projected next steps...
I visited Otis College of Art and Design and spoke to the head of the digital media department; a friendly gentleman who walked with a cane and had a collection of toys, video games, and figurines to rival even my own.

I also spoke to a number of my aunts various associates in the film and media industry who gave me excellent advice on portfolio construction and where I should focus my efforts.

Overall, this trip has been an awesome experience, and I'm excited to get home and start focusing my efforts on the future.