Starting the Modelling Process

Now the reference images and planes were all set up in 3D Studio Max, I was ready to start modelling. Spline modelling was the method being used to create the 3d image. To start, I selected the Line tool in the Create Spline panel and started tracing over the quads I had drawn on the front image in Photoshop. I enabled the Snap to Vertex setting so it would be easier to re-create the quads and ensure there were no gaps.

I managed to finish this fairly quickly and finally had a full half face of quads all drawn in on 3D Studio Max. I then selected one of the quads and converted it to editable poly. I then attached all the other splines by going to the modify panel and clicking the Attach button. This then created the mesh for the face. I switched on Edged Faces for the viewport and was able to see all the quads clearly.
As the quads were still all separate, they needed to be fixed together before any further modelling could take place. This was done by selecting all of the vertexes and selecting the Weld option. This then bonded all of the quads together. Finally, I used the ‘Make Planar’ tool in the modify panel to align all the vertexes down the vertical centre. This would help later when mirroring the model.

The next step was to pull the vertexes forwards, using the side image as the reference to create the third dimension of the face. To start with, all the vertexes down the centre vertical were selected. I then used the move tool and in the Left viewport, pulled the vertexes out to meet the front of the image. I then took each individual vertex and lined it up with the edge of my face.

The first few vertexes were quite easy to place along the face. However, when starting to work inwards, it became more and more difficult to work out exactly where to place the vertexes. I soon started placing the vertexes on and it became slightly easier when working round the features of the face. I spent quite some time tweaking the position of the vertexes getting them where I thought was the right position.

The eye was a difficult part to pull out as many of the vertexes overlapped and made it difficult to work out where exactly to place them. I did get them placed in more or less the right position, which could be tweaked later.

I finally had half a mask of a face which looked ok for my first attempt. I spent more time tweaking vertexes trying to get them in the best position.

The next stage is to mirror the face and get the other half positioned.