The Blog of Will Mayo

To get it as realistic as I can, I will be basing my model on a blueprint I found on turbosquid.

It wasn’t exactly the look I wanted, so I used it as a guideline for the initial mesh only.

The modeling and animation software I’m using will be Cheetah 3D, a great little app for the mac that does exactly what I need it to, and no more.

Here is the setup:

So lets begin…

Blocking out the mesh

Applying subdivision

Those ears are too big!

Shaping the face

What was I thinking.

Adding in eyes

I can see!

Beefing up the legs

If this piggy does one thing well, it is standing still.

Adding in the slot

Thats gotta hurt.

Adjusting the lighting and testing radiosity

Quick rendering test in an environment.

Radiosity light map

Its like dot to dot, but I wouldn’t give it to my kids.

Changing the colour

Mmmm, sweet porky pink goodness.

Finishing touches

I then created these materials in Fireworks 8 and used them as a bump map and spectularity map. Those are just small samples.

Modeling complete, added in hair line scratches and dirt marks for ultra realistic material extravaganza.

The challenge: Fill 90 seconds of film with a short story representing an object or concept.

My answer: A piggy bank. Obviously.

When I first saw this project the title confused me a little, which is where the dictionary comes in handy and to my surprise Simulacrum is an actual word.

Simulacrum - noun

An image or representation of someone or something.

Ok, so there is more to this than just making a 3D model of a piggy bank, or I should hope so otherwise I will get a rubbish mark. My concept is exploring the use of the object over a generation, the wear and tear, and the handing down to children to start a new life.

Piggy will begin life sparkling and new in the loving hands of a toddler, but as the years go by interest in the object fades and neglect sets in. Accidents happen (Yes, I’m going to smash the damn thing, didn’t see that coming!) but eventually the film ends as Piggy is handed down to a new generation, and the cycle begins.

This is what I have been working on with the team for the past month. Enjoy.

www.clarity3d.com