How to 3D Design a 3D Model Character of a Girl in SelfCAD
Introduction:
Animation movies and cartoons have been attracting and entertaining everyone, mostly for kids, and 3D model characters are chiefly used in creating the animations. But how is the animation created and how are the characters made just like humans? And they even move! It all starts with 3D Modeling. The characters, human body, figures are all created in 3D Design. The 3D Designers create the required body, and then it is used in such animated movies and cartoons.
In this guide, we are 3D modeling a character of a Girl. We are using the Sphere and Capsule-shape, whereas various other tools like Move, Rotate, Copy, and Extrusion are useful too. Creating a single object is very simple, but 3D modeling different objects and combining them to create a single object is sometimes challenging. Here we are creating separate objects, and then with tools like move and rotate, we will position them to give a perfect look.
3D designing involves how we use the tools, it is not rocket science, but it’s about using the specific tools at a certain point that will minimize our work. Like using the copy tool to copy the object and then the Move or Rotate tool to keep the position of the object. 3D Designing of Girl will help to create other different figure designs and even use them in animation. Check out the Interactive Tutorial of 3D Girl Design.
This tutorial involves the design of body parts with SelfCAD software.
Starting with creating the complete body structure. We will be making the basic shapes. So, let’s get down to it!
Step 1: Designing the Head of the 3D model character.
We are going to use a sphere to prepare the head of the 3D model character. Select the Sphere from the 3D shape Category of the Toolbar (P+S). Set-top radius to 40, position Y to 107. We have created the sphere above from the ground, so we will create the bottom body part. Finalize the Sphere. You can check out the Sphere Video Tutorial. This will show the changes that you can make and how it looks.
Step 2: 3D modeling the bottom part of the body.
Choose the Capsule from the 3D shape category (P+E). This will be the neck portion that will join the bottom and head part together.
Set the Parameters as follows: Top Radius to 5, Height to 50, Position Y to 80.
Finalize the Capsule.
Select the sphere and set position Y to 5, and finalize it.
Step 3: Hide the object that we have created.
Select the objects that we created. We will hide these 3D objects for a while. Click on the Hide button to hide the selected object (V+H). This is a temporary hide. So we can create the character 3D model without any obstacle and then again unhide it.
Step 4: Creating the Hand of the 3D model Character.
Choose the Capsule from the 3D shape category (P+E). With the capsule, we are creating a spiky structure. Set the Parameters as follows: Top Radius to 15, Bottom Radius to 15. We used the capsule shape to create a hand shape. Finalize the Capsule.
Step 5: 3D designing the fingers on the hand shape.
Now we will be creating the finger shape with the help of a Capsule. Copy, Move and Rotate are the three main tools other than capsule that will help us to design fingers and even set their position. Choose Capsule from the 3D shape category (P+E). With the capsule, we are creating a spiky structure.
Set the Parameters as follows: Set Top Radius to 5, Bottom Radius to 5, Height to 58, Position X to 7, Position Y to 55. This will help us position the finger. Finalize the Capsule.
In the toolbar menu, click on Move (M). Next, use the copy button (Ctrl+C) tool to copy the selected object that is mesh_20, the last created capsule. We will Move the object, set x to 0, y to 60.
Use the Copy button (Ctrl+C) to copy the selected object. Move the object, set y to 55, x to -7.
Copy the selected objects again. Using the move tool, set y to 49.35. We have created the object again at the same place as shown below.
Select the Rotate tool in the Toolbar (R) and set Z to 325.
Copy the selected object and set the Y value to 70.
Select the move tool and set the following parameters. Set x to 6, y to 53.69, then close the Transformation Panel.
Basically, we just created the capsule and kept on copying, moving, and rotating.
Step 6: Making the Hand in one Union shape.
Select the Objects that are the finger and hand objects. Activate the Stitch and Scoop (B). Here in the tool panel, choose a union (B+U). Finalize the Union.
Step 7: Hide the designed hand.
We will hide these objects for a while. Click on the Hide button to hide the selected 3D object (V+H).
Step 8: Creating the leg of the 3D model character.
Choose the Capsule from the 3D shape category (P+E). With the capsule, we are creating a spiky structure.
Set the Parameters as follows: Top Radius to 15, Bottom Radius to 15. Finalize the Capsule.
We have made the shape. Now we will perfect it. Activate Face Selection (Ctrl+1). Click on the regions to select the region or use marquee selection. We are modifying the base portion. In the Deform category in the Toolbar, choose the Flatten tool (D+L). Set y to 0.27 with the highlight gizmo.
