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3D modeling - Building a team for an organized workflow

Submitted by grumpycat on

If you have some experience with modeling then we are currently building a team that can work in an organized workflow manner.

The idea is to get a list of needed assets and assign people who can do the various aspects where they are best suited.

Please introduce yourself and let us know what you can do. Start with what you are really good at and what you would like to help with. Then move on to the other stuff you know but your skills in that area may not be as strong.

Don't worry if you are only good at one thing. Most 3D artists specialize in one or two areas. 3D generalists are rare, that's because 3D content creation is extremely complex "jack of all trades, master of none". So if you can do any of the following let us know.

Modeling, Textures, Rigging, Animation, Knowledge of (Niff Tools)

Our current 3D modlers, animators and texture people are:

Eloth and Machine our long term members who have expertise with all aspects of modeling Elder Scroll assets and best knowledge of how everything is set up.

New to the team are the people who have recently joined up, mostly via Gopher recommendation, so you will find yourself in the same good company of people.

Ravanna
3d modeling character artist graduate. 3dsmax, Zbrush and Xnormal.

Our needed assets are:
Armors: We are utilizing what we can already find in Skyrim modding community, perhaps with some alterations. We have a spreadsheet of all the armor resources available, so visit this thread to find out what Armors you can work on: http://morroblivion.com/forums/skyrim/skywind-development/3423

Clothing: I’m unsure of the plan here. Will wait for somebody with more knowledge on the approach.
Weapons: Same as armor, will utilize what we can find already, and make a list of those that we need.
Creatures: There are some Skyrim creatures that are very similar to Morrowind counterparts, but we will need to port some of the creatures over. This is where we need animators and some new models for the creatures. For a list of creatures that need to be created use this spreadsheet to guide you: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Alvwmz6hbHGPdHhWWFVzcnhURzhQdWVOclRIRXREYUE&usp=sharing

We have over almost 5000 meshes and textures that make up the Morrowind world and there is a desire to make our assets as spectacular as possible. We have done some work on various models to make them more appropriate for a modern game, and a complete overhaul has been done on the textures. But we are still in need of making sure that all our models are not considered Bethesda property if we want to distribute freely.


Without a doubt the challenges that are faced when working with any Bethesda game is the lack of supported tools. NifTools have been producing the most handy utilities, and NifSkope is the main product that would be used by the Skywind team, along with 3DS Max. We have a few tools that we have used to make the porting process easier for us. We have NifConverter which can port Morrowind format nifs into the Skyrim format. It can also apply certain settings to nifs in a batch style manner. The same with collisions, in that we can apply certain settings in a batch style way. We have been using a 3DS Max plugin for exporting/importing nifs. There is similar plugins for Maya and Blender, if this is your choice of software. However all of these are not perfect and come without some features that we would like.

We currently have some coders trying to iron out these things and add more functionality, but the reality is that it will take time. You will not be the only people in this situation, so persistence and patience at learning what is possible will ensure that you stay sane :p This is probably the number one reason why 3D modelers find it hard to stick with the Elder Scroll series.

However on a positive note, that is why we are building a team of people that have got experience with these things, and as a group will be able to figure things out together :)

These are the various workflows as listed by Onesepaph:

Modeling: building meshes, Optimizing meshes, Make morph targets, Editing meshes and making the initial UV maps for the texture team. Build organic meshes with poly flow required by the rigging and animation teams. Modelers you know the drill.
Texturing: Build/edit color maps, Build/edit normal maps, build/edit alpha maps, Build/edit spec maps etc. Texture makers you know the drill.
Rigging: Rigger with Nif experience or willing to learn Nif. Hard body rigging, Soft body rigging, Face rigging, Build riggs to game spec. Build riggs to animation team spec when it does not conflict with game requirements. Riggers you know the drill.
Animators: Hard body animation, Soft body animation, face animation, lipsync, Biped animation, Quadruped animation, strange and freaky creature animation. Animators you know the drill.
3D Asset integrator: Compile and package 3D assets for the game engine.
Testers: The test team needs its own leader. Create test cases for 3D assets, Make bug reporting database, Test 3D assets as they become available, report bugs to the 3D asset leads. Testers you know the drill "they make it, you break it"
A Content Management System for 3D assets needs to be put in place. fancy is nice but something simple will work. Not having some way to manage the 3D assets is not going to work. This is a very high priority.

