Dante
Garetto
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Digital Model to Physical Pattern Pipeline (first attempt)

2023

With access to a library of VR avatar character models from my time on VRChat, I started experimenting with ways to turn those forms into wearable masks. I retopologized a 'Wickerbeast' model head to simplify geometry and used Blender's built in paper model export add-on to create a rough shape, then cut it into fewer large pieces that I used to develop a more simplified pattern to use with closed-cell EVA foam. I then smoothened out the shape with foam clay to further refine the pattern.

  1. Blender viewport: a low-poly green head base in three-quarter view with two tall purple ears, their triangulated wireframe showing.
    1/7My retopologized 'Wickerbeast' face and ears
  2. The same model head-on, symmetrical, with both wireframe ears swept back and the eye sockets cut through the green shell.
    2/7My retopologized 'Wickerbeast' face and ears
  3. The model seen from behind, showing the inside of the two ears and the back of the skull.
    3/7My retopologized 'Wickerbeast' face and ears
  4. The model from above and to one side, showing how the ear meets the skull and the depth of the eye socket.
    4/7My retopologized 'Wickerbeast' face and ears
  5. A black foam head built from the model, held up in front of the monitor still showing the 3D file it was cut from.
    5/7First EVA foam model, made from simplifying the paper pattern exported from Blender
  6. The foam head half covered in masking tape, one side drawn over in black pen with numbered panels and registration marks and the other still bare.
    6/7Further refining the pattern with clay foam
  7. The finished taped pattern held to the camera, the whole face mapped into numbered panels with seam lines, arrows and match marks in pen.
    7/7Further refining the pattern with clay foam

Skills

  • 3D Modeling (Blender)
  • Patterning
  • Fabrication