Step 9: Make the object settle at the bottom.
Choose the move tool and set y to 0, close the transformation panel. So the base of the capsule shape touches the bottom.
Step 10: Show the objects.
Now click on the show button to show the mesh_4 to show that object.
Repeat the same for mesh_8.
Then again, show mesh_12.
Step 11: Modify the bottom capsule shape.
Click on mesh_4, mesh_8, mesh_12 click on mesh_25 to deselect it. Select the move tool and set y to 50, and close the transformation panel.
Select the objects by clicking on meshes. We have selected the capsule so that we can move it in a leg position. Using the move tool again, set x to -20.
Step 12: Copying the other leg of the 3D model character.
Copy the selected object using the Copy tool (CRL+C) and set x to 23.
Step 13: Showing the created hand
Now click on the show buttons to show union_1.
Step 14: Modify the position of the hand.
Select union_1 by clicking on it and deselect mesh_24(1) by clicking on it. Choose the move tool and Set x to 54.19, set y 41.34.
Click on Rotate on the toolbar (R) to rotate the selected object. Set Z to 150.
Step 15: Creating the other side hand.
As we have already created one hand, now we will copy the hand using the Copy tool after selecting it. Then choose the move tool and set y to 185.
Step 16: Placing the hand properly in position.
Select the move tool and set x to -55.49, close the transformation panel.
Step 17: Creating the Eyes of the 3D model Character.
We have made the basic 3D model character of a girl. Now we will add the precise features that will make it look attractive. That is, by adding eyes. We are going to use the 3D sketch tool to do this. We will draw small circles and then modify them. To begin, select the 3D sketch tool (K) from the drawing category.
Next, we will select the planes: From the plane list in-plane setting, select Back/Front and Bottom/Top is already selected. In the tool panel, only choose a circle (K+C).
Click on union_1(1) to deselect it so no object can be selected and we can draw directly.
We are drawing the eyes and then converting them into 3D. So we have selected the circle. Now keep on drawing the circle shape on the face.
Keep on drawing.
Step 18: Creating the mouth of the 3D Model Character
With the help of a 3D sketch, we will draw only the mouth on the face of the 3D model character of the girl. Next, in the tool panel itself, choose the Line (K) and start drawing on both edges where you want the mouth to appear. Then click on Esc to stop the drawing stroke.
Then choose Arc 2 in the tool panel (K+2). Now keep on drawing. Close the 3D Sketch tool panel.
Step 19: Filling the shape.
We have drawn the required shape, but these are just borders. We will fill the inside position so that we can create its 3D version in the next step. From the Tools category on the toolbar, choose Fill Polygon (T+F) and finalize the Polygon.
So we filled the drawn object with eyes and a smiling mouth.
Step 20: Add the Thickness to the eyes and mouth.
Choose Add Thickness Tool in the Modify category of the toolbar (M+F), set the thickness to 4 and use mirrored thickness to True and finalize it.
Step 21: Creating the hair of the 3D model Character.
To create the hair, we will start by selecting the upper part of the head. With Face selection, we will choose the region and then extract it. Activate Face selection (Ctrl+1), then click on the areas to select or use marquee selection.
From the Modify Category, choose the Extrusion tool (M+E). Here set the Parameters: Set Use Vertex Normal to True, Extrusion amount to 2.
Finalize the Extrusion.
This is how the 3D model character now looks like.
Step 22: Finalize the 3D model character.
Now again, select the objects by clicking on them.
Activate the Stitch and Scoop. In the toolbar menu, select the Stitch and Scoop tool (B). In the Tool Panel, choose Union (B+U). Finalize the Union. So we have combined all the shapes in one.
Click on the Isolated button to isolate the created object or use a (V+I).
We have hidden the profile.
This is the final look of the 3D model character of the Girl. We can color it. As we have created the object union, but with face selection, we can select the area and color it. Starting with hair, I have selected the upper hair portion with face selection.
Now in the color picker, I have selected the color black.
In the same way for the face and then to the eyes.
Viola! Our 3D model character is ready.
Conclusion:
The above tutorial involves the repeated use of a few tools. 3D Designing of the figures can sometimes sound complex, but with the right tools, it becomes easier just like we have designed the above character in SelfCAD. We believe that you have learned how to use the various tools of SelfCAD in this article, and you can use the same process to prepare your own designs. Let us know your views and suggestions in the comments section below!
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
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