Some Basic Rig progress

 So here is a few snaps of my basic rig so far, by basic I mean typical humanoid shape. For the shape I am rigging a standard man model found on XSI.

So far I have the an IK - FK (Forward/Inverse kinematics) mixed rig , so I can switch between either mode at any time. The grey structure around the bones will be used as for skinning later and helps distinguish between IK/FK. Both legs have been fitted with some basic sliders for foot movement as well as some extras like stretch (seen in the picture below).

I reached the point of finishing the spine. This too will stretch but rather than have a slider to switch that function on and off, I've added a colour changer to the material to let me know if there is any accidental squashing/stretching.

Now I really do wish I could come up with something like this by myself. But whereas I may have no difficulty in producing my own rigs, this one has been done following a "pro rigging" tutorial set from start to finish. I just hope its sinking in.

Settling In

So its been 3-4 months now and I'm settled at my part time job now and getting into the swing of using the Studio. Now I say settled, but really I'm just waiting to get to the studio every time I'm there. As far as part time jobs go, its the best I've had! its relevant to my interests at least, but its just not enough!
So, I'm increasing my efforts to get myself back out there. I recently saw Cubic Motion had hired another animator, I was aware of the position but I really need to build up for next time, I wont be caught short again. So I'm cranking out a fair number of rigs, trashing them and restarting a million times, but Its sinking in. Once I've cracked XSI ive got Maya to work on next and with maya comes the programming, which is going to hurt! Ill post pictures of my progress soon.