3D Artwork: Treadshot's Shapeways Thread

Discussion in 'Transformers Fan Art' started by Treadshot A1, Dec 24, 2010.

  1. destrongerlupus

    destrongerlupus Well-Known Member

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    OK, my artistic talent and training is essentially non-existent, so I'm basically operating from a "I know what looks right" perspective and trying to sort it out. Any real artists on here or a good google search on "human proportions" will probably be more useful, but here we go, this is the best I can come up with:

    So here's my assessment, and I'll follow on with some suggestions as to what I think is causing the assessments:

    Frembles (and their spawn) are the worst (also your earliest, along with the intentionally chibi constructions), and look very child-like.

    Your Not-Fracas (and kin) holds up to scrutiny pretty well, but still "feels" off.

    The latest version of the cartridge bot seems pretty much right, or close enough for horse shoes and hand grenades.

    I think PART of the problem is that the heads of your characters, and also their forearms/lower legs are all a little *chunky*. I can't provide good math to support that, but it feels that way.

    SOOOO..I just spent the last 40 minutes crunching calculations of various height-to-width ratios on your guys to find the pattern, and I CAN'T. Which is making me think more and more that it may really be the chunky heads and hands/feet that are creating an optical illusion that are otherwise screwing up your proportions which, when I do the math in all the ways I can think to do it, mimic their G1 counterparts pretty closely.

    Yeah, you NEED a real artist to chime in here :)  Papa D/L is not wise enough in these ways ;) 

    D/L
     
  2. Treadshot A1

    Treadshot A1 Toy Designer

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    That's exactly what i was looking for. All my knowledge of engineering, ergonomics, proportions and all that science-y stuff won't help me, it's getting it to look right to other people (who may or may not be trained) that i need to achieve.

    I'll give it to you that Fremble is very child-like. That was actually deliberate on my part, as they weren't designed with the intent of retail, i just threw them up on the web in case anyone liked them (which surprisingly, some people did). Still, that'll change, just keep reading...

    And yeah, the heads can be a bit clunky sometimes (arguably that's what makes Reika look 'off'). I think Deka holds up best for some reason, though that's probably just me.

    And trust me, i've talked to too many artists and engineers in my experience, and that only got me so far. Now's the time to get some people to...um, is beta test the right term? Thanks for all your input bro, and hope you didn't waste too much time on calculations!

    BTW, you ever receive DNavi?

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    This. is. it. It's done. I'm through with this project. Fremble, Ejectoids, they're over now. No more going back to revise them, no more adding and subtracting bits, nothing. It's finished....

    ...with version 7! :) 


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    ^(Pictures of Light Minion Eject v7)

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    ^(Pictures of Light Minion Rewind v7)

    Yep, Treadshot's finally got the Minions down to a science (either that, or he's just too lazy to continue :lol ). From now on, this is the formula, the mold from which Minion after Minion will be cast.

    The changes made in the transition to v7 are the most complex I've ever gone through and also the most numerous. Here's what been done:

    New lower legs: Following from v6's ball jointed feet, this time the entire foot's ball jointed, giving him much more articulation, and also a few more millimeters of height.

    Shoulder Armor: To counteract the cuteness a bit (not too much!), I've added new armor, and also repositioned the Eject symbol to the right shoulder. This armor actually serves two purposes, it bears the symbol of the Minion (Fremble will get his own symbol, stay tuned for that one) and also serves as the connector for the guns in SSD mode.

    New guns: For the Ejectoids, they'll all get new guns just like Eject here (Frembles will get modified Piledrivers). They're designed to be a hybrid between Cartridge Robot Ejector's gun and G1 Eject's weapons, with a bit of artistic license thrown in. They also serve to house the 5mm plugs that will peg into Soundwave, freeing up the shoulder.

    New torso: Mainly a behind the scenes change, the torso was squeezed a little bit one way and stretched another. This was done mainly to provide a better silhouette for v7, a stockier build to match the new shoulder armor. Also, the joints were repositioned (so many times i've lost track of how they changed!) to allow for the new transformation.

