Sculpting cape like objects for animation.

[MeatShield72]

Hello everyone. THis is my first post. Great to be here.

I will get right into it.

I am working on a Gaelic/Celtic warrior character. I noticed a lot of them through research are wearing kilts, and capes. What I want to do is create what I suppose could be called a hybrid of the two. Not worn on his shoulders, but worn on his mid section, like a kilt. However, I would like for it to be longer and mor flowing. Cut to one side, and very ragged.

Here are some references of the shape I would like it to be…

This shape is what I am aiming for the most, but again, longer and “flowier.”

I suppose something like this…but more torn, battle tested.

Another shot of the shape and angles I am thinking.

The shape I like on this one is more in the cape area. But if his kilt was cut off at the golden belt part, making it swept to the side…

1. What is the best work flow to start? Zsphere with edit Topology? 3D Plane?
2. How do I get it torn?
3. How would re-topo-ing it work in Max, especially for animation?

Attachments

[Trist]

I’m not sure if this is the way many artists would go about it but I have found it effective to actually use garment maker in Max to create the base mesh on your character first, perhaps apply a bit of gravity simulation to give it shape and then take it into ZB for the details like the torn fabric effect you are seeking.

Also, cloth animates better when composed of triangles so just export the detailed cloth from ZB making sure that the poly count isn’t too high and remember to tessellate the mesh at some stage (there’s an export option in ZB for this or just add a modifier in Max).

Then just go about animating your character and simulate the cloth accordingly.

I’m no expert on the best methods to detail cloth in ZB but I’m sure there would be tutorials around to help you with this process.

There are probably bits I have missed but that’s how I would go about it.

Cheers and good luck.