As a test, I decided to 3D print my first Soucouyant Mudbox model and my more recent Douen Mudbox model. I was not sure what to expect in terms of detail and the effect given by the solid colour of the 3D print. I chose to use a golden PLA filament, as I felt that this would make the characters look more organic, glowing and vibrant.
Firstly I saved the Mudbox Sououyant file as an OBJ. and then I used the 3D programme Cura to apply automatic supports for the overhanging details of the head before placing this onto the SD card for printing. I used 1.75 PLA, and the print took around 12 hours, which was much longer than necessary. This is due to accidentally making the inside filling too dense, but the result on the outside was greater detail. To prevent this from happening again, I would use a less dense honeycomb structure inside the 3D print.
The second model that I printed was of the Douen. This was less straight froward as I had to save the hat separately as an OBJ. file to print. First of all though, it was necessary for me to thicken the hat surface in Maya because I knew that the thin knife-edge of the hat would not 3D print. I did this by extruding the surface downwards. I then saved this and saved the original Mudbox file so that I had two OBJ. files to print. The first attempt at printing the hat went wrong, but this was rectified by realigning the nozzle, which resulted in an accurate print. The hat edge was a little thicker than I would have preferred, so if I reprinted it in the future I would reduce the thickness during the extruding stage. The bust print, however, went well, apart from the golden filament running out towards the end of the print. I had to quickly replace it with a white filament, but once the hat was placed on top of the finished head it was unnoticeable. The head also printed much faster because I reduced the structure divisions inside the head.
Testing Context
I then placed the finished Soucouyant print into a more natural environment which fits better with the context of the character. I went into the garden and placed the bust in a potted plant that was covered in moss, weeds and leaves. It looked more like a fantasy creature in this context, and I liked the sunlight effect on the golden plastic surface of the head. It reminded me of the glow that the model had in Mudbox and the glow that the Soucouyant would have from its fire.
I also placed the completed Douen head into the garden, but this time I wanted a more run-down and derelict environment. I placed it near some broken paving stones to take photos, with an old part of fence in the background. This fit with my context well as I imagined this type of environment as the dwelling place of the Douen, like in my context photoshop experiments.
Evaluation
The 3D print was a success as it gave me a stronger idea of the physical models instead of a digital model on screen. Having the physical model allowed me to spot any areas that I could improve or add detail to, and having the print in my hand emphasises the effect of adding the digital textures. From this I could also consider 3D printing the final 3 characters to go alongside my digital final models, almost like how action figures of game characters are available for people who collect them. I will also experiment using different filament colours, such as the black as I like how the hat looked.
No comments:
Post a Comment