In this tutorial you will get a total overview of the process of making a working rig.
I've always been frustraded by the fact there are olmost no tutorials that go over the complete process, therefore I created this one.
The first thing you need to do is get a good picture in your mind of the model you want to make. The best thing to do is to draw out a modelsheet to have good reference, this will help you in the modeling process.
You need to have a side_view ( a top view, a front view and a 3/4 view are optional, I rarely use these in Maya for this kind of mechanical model, I draw them but I don't use them as image planes ). Also draw the model in different views, close ups and expressions.
I like to see the reference material as a starting point of wich the end result, by definition, isn't equal to the original design.Therefore the model automaticly changes once you're ready with the basic modeling, when you see certain aspects of the model not working out very well for animation or when you see there's to little detail in a certain area of your model, etc...
Don't be afraid to adjust your original design, if it feels better just do it.
Ofcours this is when you make your own characters, in studio's it's the intention to keep as close as possible to the original designs because those were approved for production and not some tweak that isn't the same..
My model design is not organic because I want this tutorial to go as smooth and fast as possible, the design is a little A.I. research robot on wheels wich can easely be animated with all necessary expressions. The movie Wall-E inspired me to make this tutorial because the main character is a 'simple' design ofwich the creation workflow can be used in any kind of project and ofcours you can go as far as you want in modeling, texturing and rigging.
Once you are happy with your design on paper you can start preparing the project.
Also keep in mind allong the way there are allot of tutorials online, if you aren't sure about something check for a quick tutorial ;)
