Intermediate Character Tutorial 2:
Model a Character Head
Using the Low-Poly Method

In this Lesson, you use two reference images that will guide you through this process, and also help you better understand the proportions that come into play when modeling a full head.

low-poly head filesPart A - Set Up the Scene & Basic Head

1. Use the link at the right to download and extract the folder containing the reference files. Save the folder in your Home directory Animation folder with your lastname in the front.
   
   
2. Open your completed lowpoly body file and resave it in your low-polyhead folder.
   
   
3. From the Help menu Tutorials, in the Modeling folder, open the Modeling a Low-Poly Character tutorial, then the section Modeling a Low-Poly Head.
   
   
4. Complete the first of the two Lessons in this tutorial - Setting Up the Scene and Creatiing the Basic Head Divisions.
   
   
5. When you are finished with each, save as directed, adding your lastname at the beginning of the filename: Lastname_My_Virtual_Studio_Head.max
   Lastname_My_Low_Poly_Head_Basic_Divisions.max
   
   
6. Zip and turn in your folder (containing the 2 .max files and the three reference files).
   

Part B - Creating the Nose and Mouth

1. Open the Modeling a Low-Poly Character Head tutorial.
   
   
2. Continue from your Basic Head Divisions file and follow the directions for creating the Nose and Mouth.
   
   
3. When you are finished, save as directed, adding your lastname at the beginning of the filename: Lastname_My_Low_Poly_Head_Nose.max
   Lastname_ My_Low_Poly_Head_Mouth.max
   
   
4. Turn in your two files.

Part C - Creating the Eyes

1. Open the Modeling a Low-Poly Character Head tutorial.
   
   
2. Continue from your Low Poly Head Mouth file and follow the directions for creating the Eyes.
   
   
3. When you are finished, save as directed, adding your lastname at the beginning of the filename: Lastname_My_Low_Poly_Head_Eyes.max
   
   
4. Turn in your file.

Part D - Refining the Face & Head

1. Open the Modeling a Low-Poly Character Head tutorial.
   
   
2. Continue from your Low Poly Head Eyes file and follow the directions for Refining the Forehead, Chin and Cheeks., through Refining the Head and Neck.
   
   
3. When you are finished, save as directed, adding your lastname at the beginning of the filename: Lastname_My_Low_Poly_Head_Forehead_Chin_Cheeks.max
   Lastname_My_Low_Poly_Head_Neck.max
   
   
4. Turn in your two files.
   

Part E - Creating the Ears, Helmet and Visor

1. Open the Modeling a Low-Poly Character Head tutorial.
   
   
2. Continue from your Low Poly Head Head Neck file and follow the directions for Creating the Ears, the Helment and the Visor
   
   
3. When you are finished, save as directed, adding your lastname at the beginning of the filename: Lastname_My_Low_Poly_Head_Ears.max
   Lastname_My_Low_Poly_Head_Helmet.max
   My_Low_Poly_Head_Visor.max
   
   
4. Turn in your three files.