United3dArtists Archive

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 01 Oct 2009, 20:05

I think the gray layer should be straight as the others.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 01 Oct 2009, 21:30

Good spot Marcel...I sorted it.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 03 Oct 2009, 10:48

Finished the two 'house' shots now. Looking back at the older Harold stories, they are nice and simple illustrations while some of these are getting quite detailed.
I also realised that Harold extended the house by adding an extra floor but the bricks match perfectly. So, I sorted that and added a huge satellite dish on the roof.

Pics once I get to my laptop...

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 05 Oct 2009, 11:09

Two more finished shots then....

Mad Mouse · Post by **Mad Mouse** » 05 Oct 2009, 11:25

Hi Paul,

I've not posted on this project in far too long. So I'd thought I'd put that right by saying....

GREAT WORK

ATB

Steve

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 05 Oct 2009, 11:56

Cheers Steve but I am equally guilty of not visiting other WIP's. This is taking all my spare time up right now.
Great to hear from you though.

Still, here's another finished pic...the storm clouds are looming!

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 05 Oct 2009, 20:58

Another WIP...does this work? Needs much more detail of course.

Steve · Post by **Steve** » 05 Oct 2009, 22:35

To sum up this topic in a well deserved quote

"Sweeeeeeeeeeeet!"

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 06 Oct 2009, 06:54

the doormat have to be outside and "welcome" written to be read from outside (turned 180 degrees). But it is harold...
Good work!.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 06 Oct 2009, 07:33

I am thinking that his wife no longer fits in with the look of this project (too simple)...but how much to change before it loses it's identity and ages the previous books too much....

Thanks for the comments and help guys.

Mad Mouse · Post by **Mad Mouse** » 06 Oct 2009, 09:03

Mrs. Harold looks ok to me, but WTF is going on with Harold's sock? Looks V weird????
I think that the shadows are a little harsh to.

HTH

Steve

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 06 Oct 2009, 14:33

It is his sock dropping over...same one as the night time (bed) shot.
As for light, I have an IBL, spots for the sun and a bright local light from the TV screen.

Still, all good points and they are getting addressed later.

Cheers bud.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 07 Oct 2009, 11:34

Just rendering those changes out now; might be done in an hour or so!!

Karthogen · Post by **Karthogen** » 07 Oct 2009, 12:55

I have not commented much on this thread to avoid just repeating the same comments.

Very nicely done, But

VERY Nicely done.

So how many of the these books have you put out?

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 07 Oct 2009, 13:49

Any better guys?

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 07 Oct 2009, 13:53

Karthogen wrote:I have not commented much on this thread to avoid just repeating the same comments.

Very nicely done, But

VERY Nicely done.

So how many of the these books have you put out?

Thanks. This will be book number 24 (fully illustrated and on the website) and there are 2 more Barn Buddies books(Halloween and Xmas) that need a makeover to bring them up to scratch, so 26 in all.

Samples of most can be viewed at http://www.buddyworld.co.uk" or viewed in full for subscribers.

Karthogen · Post by **Karthogen** » 07 Oct 2009, 14:14

Have you ever attempted to publish them?

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 07 Oct 2009, 14:34

Karthogen wrote:Have you ever attempted to publish them?

When I read that I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. But then I realised that you may not have spent much time on the old forums where my attempts for the last decade or so are well documented.

In a nutshell I was constantly told that the illustrations were too modern and that it was parents who bought the books not the kids and parents liked nice traditional drawings (see Gruffalo, Winnie the Pooh etc. etc.).
After years of banging my head against a brick wall as I watched CGI movies (and then the associated story books...duh!) grow in popularity I had the idea of publishing them online so anyone who wanted to subscribe could read them.
Three of them are also available to buy on lulu.com and Amazon.com.

Basically, publishing was hard enough before the recession. Everybody who has once looked after a child or drawn a nice picture figured themselves as a childrens author/illustrator. Not saying I am any better than that but I could see the room filling up so I got out and tried something a little different.

If it works I cannot say, head over and look for yourself but it is growing in popularity with a few schools making the most of the technology. It does allow a small child to turn these huge pages on the smartboard while the teacher reads to the group...and there are plenty of moral lessons in there too.

Karthogen · Post by **Karthogen** » 07 Oct 2009, 14:43

Yeah, I checked out your site when you first posted teh link to Budy world.

It was very nicely done. You now have some cometition, with some of the learning companies following the same idea though. http://WWW.Jumpstart.com" has there own little learnings world they created with books, games, and stories for the kids. HAve you thought about using that new OSG tech for the site that someone posted a link to for 3d Web pages, Make it a full world they can explore?

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 07 Oct 2009, 14:48

I have always had competition...unfortunately they have more money, time and resources than I do.

Still, I have Harold...and pepe...and Doris...and...

Karthogen · Post by **Karthogen** » 07 Oct 2009, 15:03

Well I always like routing for the underdog...

So Good luck with it, it is really well done.

Let me knwo if I can help in any way.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 07 Oct 2009, 15:10

I don't suppose you have a few million to invest in Buddy World and perhaps a publishing company?
Only kidding, and thanks for the support, it is appreciated.

Karthogen · Post by **Karthogen** » 07 Oct 2009, 15:30

If your talking about a few million, millionths of a penny (.0000000001)

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 07 Oct 2009, 17:05

I would like to see more animal. Dog with flea, cat, birds, a cow looking a train

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 07 Oct 2009, 21:39

Animals later Marcel...I do have a pig..

