Character – SnoDOT

One of the most fascinating aspects of computer animation to me has always been character design. So anytime I get the chance to practice this in my work, I go all out. Here is the first 3D character I have ever fully created. I lovingly call them “SnoDOT”.

SnoDOT is a snowperson I designed for short animated slates to used on ODOT’s digital signage around the state. They are a festive character, but not specifically related to any one holiday, just one time of year. I fully modeled the character myself and was in the process of rigging the character for animation when the project was deemed a bit too ambitious for what the hardware could handle. I do still intend to finish SnoDOT one day and utilize them in a project!

I learned a lot during this project. Characters are unique in that they require a lot of work upfront. The model must be able to deform so the edge flow and design are crucial. I hope to one day improve on the technique I used for SnoDOT, but I am still rather pleased with how they turned out.

Here is an image depicting SnoDOT’s UV layout and texel density.

I also was pretty pleased with the texture of the character. I maintained a relatively low-poly build for SnoDOT, but used a procedural texture to mimic the look of packed snow.

The project was so much fun and I am looking forward to continuing it one day. I hope to add more character designs to my portfolio soon enough. Here are just another couple images of the character. I love you, SnoDOT.