If we can put together a 3D asset team, this could get real fun, real quick.
 

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Last edited by grumpycat on 14 Mar 2014 - 15:41.

Rasetsu

No I'm not a morrowind nazi, but hey, this is basic human anathomy. Don't tell that this skeleton is not a human lol. It really  hurts the eyes when you see such things, sorry.

Then model your own version....

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Hey I've done a little bit of animation work for skyrim, and still have the environment set up for it. So I could help out a little bit. Now as far as this goes I have absolutely no idea how to go about setting the stuff up in the CK, and to that point would need to get it working so I could test out the stuff, but that's all arbitrary at this point.

I would love to show some of my past work, but given the only "animation" I've done for this game was doing a little bit of side work for the joy of perspective guys, and all that was, was importing the animation fixing the camera position for the entire animation exporting and then converting. That said I have done completely custom animations for other things, but most of that work has been lost over the ages.

In all honesty I don't even need the models, though they help, all I need is a skeleton the type of action that is going to happen and how you want it to look.

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3d modeller here , ready to help !

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Hello elektronick2010 contact Ravanna or eloth and they should be able to point you into a direction where we need more models.

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Hello,

I would like to volunteer to work on Skywind as a 3D modeller.  I do mostly hard surface stuff.  I haven't done many organic / character models, but I'd be happy to try if needed.  I use Softimage.

Here are a few pictures of some of the models I've made in the past :

http://imgur.com/a/YczgC#12

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Hey there!

I've heard some about this mod, and finally I decided that I would like to try to use the skills I've been learning in school to help.

I use Maya to model and Photoshop to texture. I also would probably be best at modeling weapons or environmental prop pieces. Organic objects and characters just aren't my thing. Just let me know where you need me and I'd be happy to help!

- cg

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Hi. My name is Filip and I wish to contribute in this beatifull project. I am concept artist with great texture skills. I can also do some animation and modeling if necessary but I wont be as fast as in the previous areas.

This is my portfolio: http://fgronowski.wix.com/portfolio

 

Let me know if you can find some work for me. I really wish to try some even the simpliest concept art. Weapon, faces whatever just to be sure I can deliver good quality work. I think I am the best in textures. You can have a look at those at my portfolio. Please let me know how and if I can help you. Many thanks.

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Hello everybody, I think this is the right place to post...

I just heard about Skywind today!

I am a Senior Computer Graphics student at IUPUI in Indianapolis. I am a big Morrowind fan, if there is still space for more members on this project I would like to contribute in any small way I can. I have a lot of motivation to help.

When it comes to the 3D department I do best texture painting.
-I'm very handy with Photoshop, I've been using it for over 8 years
-I can unwrap models 
-Can make Normal/Bump/Ambient Occlusion/etc maps.
-Had great teachers, some have worked on AAA video game titles.

I feel like I work best with environments and natural-looking textures, but I can handle hard surfaces or skin.

I can make 3D models, but I'm pretty slow about making them.

Let me know if I can help! My email is SpeHersh@gmail.com
If there are any tiny models that need textures, I can do one to show that I actually know what I'm doing lol.

Thanks!
 

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Bonjour everyone, I don’t know if it is the right place to post, but...

I’m a young French Canadian and I’m currently a student in 3D animation and I would be very happy to help in my spare time. I’ve discovered your project today by the help of your Trailer and it’s seemed that it would be a great experience to join in.

