Red Panda Model
For this project I had to make a small character/object to walk/drive around in a AR Game. I chose to make a low poly panda as I could learn to rig and animate that way.
Modelling Character
To start I searched images of red panda's to reference, after I got the pictures I put them in blender to directly use.
With the references in blender I started to model from a cube. I first sized the cube to around the general body length, and loop cutting width-wise to shape the head and tail. after I liked that shape I loop cut length wise a few times and shaped the sides.
After I'm happy with the shape I subdivided the model to create a bit more detail. I started detailing the face and then moving to the body, tail and at the end adding the legs. Which with all that done the end result is:
Texturing Character
After having finished the model I continue on to texturing the panda. I also figured that the model itself looked better in smooth. With texturing I slowly add more and more colors keeping everything fairly low detail seeing I want to create a fun animated panda in a short time.
Animating Character
With the model now made and textured I need to of course rig it. I decided to use the blender rig extension with pre-made rigs at the go. I decided to use the cat rig as that comes close to how red panda's are build.
With the rig done I looked up video's of red panda's walking and with that slowly began animating. I at first had issues due to no experience but quickly got the hang. I also restarted a few times due to me being perfectionistic, but at last I rigged and animated the lil dude.
Reflecting
Looking back I wanted to rig and animate my own character too, but this proved too much for me. The model I made had a lot of issues which couldn't be fixed in the short time I had, But I did finish what I wanted to learn and made this adorable character. Even with the drawback, I love my result and hope to learn bigger and better thing.