    New transformation: Yeah, frankly it was that or go back to the old Pulse Blasters, and i ain't doing that. To fit the new guns, the legs were redesigned to fold 90 degrees for SSD mode, and the arms fold to allow them enough room. The guns then slot into each other and attach to the front, using the connectors built into the should armor.

    New forearms: Added the connector to allow v7 to use the guns.

    So yeah, C&C is welcome as usual. Enjoy! I'll be linking each one to Shapeways as i upload them over the coming days. :) 
     

    Attached Files:

  3. Treadshot A1

    Treadshot A1 Toy Designer

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    Fremble v7

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Changes made:

    New Head: Design based on G1 head design with some artistic license. Hopefully looks slightly more grown-up as well.

    New lower legs: Following from v6's ball jointed feet, this time the entire foot's ball jointed, giving him much more articulation, and also a few more millimeters of height.

    Shoulder Armor: To counteract the cuteness a bit (not too much!), I've added new armor, and also repositioned the talon symbol to the right shoulder. This armor actually serves two purposes, it bears the symbol of the Minion (Fremble has the talon symbol that he's preiously had on his leg) and also serves as the connector for the guns in SSD mode.

    New Piledrivers: Now slightly less comical in appearance. :lol  They're inspired by G1 Rumble's/Frenzy's weapons, with a bit of artistic license thrown in. They also serve to house the 5mm plugs that will peg into Soundwave, freeing up the shoulder.

    New torso: Mainly a behind the scenes change, the torso was squeezed a little bit one way and stretched another. This was done mainly to provide a better silhouette for v7, a stockier build to match the new shoulder armor. Also, the joints were repositioned (so many times i've lost track of how they changed!) to allow for the new transformation. Now allows for weapons to stow on back when not in use.

    New transformation: Yeah, frankly it was that or go back to the old Pulse Blasters, and i ain't doing that. To fit the new guns, the legs were redesigned to fold 90 degrees for SSD mode, and the arms fold to allow them enough room. The guns then slot into each other and attach to the front, using the connectors built into the should armor.

    New forearms: Added the connector to allow v7 to use the guns.

    *Have to give credit to Fakebusker83 for the sliding gun design, it's really a great idea, and both Fremble and the Ejectoids use it, and also for her help with many aspects of the design, especially for letting me know how to design a decent head, along with all her other information. Thanks Fakebusker, not only for Fremble and the Ejectoids, but i'm sure many more projects to come. :) 


    As usual, C&C is welcome. Enjoy! :) 
     

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  4. destrongerlupus

    destrongerlupus Well-Known Member

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    YES, I love the new Fremble design! It's been a really fun journey watching these evolve!

    D/L
     
  5. Treadshot A1

    Treadshot A1 Toy Designer

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    Beast v7
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Changes made:

    New Head: Design based on G1 head design and this piece of art with some artistic license, mixed with some of the design from Fremble. Really wanted to make him look angry but also kind of slow, so the eyes aren't slanted, but i did give him flared nostrils.

    New lower legs: Completely overhauled, not a piece was used from the previous legs. Also added the joint to allow the guns to connect in SSD mode.

    Shoulder Armor: To counteract the cuteness a bit (not too much!), I've added new armor, and Best now bears the Broken Earth symbol on his right shoulder.

    New Weapons: They're inspired by G1 Beastbox's weapons, with a lot of artistic license thrown in. I wanted to use more of an energy cannon style weapon rather than the usual cannon, so i went with a weapon similar to the one Soundwave carries. They also serve to house the 5mm plugs that will peg into Soundwave, freeing up the shoulder.

    New torso: Mainly a behind the scenes change, the torso was squeezed a little bit one way and stretched another. This was done mainly to provide a better silhouette for v7, a stockier build to match the new shoulder armor. Also, the joints were repositioned (so many times i've lost track of how they changed!) to allow for the new transformation. Now allows for weapons to stow on back when not in use.

