using reference to improve model

Hi,

I’m a beginner at modeling/rigging but thought these couple tips might be helpful:

-I found that trying to pose the model using a reference motion as a guide better helped to see where joints would need to be if the model was ever going to be rigged.

for example in the left image the horse’s legs were way to short which was evident when trying to bend the legs in the posed model.

-working off of reference for the animal better helped with making side view silhouette.
(i’ve been using ZBrush image planes for bringing in reference.)

-modeling the animal in a pose helped to begin thinking about deformations for a future rig.

Happy Sketching,
Nate

for a guide on using ZBrush spotlight to bring in a reference image check out Dylan Ekren’s ‘Working with Reference images in ZBrush’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvpL7PKfbxU

for a look at the image plane approach check out Andrew's 'ZBrush - Setting up Image Planes' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYaoeWhirDk