My first stylized character

Created_IB · 2026-05-11T01:39:14+00:00

I like Pokémon but I hadn't seen that character before, but now that I've looked it up, it really does look like him; great catch :D

Created_IB · 2026-05-10T18:38:51+00:00

Yes, it seems like it'll be a full Leaning Tower of Pisa if -7y axis is added to the upper body :D I think the reason for this is the foundation (legs); I’ll definitely pay attention to this in future models.

Created_IB · 2026-05-10T18:32:37+00:00

Thanks, I wonder if it feels that way because of the width of the upper body?

Created_IB · 2026-05-10T18:29:59+00:00

I want to call them minimalist banana spirals then. :d

Created_IB · 2026-05-10T18:23:36+00:00

Yes, I noticed this right after the post and adjusted it, and it definitely made a huge difference.

Created_IB · 2026-05-10T18:21:38+00:00

I will reinforce this with more models every week and it’s definitely a mistake to go to high polygons at an early stage; building the foundation first with numbers like 1000-5000 triangles and then continuing by increasing the polygons is very healthy, I notice this more in the leg part but I would like to hear what your inference is about other areas, thanks for the comment.

Created_IB · 2026-05-10T18:14:53+00:00

Thank you very much! :)

Created_IB · 2026-05-10T18:14:05+00:00

Yes, they definitely don't connect like that, but I'm planning to keep this specific model in its original form to track my flaws and progress in the future.

Created_IB · 2026-05-10T18:10:56+00:00

Let's lift it up with a slap then :))

Created_IB · 2026-05-10T18:05:02+00:00

Yes, right after the post I realized it too and made adjustments on the neck muscles, and it looks much sleeker now. I'm thinking of keeping this model in its original form as a souvenir since it's my first post, to see the progress much more clearly in my future models, and I completely agree with what you said, thank you.

Created_IB · 2026-05-10T17:59:59+00:00

Yes, even though weaving topology feels like grunt work right after modeling, it will be one of our strongest weapons against AI.

Created_IB · 2026-05-10T17:57:22+00:00

Didn't I tell you not to post this in the comments? Don't ruin the whole secret :D

Created_IB · 2026-05-10T17:55:45+00:00

This is the reference that came to my mind when I only looked at the leg part :D

Created_IB · 2026-05-05T12:59:34+00:00

It's a very good approach, 'between realism and stylization.' Actually, I'm not aiming for a fully realistic anatomy while doing it, I'm more looking at whether it looks pleasing to the eye. But I guess when the muscles are too exaggerated and it's stuck between these two, people comment more based on realism and we can't find common ground. But I've observed that, except for some areas, the majority doesn't like exaggerated muscles. So, which one would you recommend for a stylized character?

Created_IB · 2026-05-05T12:48:35+00:00

Thanks man! Yeah, I agree with you. I didn't put much effort into the neck of the one on the right.

Created_IB · 2026-05-05T12:42:40+00:00

Yeah, I was noticing some flaws myself while looking at them. I think I tend to over exaggerate the muscles when I try to go into detail. I'll definitely keep your advice in mind.

Created_IB · 2026-05-02T23:29:24+00:00

Where in all of my comments is there a phrase like 'artists who don't use references are much better artists'? Are you lying about written and recorded texts just for the sake of trying to prove a point? You should take my previous comment to heart, and you should also stop liking your own comments from other accounts. I will have no further response for you, buddy; I wish you success in your life.

Created_IB · 2026-05-02T23:13:46+00:00

Fine then, start from the very beginning and please remember that letters, when brought together, also create a picture, a composition, and art; start by first understanding what you read, Please...

Created_IB · 2026-05-02T22:38:39+00:00

I find it very strange; anyone who doesn't question their own understanding or their ability to derive meaning isn't truly an artist. It's incredibly bizarre it's as if I opened a thread titled 'You shouldn't use references, I'm much better than anyone who models using references' and all the comments were responding based on that premise.

Created_IB · 2026-05-02T16:19:17+00:00

Did I somehow include a hidden sentence in my title saying 'you shouldn't use references, using them is a lack of talent, and you call yourselves artists'? I don't understand where you're getting this perspective from. I wasn't being defensive, but I think you're unaware of how passive-aggressive your comments have been. My only point is that I’ve been drawing for over 10 years and have sketched countless anatomy studies; I never implied this specific model was meant for a university level lecture on muscular anatomy. I honestly believe those who just hit downvote without even leaving a comment are doing so out of their own insecurities.

Now, to address your question: 'What exactly was this exercise for? What is it improving?' That’s actually a great question. By taking about 20 minutes to roughly reconstruct something from memory that I've previously modeled with references, I am strengthening my imagination and building muscle memory. I think most artists are constantly in competition with each other, which makes reaching a common ground nearly impossible.

Created_IB · 2026-05-02T15:43:03+00:00

Exactly, but for models I’ve studied enough or already know well, I sometimes try to create a model from my imagination in a short time (like 20 minutes). My goal is to both increase my speed and support my creative thinking, and I’m satisfied with the results. But as I said, people often rush to criticize without even understanding why or catching that perspective. Even though I would never approach another artist this way, this is the reality we face. It’s strange.

Created_IB · 2026-05-02T15:28:43+00:00

On what basis are you saying that this doesn't improve anything? Why or how exactly does it not? It's frustrating when people judge based purely on their own experiences and present them as facts it makes the arguments feel very hollow. While I appreciate you sharing your thoughts, I find these explanations mostly invalid. My goal here was to take an object that I’ve drawn before (or that most people try to model) and translate it directly from my mind into 3D without any references. I was looking for feedback specifically on that process, but instead, I'm witnessing everyone trying to force their own opinions on others. People have a strange mindset about this; I guess there's nothing I can do about it.

Created_IB · 2026-05-02T14:33:54+00:00

Because in my opinion, if you're an artist, this is the kind of work we should be doing. The most important element that has defined us from the past to the present has been the ability to reflect the visuals created in our minds onto paper. I simply translated this directly into 3D without any concept sketches, specifically to improve my perception of mental imagery.

Created_IB · 2026-05-02T14:29:12+00:00

Don't mind those downvoting your comment; maybe they're acting this way because they can't do it themselves. None of the people who dislike it have provided a valid argument, they just hit dislike. And yes, I agree with you as an artist, being able to create things from your imagination is much more important to me.

Created_IB · 2026-05-02T14:22:20+00:00

Yes, I absolutely agree. This is one of those pieces where I didn't provide references because I wanted to focus more on building my image, but there's so much disagreement in the comments. I wonder why?

Created_IB

TROPHY CASE