    New transformation: Had to change it slightly to allow for much bulkier arms. He now transforms by folding his arms in front of him, and his legs behind. The weapons attach to his legs.
    As usual, C&C is welcome. Enjoy! [​IMG]
     

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  6. destrongerlupus

    destrongerlupus Well-Known Member

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    Oh this is INFINITELY more effective than the first one, your changes really shine here as the contrast is so clear vs. the incremental evolution we've witnessed with the humanoids guys!
     
  7. Treadshot A1

    Treadshot A1 Toy Designer

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    Sqwawk v7

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Changes made:

    New Head: Design based on G1 head design and this piece of art with some artistic license, mixed with some of the design from the previous Sqwawk model..

    New lower legs: Gave him bigger, badder claws.

    New Weapons: They're inspired by Sqwawktalks' G1 weapons and the weapons here, with a lot of artistic license thrown in. They also serve to house the 5mm plugs that will peg into Soundwave, freeing up the shoulder.

    New wings: Larger and stronger, they're ball jointed, twice along each wing and another where they connect to the body. They also bear Sqwawk's Sonic Claw symbol, and also house the joints to connect the weapons in SSD mode.

    As usual, C&C is welcome. Enjoy! [​IMG]

    *Ravager's up next, and then it's time for me to put in a new order with Shapeways!
     

    Attached Files:

  8. Thunderthruster

    Thunderthruster Autobot Supersoldier

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    Really loving the new versons of these guys. Especially lovin the beast and squark!
     
  9. Treadshot A1

    Treadshot A1 Toy Designer

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    Ravager v7

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I guess this is the one that's going to need some explanation, and it's a love it or hate it kind of deal. Some will like the new Ravager look, others will be confused by it. My intentions was to make good on a reply i got all the way back in WFC Ravager Minion's thread. Someone wanted Ravager to have bulkier forelegs, to look more like it's WFC version. Now, i've searched and searched and come up with no such art, but i did like the suggestion. So for Ravager v7, i went all out and added as much bulk to the forelegs as i could, while still keeping it different from Beast v7. In doing so, i also moved the cannons from the hips to the back (they can be mounted on the shoulders or back, i prefer the back as shown). Even the main claws of the forelegs were enlarged, all for the sake of a more powerful look. And i like it. :) 

    Changes made:

    New Head: Design based on G1 head design and this piece of art with some artistic license, mixed with some of the design from the original WFC Ravager. I wanted a mix of stealthy and strong, so i kept a relatively small head, but with sharpened fangs.

    New lower legs: Forelegs were completely reworked, with new enlarged claws. Rear legs also had claws added, and more articulation was added as compared to Ravager's previous incarnation.

    Shoulder Armor: Secondary attachment point for Ravager's twin missiles. One of the few armors that don't bear the Minion's symbol (Ravager's stealthy, it needs no symbol).

    New Weapons: They're inspired by G1 Ravager's hip-mounted missile's, but made a bit sharper. I really wanted the weapon to look like it had a round sticking out at the end, and i think i achieved that. As usual, all weapons can be interchanged between Minions.

    New torso: Mainly a behind the scenes change, the torso was squeezed a little bit one way and stretched another. This was done mainly to provide a better silhouette for v7, a stockier build to match the new shoulder armor. Also, the joints were repositioned (so many times i've lost track of how they changed!) to allow for the new transformation. Now allows for weapons to stow on back when not in use.

    As usual, C&C is welcome. Enjoy! :) 
     

    Attached Files:

  10. Treadshot A1

    Treadshot A1 Toy Designer

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    (D/L can consider this his Xmas present)

    A while ago i made an Animated Pinpointer design, which up until now has been kept a secret. To go with Pinpointer, I decided to make an Animated Crosshairs.