Currently, I'm in Second Year of my 3D animation "College Diploma" (D.E.C.) (Cégep is a type of school that is after high school and before University; you’ll just find that in Québec, Canada)

Right now, I have no awesome portfolio, but you can see some of my projects I’ve done in the past at my DeviantArt:

http://philiciter.deviantart.com/gallery/

My favorite softwares or the one’s that I’m the most used to are:

3dsmax

Photoshop

Zbrush

Mudbox (Only for painting textures)

Vray Renderer (I’m almost mastering it, I know almost every parameters, but it’s a bit useless in videogames, but I found, you’ll may be interested.)

I would love to help in any way in the creation of textures or modeling. The things I enjoy the most are: textures/ UVs/ shading/ lighting/ creature modeling and retopology.

I’m not used to convert my works to Skyrim engine, but I’ve taken time to explore Nif scope a bit. Also, I’ve installed the plugin for photoshop for converting textures to .dds.

I like learning new things, so just point me the direction if needed.

For now, I supposed, I’ll just give my work to someone that is best suited for continuing the production when I’m done doing what I can do to help.

I add a question: what are the shaders that are used for Skyrim? I found in the video, you were using directx shaders, but are there any things I should know about them?

For now, I am on leave until January 21 and I pass time by doing some 3D projects. After that date, I will continue my studies until the end of the month of May and then it's summer vacation. I will probably have plenty of free time to fill and it's always fun to do 3D.

Sorry for any vocabulary mistakes, English is my second language and I’m still learning its subtleties.

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Hey,

I'm a level designer from Montreal (currentely working at Eidos) and although I'm aware that this is the art thread, I think I could help on this aspect as well as I've been teaching myself environment art / texturing for the past 2 years.

I mostly use 3ds max, zbrush and photoshop. I can model pretty decently (mostly hard edge stuff for now, mechanical pieces, and architecture), UV map and texture using either hand panting techniques or photosource (sometimes both, sotimes zbrush polypainting).

I'm also familiar with the whole low poly / high poly workflow and know how to make pretty clean geometry.

I've just started tackling armors and have a little experience with vegetation as well. That would be a secondary skill.

I know how to rig and animate pretty simple mechanical things (I made steampunk turrets for a canceled indie project we started with friends), so that can be useful for environmental animations. 

I can provide screenshots or videos of some of the stuff I made (I'm at work so I got nothing available here :)), and I'd be happy to start working on whatever I could do if you'll have me. 

I don't have any formal education in art, hope it's not too much of an issue. 

So that's it, MP if you're interested !

 

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Hello,

I'm an artist looking to help with the mod. I'm best at 3d modeling and concept art, I also can uvw map and texture. You can see my work at www.kerstincarrion.com. The mod looks great, if i can be pointed in the right direction on what you guys want me to do, that would be great.

contact me if I can help out.  

 

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Hello Everyone!

Im a recent graduate from a 3D School called CATO. I'm very interested and ecstatic to be helping out with this amazing project! After talking with eloth a bit, I've come to the conclusion that the area I'd be best to help in is modeling, mainly creatures. But also have experience in basically all parts of 3D production, like animating, rigging, rendering, etc. I havent played much Morrowind, but have played far too much of both Oblivion and Skyrim. After searching around what creatures are left the Fabricant (venomous) seems to be the one. If anyone has any suggestions how i can go about it, like what other creatures i should build it off of, if theres any concept, that would be amazing! So basically, Hello! and I cant wait to help out! 

Cheers,

Tyler/Kwest5114

 

PS. If you want to see some of my work, heres a link to my portfolio site!
http://tylerhinthorne.carbonmade.com/

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Hey!

I'm new here, and i thought this would be a good place to post first.

I just graduated from the Centre for Arts and Technology 3D Game Animation Program, and a huge Bethesda game fan.  I was hoping to help out with Skywind! My favorite things to model are items and environments, but i have done some characters as well.

If anyone has thoughts or comments, message me!

