Likeness
Extracting ideas from a drawing to make the character as close as possible to the sketch. In animation and especially in gaming development a concept design is used down the pipeline to create a 3D model. Understanding that your own work will be used to create a 3D model helps others do their job without questioning what it is you're trying to present. This is less of a requirement when you work alone. As a film maker a sketch is enough to tell a story...create something. You don't need to be precise, just sketch an idea.
To make the hair I first began using curves and although it's quick and easy to style I don't have a lot of control over the ends of the hair. I want to edit the ends where it tapers and doing it manually is the best option I have found.
I used a lattice modifier to reshape the hair mesh strand.
Here you can see the lattice deformer object and the original hair strand. I really have to push the shape outward since Kim has curvy bangs. The details for the initial bangs must be minimal and simple but form the shape. There will be other strands of hair that go on top of this mesh so it will be quite extensive.
Finally had some time to sit down and work on this. I'm building volume. Hair is volume. With a cube hair strand all you get is flat ends. There is no control over the shape on the ends of the hair. You can scale it bigger or smaller but if you want something more advanced you have to do it manually.
The tunnel is narrow and dark. Every now and then there's a glimmer of light. I live and breathe this.
Original model and mock up. Mock ups or paint overs are done to visualize quick changes to a 3d model. You can write down things you see that you want to change, even subtle changes. The bridge of the nose is not defined. The smile must be bigger so the mouth was resized. As the smile grows bigger the chin becomes smaller. Surrounding eyelashes needs to be thinner in some areas and thicker in others. Push the shapes for the bangs to stand out. All the hair strands on the sides and back must align to each other and layer. Need variation in hair thickness and strands.
When you do this type of work you really need to have a sense of humor. After all it's hours of my daily life. I must be obsessed. It's not like that. It's just what I do.