{"id":739,"date":"2022-03-30T16:31:50","date_gmt":"2022-03-30T16:31:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/3dstudio.co\/?p=739"},"modified":"2026-03-23T05:35:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T05:35:23","slug":"3d-character-modeling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/3dstudio.co\/pt\/3d-modeling\/3d-character-modeling\/","title":{"rendered":"3D Character Modeling [Step-by-Step]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Take any modern game and remove all of the characters from it. Despite the outstanding setting, you will have nothing to play with, literally. Character modeling is a pivotal element of any 3D modeling services<\/a> since they are in high demand in a lot of industries: games, movies, cartoons, marketing, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a 3D character model might not seem different from any other kind of modeling. But is it, since it requires a certain level of skills and multi-steps to complete a character. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this complete guide, we\u2019ll walk you through every stage or character modeling: from drafting basic outlines to animation and rendering and anything in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, let us compare it to 2D characters first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Comparison of the best 3D character modeling software<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3D Character Model vs 2D Character Model<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gaming and movie industries have developed long ago and seem nothing like the ones we know now. So basically, the main difference is that you no longer use 2D in games since 3D has all the benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While they both have the right to exist, here is are the main benefit of the 3D character model over its 2D counterpart:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animation <\/strong>\u4e00 3D character model is easy to animate since it is already created in 3D space. There is no need to redraw it in different poses to display movements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Realism <\/strong>\u4e00 3d characters are created with photographic accuracy and an extreme level of detail, original 2D sketches just can\u2019t provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visualization <\/strong>\u4e00 unlike 2D, you can view 3D characters from different angles with more color and realism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The simplicity of adjustment<\/strong> \u4e00 it is much quicker to update, adjust and reuse 3D models to create new characters or supplement the existing scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"benefits<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

No wonder <\/em>3D character modeling<\/em> is more popular than 2D in games, right?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Technique is Best for 3D Character Modeling?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know it\u2019s best to put your efforts on the scales of a 3D character model, it\u2019s time to choose the technique you will use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polygon Modeling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Polygon modeling is the basic form of 3D modeling any novice or expert comes across. It is used to create 3D models with polygons that form a polygon mesh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modelers use this technique to create not only 3D characters, but any other game assets since polygons are easy to edit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"character
Polygon modeling of 3D characters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Note: <\/strong>to make sure your model is moving smoothly, remember to add a sufficient number of polygons on movable parts like knees and elbows by subdividing the polygons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best thing about this method is you can use high poly modeling<\/a> to achieve finer details of the objects close to the camera. However, if you need to model background objects or characters you\u2019ll need to learn what is LOD and use low poly<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

NURBS Modeling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

NURBS modeling<\/a>, also known as spline modeling, is a method of creating 3D objects with flexible curves defined by complex mathematics. Applying this technique makes the 3D character model smooth.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, there is a disadvantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individual parts of the model set by the mathematical formula are hard to edit. You can\u2019t edit it without violating the integrity of the whole model. So, the NURBS technique is used less often when it comes to character modeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3D Character Modeling Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned before, creating a 3D character model is a multi-step process that you should cast a look at before you start. So, now we\u2019ll go through it step-by-step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Creating Basic Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The very first step in this process is to create a sketch of your future character model with the outline and all of the major features. There is no need to dive deep into details right from the start. It is enough to have an idea of the size and shape of the model to create front and side views. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"sketch
3D character sketch and final result (source YouTube<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can start with a simple 2D drawing or draft the sketch in the 3D modeling software. Most of them provide that. Once you finish with the outline, place the cube or any other basic geometry to sit in the X, Y, and Z planes. It should correspond to the top, bottom, and sides of your object. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to get more into your character concept you can also draw additional images of different movements, features, and costumes before you move on. But that\u2019s not a necessity at this stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Character Modeling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the basic ideas are finished, the actual modeling process begins. That\u2019s the longest stage in 3D character modeling that also includes several steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blocking<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Blocking is the stage when you combine different primitives<\/a> to create the basic shape of your future model. This forms the basic outline of your character, including face, body, skeleton, and muscle frame. For example, you can combine several cubes and cylinders to fit your 3D character form which you\u2019ll stylize later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"character
Character blocking (source YouTube<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At this stage, you\u2019ll understand that character modeling requires certain knowledge of anatomy to get the harmony of proportions even in hypertrophied forms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sculpting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important parts of the 3D character modeling process is digital sculpting<\/a>. Artists use something similar to digital clay to form a high level of detail.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s where many of you might wonder why we didn\u2019t include it in the character modeling techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sculpting 3D characters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The thing is sculpting is used to create hyperrealistic details of the object that you couldn\u2019t otherwise achieve with traditional modeling techniques. Still, it is best to use sculpting at this stage to create more details by inserting them into your polygon mesh<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Retopology<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The topology of a 3D character model that will be animated is as important as the proper number of polygons. The structure of the surface determines the visual characteristics of the object and makes some details voluminous.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Retopologized model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

However, precise 3D characters need to have an ideal topology where the number of polygons doesn\u2019t influence their quality. That is why you have to retopologize your model to organize and align polygons locally. In other words, retopology aims at reducing the number of polygons in a model so the animation runs smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unwrapping and Baking<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The last thing in the character modeling stage before you can move it into the UV mapping and texturing stages is UV unwrapping<\/a> and baking. You need to create a 2D representation of your 3D character model and bake it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This was the last step in modeling a 3D character. But there is also one more to go through to make it complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Texturing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even if your 3D character model has impeccable details after you sculpt it and finetune the forms, you still need texture. It brings life to your model and makes it more real-like by applying color and surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, 3D characters have complex textures. So, once you UV unwrap your model you have to use the texture paint tool to apply multiple surface and color attributes like bumps and occlusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Variety of 3D character textures<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Those are micro details that matter the most after all. You need the texture to help you cover light effects, reflections, and other physical properties to make your 3D character realistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note:<\/strong> creating shades and setting basic colors requires you to apply different texture maps<\/a> to your model. Only after this, you can use the material textures to finish up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you texture your 3D character model it is considered complete. All of the other stages need to be covered only in case you want to animate your model. And since 3D characters usually are animated, we have to cover them for you too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Rigging and Skinning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Character animation is a whole new level of 3D modeling. It requires you to know your character joint structure and how they operate to make your model move. For that, it also requires \u201cpreparation\u201d in the form of rigging and skinning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rigging is the process of creating a virtual skeleton of your 3D character model that defines the main points to integrate the body of your character together and make it move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Character rigging (source YouTube<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip:<\/strong> to create a balance between flexibility and realism of your character model movements you usually need from 20 to 100 bones. However, large bone numbers make it hard to manipulate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most 3D modeling software<\/a> comes with ready-made skeleton samples. However, the rig must be consistent with the design of the model. Pay attention to that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next comes skinning that you use to secure the surface of the model and the skeleton together. The quality of skinning defines how a 3D character model appears when performing any actions. Once you skin the model, it is ready to be animated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"character
Character skinning (source YouTube<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 6: Animation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Animation is the ultimate step in the 3D character modeling pipeline. It deserves a separate article, but we\u2019ll delve into a few nuances to help you understand it better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this point, you breathe life into your 3D character. You animate its body movements, create facial expressions and evoke emotions to make it as close to real as possible. Usually, you use special tools to create all of these gestures and manipulate separate body parts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3D characters emotions schema<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But how does it usually work?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you know, the animation is a series of static images with different details. To reach the maximum realism of the movements, artists use keyframe animation. They define the character position in the first and last frames. All of the other frames are calculated by the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 It may sound complicated, but in reality, it is much simpler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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