Thanks,

-Nethulios

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Hi! I've been doing 3D graphics and would like to help the project! Work in 3Ds max and zbrush.  Mainly modeling and visualization. I will be glad to do something! I'm from Russia and my English is poor :)

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Here's an example in doing 3brush

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Hi and welcome! This is really looking cool, and I'm sure we can use your help. One thing though - in the future please write messages like this in one post instead of four :) , or edit it if you need to. It's not a big deal but helps to keep important threads organized etc.

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Are still modellers/texturers/concept artists needed?
I do all that on a, at the moment, rather basic level:

[External image]

[External image]

[External image]

[External image][External image]

[External image]

[External image]

I basicly just got into ZBrush and I am scared of retopo and UVing.
I am not yet sure if I have the time and patience to get to ravanna's level, but I sure would love to try it! 

Thats why I would like to be guided to a list of stuff that needs to be done. Thanks!

EDIT: Oh I also made a bunch of mods for Morrowind: http://www.nexusmods.com/morrowind/users/4381248/?tb=images&pUp=1

 

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Hello!

I am an aspiring 3d modeler and would like to help in anyway but don't know what my skill set would be best suited for. I know how to use both 3dsmax and Blender along with a little bit of Paint.Net. Here's what i have worked on so far. If there is anything i can do just email me at jplexg@gmail.com.

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Hello, this project seems really exciting, and I'd love to be a part of it. I work primarily as a 3d modeller, but I can also animate, rig, and texture. I hard surface model but I am working on improving my organic modelling. I would like to know which models are available for me to work on. I've seen the list of creatures but which buildings are needed? Thanks and I look forward to a reply.
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Hello, I heard about this project on the internet and I wish I could participate. I'm an architect working with 3dsmax, mainly on architectures and hard surfaces but, open to study anything new if needed.

Thanks! Bye!

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Hi guys, newguy here !

I heard about this awesome project and would very much like to contribute to this with a passion !

My main skills for that are using Zbrush, Rhinoceros, and 3dsmax. So here i am making myself known, and I would definately like to get in touch with you about this. Cheers! 

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Hey, all. Great work so far. Would love to help in any way I can and just have even a slight contribution to this project. My name's Kevin and I'm a game design major at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Unfortunately, I'm just in my first couple quarters here, so my exposure to the meat and potatoes of game design has been limited, but I had a three week crash course on Maya, and it was the most fun I've ever had working on something. Here is what I made as my final project in the span of approximately 15-20 hours.[External image]

I have no education or exposure to proper UV mapping yet. The textures above were just Googled and edited slightly. I have very thorough Photoshop skills and a brain that understands 3D modelling rather easily. If I am able to assist in any capacity, I would love to contribute to Skywind in my spare time. I've been looking for a means to practice outside of class now that we've moved onto other software.

My resume is short, but as my father once said, "Invest in potential, not in reputation." If you guys are willing to be patient with a "learning on the job" volunteer, then you've got an avid TES lore-mongerer with more than decent access to various softwares (Zbrush, Unreal, Maya, 3DS Max, Adobe Suite, Blender, the whole shibang).

Excited to see if I can help!

EDIT: I decided to play around and see what I could do, seeing as I've never done things such as weapons. This is what I came up with in about an hour and a half. But I'm going to bed now and thought I'd post it as a quick audition. It's a WIP, mind you. :)

[External image]

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Hi there, I'm fairly new to modding but saw this a while back and decided I really want to get involved. I graduated from Uni a few months ago. I studied Computer Games Modelling and Animation. My main focus is primarily characters but I'm still abit of a generalist still while I'm honing my skills so to speak. I'm currently working as a 3D artitst at an e-learning company doing evening shifts so I get plenty of time during the day to work on my own 3d stuff and that. I'd love to help out wherever with whatever needs doing really. Prop/character/armour/creature whatever really. Heres a link to my folio if you want to take a look. 

www.samdavison3d.com

Let me know if theres anything to help with :)

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@tatortodd22 and @HomeGrownHeroz some nice work there. I've sent both of you a message with some details of getting setup and tasks. Welcome onboard.

