Imogen's Character Model, Learning New Programs + More ♡ Creator Diaries

I talked about it a bit on Tumblr, but I've started working on the character models for the revamped series. It's taken quite a bit of work since I'm not using any assets from TS4. So, I'm starting from scratch! I wanted to start with Imogen's model since she's my baby and I thought she would be the easiest to do. I was wrong. Like extremely wrong. I've redone her model at least six times and have only just created a version I'm happy with. I've always had a clear idea for how I wanted Imogen to look, so you'd think pulling up a reference image of Taylor Russell and getting to work would be easy, right? Wrong. All her previous models just looked... odd. They were either too old looking, too hard to sculpt, or just lacking that general softness Imogen is supposed to have in her face. Jumpscare below of her two most recent previous models.

Terrifying, right? I know. Neither of them just felt quite like Imogen. For the first model I used CC4 which has an interface I'm super familiar with. Problem is- all my models come out looking extremely similar when I'm using that program. Not to mention they all tend to look a bit more masculine too. They remind me of GTA V ped models, but in a bad way for sure. I also had a lot of issues with creating a skin texture that suited her. Ultimately, I decided to give it a rest and try my hand at using DAZ 3D. When I tell you it was so hard to navigate at first. I remember closing out the program twice and just opening CC4 again. After a while I got so fed up with CC4 that I just decided to take the time to learn how to use DAZ. That's where the second model comes from. It was a bit better than the first but it still just wasn't Imogen. She looked too old and sculpting her to have the youthful face Imogen is meant to have was just way too hard. So, I hopped back into DAZ one more time and I think this has been my best attempt yet. See the cutest version of Imogen yet just below.

I'm so proud of this one. She's practically perfect aside from missing a few beauty marks Imogen is meant to have. I think she looks really sweet and soft. The texture of her skin is practically perfect. I do think this is it. This may just be our Imogen for the new series. I still have a long way to go as far as customizing her model and rigging her for animations, but this is a version I feel comfortable moving forward with. Ideally I'd like to start working on her hair texture next. Giving Imogen the frizzy hair she deserves. I do think I need to touch up a few things before then. I have to finish working on sculpting her body, but so far this is my favorite version of her. I think she pretty much looks perfect!