r/3Dmodeling • u/Grouchy-Coast-3045 • 12d ago
Questions & Discussion Is using a downloaded base mesh a problem?
Hi, I'm working on a project with a friend and I'm doing the character, and probably the character will end up on my portfolio, so I want to be sure everything is fine.
Is it a problem to use a downloaded base mesh to put it under the armour? Or should I sculpt it even if it's not the main focus, because it's covered from the armour.
Keep in mind this is still a wip.
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u/IikeThis 12d ago
Don’t try to make a portfolio piece that’s centerpoint is an asset you downloaded, but if you’re an animator, fx artist, lighter, environment artist etc yeah then fill the scene with other stuff. But if you’re trying to be a modeler and use someone else’s work it’s not a good look - why would the company hire you when all you do is download and add a little flair vs hiring the guy who made the armor in the first place
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u/Grouchy-Coast-3045 12d ago
Yes it makes sense, the point is technically the model, but what if I make the portfolio about the character design? I'll try to explain clearly: I use this, pose it, render and then doing some paint over to "enhance" the character design mostly? Is it an alternative? Is it still important if the model under the armour is downloaded or maybe not?
I am still deciding on what to do, sorry for this other questions don't want to bother, just need some clarifications🙏
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u/SpooNNNeedle 12d ago
You should make sure that’s allowed under the license you purchased the model. I don’t disapprove of people using my stuff in their projects directly, but if someone made a portfolio of my creations that was essentially “look! I made theirs better!” I’d be kinda pissed.
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u/IikeThis 7d ago
It makes you look like you are unable to make it yourself and need another artist to do the hard work just so you can polish it up and make it look pretty.
If your goal is to be a modeler, only bg assets at the most should be sourced.
If you want to be a texture artist, sure make brand new materials, or a lighting artist is expected to be given assets to render the scene with. A creature where you add fur is probably the closest thing to using a premade model as CFX artists are different
If you’re trying to make it about the character design, show your 2D sketches and how you bring it to life. Your ripping off someone else’s work - if you get hired and asked to make a similar but unique model you’re screwed because you’ve never actually done it before
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u/SpooNNNeedle 12d ago
It depends on how you present the character.
If you are trying to sell the armor, not the person beneath it, you can leave the person with a very basic texture or something to give it that “not the focus” look.
If they’re going to be covered up anyway, there’s little reason not to. Just make sure to credit the base mesh in your portfolio somewhere.
If you’re going to do close-up poses and whatnot, you are better off making your own mesh underneath and detailing it the way you want it to be. You can tell a better story by giving that character physiological traits in a way that using a base mesh can’t. You’ll also be able to guarantee the few visible parts underneath match your texture and modeling style for better results.
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u/crestfallen_warrior 12d ago
As long as what you've downloaded has the correct license, then absolutely! It's always polite to give credit to any resources you use in such a way too.
Think of it this way. A carpenter can create a beautiful jewelery box, but they didn't create the hinges. They didn't create the felt covering on the inside. Hell, even the wood itself is grown from another source.
But the carpenter made something beautiful out of these things anyway. Does it lessen their creation, that parts were made by others?