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Hello everyone,

I am a 3D artist in the game industry, I've worked for about 3 years professionally within the industry on such titles as Disney Infinity and my latest game South Park: stick of truth. I have taken an interest in all the work you guys have done and wish to contribute as well. I mostly work in Maya but I do have Max as well along with Zbrush and all that other good stuff. I do mostly anything but my strengths are props, weapons, characters and some foliage.

I have since been laid off from my last studio and with all my free time now I would love to dedicate a good amount to the project.

-Mr.E

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Mr E = when you're online talk to me, happy or eloth, theres plenty you can help with :)

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Hello i would like to help out with the 3D modeling i am fairly good not brilliant i have most of the main programs and decent hardware i will  make most things that need doing  i am a student doing my GCSE but spend most of my free time on game design and modelling the programs i use are:

Zbrush 4r6, 3DS max 2014 and Blende and also photoshop

Image is of a cliff racer i am working on i also do alot of of landscape and some interior hope to help out.

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Contact Ravanna, HappyChappy, or Eloth. They will be glad to see an addition to the team. :)

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Hi, i've seen you're site, and to be honest i love the idea of renovating Morrowind. I am a beginner 3d modeler, with a little bit of talent, hopefully:P, and i wanted to help you bring morrowind back to life. Please contact me if you find this model good enough 

 

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Hey everyone! :) I know this is more the 3D model thread, but I wasn't sure where else to offer help. I'm a professional animator currently working for an indie developer for my day job, and when I heard about this project, I absolutely wanted to be part of it. If there's anything animation-wise that needs doing, I wanna jump on that! I'm good with humanoid or creature animation. I can also help out with prop modeling and textures (I use Maya) and of course, QA.

Who can I contact to get started? :D

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Zafflesia

Hey everyone! :) I know this is more the 3D model thread, but I wasn't sure where else to offer help. I'm a professional animator currently working for an indie developer for my day job, and when I heard about this project, I absolutely wanted to be part of it. If there's anything animation-wise that needs doing, I wanna jump on that! I'm good with humanoid or creature animation. I can also help out with prop modeling and textures (I use Maya) and of course, QA.

Who can I contact to get started? :D

You're best off talking to happychappy, one of the project leaders.

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Cool, thank you! :)

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Hello,

i want to join the 3D team for skywind. i use zBrush 4r6 and 3ds max. i like to do characters and monsters or armors, rocks would be nice too. i like having a concept or 2d sketch and can provide a high resolution zbrush 4r6 concept sculpt. i can do the retopology (technically i know what to do but i am unexperienced) so i need direction from the texture and animation team. i could do a simple texture concept but dont expect much from that. i would be happy if you guys give me a chance. i will show you some work. sry for the bad presentation. maybe you find some use for me.

thx in advance

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^ this bloke makes my stuff look balls, lets get him working! :)

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smartinius

Hello,

i want to join the 3D team for skywind. i use zBrush 4r6 and 3ds max. i like to do characters and monsters or armors, rocks would be nice too. i like having a concept or 2d sketch and can provide a high resolution zbrush 4r6 concept sculpt. i can do the retopology (technically i know what to do but i am unexperienced) so i need direction from the texture and animation team. i could do a simple texture concept but dont expect much from that. i would be happy if you guys give me a chance. i will show you some work. sry for the bad presentation. maybe you find some use for me.

thx in advance

cloooooooooothhheessssss

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gieb him dragos telvanni suit, do it!

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Clearly it was the Sharmat Himself. Dagoth Smartinus has been sent to purify our Forms with divine Shapes!

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Hello, i am interested in being on this team. i am only a beginner but i have adequate knowledge in modeling and texturing and have a good collection of software. i think my best line of work would be in the creation of weapons. 

hope i can join

-cranky

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contact myself or eloth using the PM or chat system

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