Sourcing a bipedal 3D model



I have begun my search for a 3D model as soon as I have finished researching everything I needed to know beforehand.  As I have had the privilege of learning 3D Modelling to a decent level during my previous years at the university, I knew exactly what to look for in a bipedal model. What I was searching for is a free 3D model of a human male character with great mesh topology that facilitates animation. I have to mention that at first I thought sourcing the model will be a fast process taking into consideration the vast amount of 3D assets sites available at my (and everyone else’s) disposal, but I was quickly about to be proven wrong.

My first stop was a site titled ‘Turbosquid’. They had an enormous amount of both royalty free and paid models to choose from. However, I have soon come to realise I wasn’t really happy with the free available choices. A lot of the models were representations of various cartoons characters, and a lot of other models were already rigged, skinned or animated. None of those models were close to what I was looking for, so I’ve decided to move on.


(Turbosquid, 2018)


The next stop was one of the biggest sites available, ‘CGTrader’. After several minutes of intense searching, I have stumbled upon a free model ‘3D Gladiator Model’ of exceptional quality as depicted in the images. However, after quickly downloading it I have found out that the actual scene only contained the gladiators’ helmet, which was made out of no less than 2.7 million polygons. In the description, there was a link redirecting the user to a site from where they could have downloaded the whole model. I thought that’s convenient, but upon opening the scene that contained a gladiator model made out of 19 million polygons, I have hastily moved on to the next model. Unfortunately for me, although looking good, the next model had the tips of the fingers merged with the base mesh, which meant the model was intended for 3D printing purposes and not animation.

After about two hours later and many other 3D models, I have found a free 3D model of a human male that met all my requirements. Although the model was already rigged, the mesh topology was good, the textures were of a high quality and the number of polys was neither too high nor too low. In order to adhere to the scope of the project, I have deleted the preexisting rig and only kept the mesh and its textures. A representation of the model can be found below.

(Renderpeople, 2017)





References:

 3D Gladiator, 2018. FREE 3D Gladiator Model - Part 1 Helmet | CGTrader. [online] Available at: <https://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models/character/man/free-3d-gladiator-model-part-1-helmet> [Accessed 16 Nov. 2018].
CGTrader, 2018. My Hub | CGTrader. [online] Available at: <https://www.cgtrader.com/> [Accessed 17 Nov. 2018].

Renderpeople, 2017. 3D model Eric 001 Man standing | CGTrader. [online] Available at: <https://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models/character/man/eric0104-woman-walking-aside> [Accessed 17 Nov. 2018].
Turbosquid, 2018. 3D Models for Professionals :: TurboSquid. [online] Available at: <https://www.turbosquid.com/> [Accessed 17 Nov. 2018].

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