    "Warning: Copious amounts of Artistic License ahead. Die hard G1 Crosshairs fans, look away now"

    Crosshairs had been designed to be roughly scout sized, and of course works with Pinpointer, both using the standard 5mm peg. I decided to change his "Cybertronic van-buggy-sorta-kinda-thing" (as the TFWiki puts it), into something more befitting a weapons supervisor. He's now and anti-air buggy, complete with twin missile batteries to shoot down 'Cons. He's also armed with six blasters to knock out any 'Cons foolish enough to land, and Pinpointer takes care of the rest.

    Before anyone asks, yes i know the head is...unique. To be honest, i was stumped when it came to deciding on what expression best suited Crosshairs. In the end, i went for a "oh really?" sort of expression. I imagine it would be how he looks when some young recruit comes asking him for a weapon, and he raises one eyebrow, not believing the recruit is ready. Oh, and of course it features the obligatory elongated chin. This is Animated, after all. ;) 

    Oh, and just for the sake of fun, let's see if anyone can recognise the parts of Crosshairs that were inspired by other figures, and which figures they came from. The chest, lower arms and lower legs were all inspired by other figures, which ones?

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    This shot shows him with Pinpointer, in both robot and vehicle modes.

    [​IMG]

    And this is Pinpointer mounted on Crosshairs' vehicle mode.
    --------------------------------------

    He'll be on Shapeways soon along with Pinpointer.

    Oh, and credit to Fakebusker for coming up with the cross-shaped connector. I'm using a modified version of it here to attach Crosshairs' guns.
     
  11. MisterFanwank

    MisterFanwank Banned

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    I really like Crosshairs. His robot mode fits the Animated aesthetic very well. Pinpointer's waist is thin, but otherwise I like him.

    You did a good job on their heads and they both have nice proportions. I am a little worried about Pinpointer's weapons, but if they don't work out, then they won't add much to the cost.
     
  12. Treadshot A1

    Treadshot A1 Toy Designer

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    Thanks Yuyuyami. I'm glad you think Crosshars fits into Animated, it's really hard (as you no doubt discovered long before i did) to nail down that one particular style. I had to go through pictures of 'Bee and Prowl to get the proportions right, along with a few other things which i won't discuss (else i'd give away the answers! ;)  ).

    Also glad to see the heads are likeable. I was mainly worried with Crosshairs', as Pinpointer's was similar enough to Reika's that i thought it shouldn't be too much of a stretch. Crosshairs' expression, though, was a bit of a gamble. I'm glad at least i'm not the only one who likes it! :lol 

    Pinpointer's weapons are a good question. I have a RSF copy of him on the way to me, so we'll soon see if they work. I'm more worried about the thumbs, which are actually ball jointed on Pinpointer to aid in grasping the weapons. That is a small joints, though, about the size of a waist joint on Fremble iirc. The weapons themselves, i know i left at least 1mm wall thickness in the gun's detialing, and the sword has 2mm iirc, so they should be fine. Besides, they added about $1.50 to the cost, maybe less.

    I do agree with you on Pinpointer's waist being thin. I suppose since i started with the torso, when i got to the waist and saw how thin it was, i just thought "ah to hell with it, make it Animated" :) lol). I think it fits into the aesthetic, though i agree perhaps a bit too much in that regard.

    One thing i do worry about, which the picture doesn't capture very well, is Pinpointer's weight on Crosshairs' vehicle mode. He is mounted behind the rear axle, but by my calculations (which basically involves me looking at the thing and doing mental maths inaccurately ;)  ) he should be counterbalanced by the front of the vehicle. I just hope i don't end up with him toppling bcakwards. Still, the legs are positionable, so worst comes to worst, they can be pushed further forward, placing Pinpointer directly above the axle. We'll see when i get the funds to purchase Crosshairs. :) 

    Nevertheless, now we both have an Animated figure! :) 

    EDIT: Well damn. Looks like i got my sizing a bit off, and he's just a tiny bit smaller than Deluxe class. That puts him...wait for it...$121 to print off Shapeways in WSF! :banghead: 

    I'll probably shrink him down to 0.75 of his volume, maybe smaller, depending on how his ball joints hold up. Don't want to make them too small. Will also have to work on hollowing him out further. :( 

    EDIT 2: Oh wait, i just realised i forgot to hollow his arms out. No wonder. That alone would be taking up at least $10 worth of material, i'd think. Will keep hollowing and scaling tonight.
     
