4. Projected Pipeline

Intro

Below I will outline my projected pipeline for this process. IThe pipeline is informed by my own experience as a 3D artist working on real time models as well as by reading techniques used in palaeontological reconstruction. I will document any changes to the pipeline as I go.

1. Research

• Research Morphology, look at up to date publishings to determine the most modern interpretation of the fossil evidence.

• Other media, find comparisons in other media, for example books and documentaries.

• Research habitat and behaviour, this will influence the topology and rig.

2. Reference Gathering

• Gather accurate measurements of body.

• Look for reference from other media and creatures that are alive today. Be as precise as possible with references.

• If any information has to be inferred, gather reference and consider how to do this accurately.

• Keep a document of these measurements and document changes.

• Create a list of animations that will be needed.

• Where possible use scans or photogrammetry of subject.

3. Concept Drawings

• Draw orthographic view of subject from any angle.

• Draw extreme poses, for example taking off, bending limbs, folding limbs, opening mouth, extending fingers.

• Look at available data about movement and draw frames of a walking cycle.

• If possible, get an expert to verify these drawings. If not, motor on!

4. Test Model and Rig

• Make a box model and rig to test. This can help to reduce avoidable issues later on.

5. High Poly Model

• Create a High Poly Model of the Skin of the creature.

• Decimate this model for retopology.

6. Retopology

• Build the game ready topology, making sure there is enough geometry in areas of the mesh that will deform.

• Create Eyeballs.

• Create UV Map.

7. Texture

• Bake maps from high poly model.

• Texture skin and eyeballs.

• Texture for groom.

8. Rig

• Create Armature and bones.

• Use reference to determine joint orientations and rotation orders.

• Make short test animation to test deformations.

• Create controls for animator.

• Create Blendshapes for accurate deformation of musculature and joints.

9. Animation

• Create animations and label them according to animation list.

10. Import

• Import animations to Unreal Engine.

• Set up Animation Blueprint.

11. Groom

Create Hair using grooming techniques in Unreal Engine.