Making Mistakes and Moving Forward

It's been a few days since I've given an update on my project. The reason is because like anyone learning how to use a new program there are new workflows that need to be learned. And seeing as I am brand new to mudbox, I made one of the most basic mistakes in my workflow that has set me back a little bit. I forgot (queue dramatic music) to lay out my UVs prior to importing my stuff into mudbox! Which means I cannot bake out displacement maps to use on my lower poly versions of the models without having to start over. I could move forward with the mesh at it's higher level, but the amount of geometry is such that it would make UVing it jus as difficult and time consuming as starting over.

Luckily, there are a number of ways I can back track and solve this problem so all it not lost! I am planning on using a program called 3D Coat to help me re-topologize King's jacket and hat so that I can keep the details and have a more manageable mesh.

Normally a person would probably be very frustrated in this situation, but if I've learned anything from being in leadership positions in group projects, it's that staying calm at times like this is essential. Freaking out over a situation, no matter how far it might set you back will only set you back further. Panic not only prevents progress or rational thinking but it spreads very easily from one person to the next. So rather than panic, I've decided to look at the positive side of the situation.

First of which being that making this mistake early on during my introduction to Mudbox is likely to help keep me from repeating it later on. Not only that, but the fact that I am also forced to now find a solution to this problem will allow me to be better prepared in the event that it should happen again. I'll also be learning another useful program because of this. 

Overall, I think the set back is manageable and while I will be losing some time it will not damage or hurt the final outcome of the project in any way. Once I finish re-topolgizing the coat and hat I'll be ready to finish up the UVs and texture the character. I'll post some updated images as soon as I have some.