  13. MisterFanwank

    MisterFanwank Banned

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    I don't think Pinpointer will make Crosshairs fall back. He's positioned too close to the axis of rotation/wheel to have much leverage. It might make it so that he tips back easier, but alone it shouldn't be an issue.

    One last thing:

    You've made tiny figures before. You know the lower bound limits for the size of parts in Shapeways materials. If you're willing to make a figure that's so large that you expect the print cost would be at minimum $80, you should look into making more complex transformations. It doesn't have to be much, just an extra twist here, a turn there, something that makes your figure's design more than a stylized micromaster with good poseability. I like Crosshairs, I think he'll be a good figure, but you could have done a lot more with him.

    This is just something to think about while you plan your next project. Go a little bit crazy with your next design and see what madness you can unleash upon us. I really liked what you did with your Signal Lancer character and I'd like to see some of that same ingenuity in more of your projects.
     
  14. Treadshot A1

    Treadshot A1 Toy Designer

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    That's what i think too. The perpendicular radius isn't enough, and since Pinpointer's barrel of a torso is hollow, he shouldn't weigh too much in lightweight Nylon. Let's just hope we're right, eh?

    Anyways, i'm hollowing Xhairs out, as $120 is too much for a poor student like me. Hopefully get it down to below $80, if i can. Let's hope. There is a lot of material that can be removed.
     
  15. MisterFanwank

    MisterFanwank Banned

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    I look forward to seeing the prints. Do you think the head will retain enough detail in PWSF, or will you print that in one of the detail materials?
     
  16. Treadshot A1

    Treadshot A1 Toy Designer

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    Nah, just regular WSF will hold the detail fine. I've printed many heads with far finer details than this one and they all worked out fine. I think there's a lot of fear and stigma with WSF that really isn't deserved. I have no doubt that WSF would capture the detail in this head no problem. Considering the irises are both built from truncated 1mm circles (1.1mm diameter for the larger one), the head is plenty big enough for WSF to print. However, i wouldn't polish it, as i don't like to risk the parts in a tumbler.
     
  17. MisterFanwank

    MisterFanwank Banned

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    That's how the polishing process works? It gets tumbled with a grinding material?
     
  18. Treadshot A1

    Treadshot A1 Toy Designer

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    Yupyup. Shapeways says it takes off ~0.1mm from any surface, so for faces i tend to avoid that sort of treatment.
     
  19. MisterFanwank

    MisterFanwank Banned

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    I'd been wondering how that worked. I had been imagining a little scrubbing arm that used coordinates based on a description of the surface of the object.

    D'oh.
     
  20. Treadshot A1

    Treadshot A1 Toy Designer

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    Well i hope for your sake that none of your LOA stuff gets damaged by the polishing. It should be minial, but i don't risk things like that.

    Anywyas, i've hollowed out Xhairs, and he's dropped to $99.

    I'm now trying an 80% size version, to see what happens. I wanted him a bit smaller anyways, but i may have to thicken some walls. We'll see.

    In terms of making more complex transformations, believe it or not, this is the first robot i've made that turns into a 4 wheeled vehicle. So this was a learning experience for me, to get some of the basics down first. Next one (which will be a very weird but still awesome vehicle) will be far more complex than this one.

    EDIT: Good news! The 80 percent size version is only $52 (which may be slightly more after i thicken some walls). I'll probably see about making an 85% version and seeing which one i like most with Pinpointer.