Now, your advice again guys.
I am looking at something a bit more quirky in terms of layout for this book but worry that the pages are going to be too busy. I do like Marcels idea that the images do not need to be square and I am going to try some jagged edges etc. but are the extra elements too much? Do the images work better as polaroid style pictures looking like a documentary of the project?

Comments and suggestions welcome. Images are not final yet just mockups.

Breech Block · Post by **Breech Block** » 07 Oct 2009, 21:41

Crikey, you certainly seem to be cracking on with this lot! With regards the 2 images of the exterior of harold's house, i know you say they are now both finished, but if you ever need to have to re-render them, or modernise them in the future, 2 suggestions I would like to make are: placing a thread on the left end of the pipe lying on the floor and adding a tongue and groove effect to the lower panellings on the sides of the porch. However, regardless the images are really first-class and a great inspiration that tS can wield fantastic results. Suggestions for other images, with the ground layers image, which already show the dinosaurs and UFO, it it wasn-t being a bit OTT, I would place a haul of treasure a few tantalising inches underneath Harold's lawn - which if found would solve all his problems. Mmm, an idea for a sequel surely! Other than that, with the latest image, I can't help but feel the background view out the door is somehow wrong. Not sure why. I think it may be because I know the top of the door has been deliberately placed at a funny angle because that is Harold's World, yet the line of houses/cloud line still seem to follow that angle. Love the pink suitcase btw.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 07 Oct 2009, 21:58

And another...and that pic from before...any better Steve?

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 08 Oct 2009, 08:54

Repeat the technical drawing on all pages may be boring. I see rather different things:
-few grains of sand on the paper of the page 2
-few drops of water on the paper of the page 4
etc...
something discreet to not disturb the image but to give more intensity to the action.
.

Mad Mouse · Post by **Mad Mouse** » 08 Oct 2009, 09:29

any better Steve?

Yes and no...

The shadows are better but the DOF looks a little OTT and I still have issues with that sock!

Personally I really like the page layout design. Plenty to keep the eyes busy.

HTH

Steve

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 08 Oct 2009, 10:07

@ Steve, technically, you are right of course but I have this sort of 'claymation' look to these where filming close up would get that effect. I have avoided it in long shots but keep it for the shorter ones like this. Point taken but I think I will leave it at least until I get the last few illustrations done.

@Marcel. My bad there, the technical drawing was only supposed to be on the page where Harold plans the house out (page 2 double spread) I am aiming for something different on each double page. But I still fear it may be too busy....

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 09 Oct 2009, 08:28

Having messed with a few pages I think I have it now; I am going to put elements into the pages where relevant, maybe mess with photos such as creasing them or burning the edges for the 'collapsed house' pics. I do think I need to keep that style throughout though.
So, what do you guys think; should all the illustrations be done as a polaroid picture inserted into the book as if it were a diary of the job?

Sorry if this seems to be dragging on a bit...just a few illustrations left to do now...

I had planned for a release by the new year but should comfortably finish this for November at the latest.

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 09 Oct 2009, 11:39

I do not know the Story but one scene shows the wife either coming home to a mess or leaving because of the mess and he is a lazy bum. If she left him because the house is a mess, then with good intentions he fixes up the house (using his inadequate skills), I would show a happy family at the end looking at a photo book. The photo book is the book you are writing/illustrating. Snapshots would then be my choice.

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » 09 Oct 2009, 17:03

Divorce is part of the life. A divorce could also lead to more books. The life for Harold after the divorce with the daily problems. I would like to see him go shopping food and cook a dinner. I think there will be food all over the kitchen. Maybee he will find a woman who have the same mess in her house and they will share the mess together. There is lots of oppurtunities here.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 10 Oct 2009, 08:02

It doesn't end well....never does for Harold.

If it helps, here are the first two pages; starts with him in bed then the scene with the wife and the suitcases.

Harold was a normal man who lived a normal life.
He had two noisy children and a hamster and a wife.
His house was in a village where it always seemed to rain.
He hardly slept a wink at night thanks to a leaky drain.

One day his wife could take no more and said “I’ve had enough,
Of living in this run down house with all this broken stuff.
She said “I’m off to mothers and I won’t be coming back,
until you fix each broken pipe and plaster every crack!”

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 10 Oct 2009, 08:08

Ironically, it was on the old Califorum where I showed a full book as a WIP....and that was Harold's last adventure; Harolds New Bike.

Just four more illustrations to do (might get some done this weekend) then page layouts. Hopefully it will be on the site soon!!

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 10 Oct 2009, 21:19

I am prety happy with this one to be honest. Always room for improvement of course but in the grand scheme of things I am going to move on to another pic so I can get this project completed.

As the dust began to clear, a small red car arrived
With Harold’s wife and children looking horrified inside.
They took one look at all the mess but didn’t hang around
To watch the final few bricks disappear into the ground!

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 10 Oct 2009, 21:38

Good one! i like the blur on the car. To be perfect, the paper floating on the air need to be more dynamic. Maybe simulate a motion blur for these objects with photosop?

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 11 Oct 2009, 13:36

Cheers Marcel, I am quite happy with this one...

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 12 Oct 2009, 11:32

Another one complete (I think)...this is meant to be quite a busy picture; lots for the kiddies to discover.

LeonRegis · Post by **LeonRegis** » 12 Oct 2009, 12:41

Your two last pics are just perfect! Amazing, terrific

Cya

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 12 Oct 2009, 12:56

Thanks very much Leon....

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 12 Oct 2009, 16:01

Here is the first finished page. I decided to go with the different background for each double page but then my wife pointed out that some readers will struggle to read the text on a busy background. So, voila, I put the text on bits of tape. Whadya think? Wifey gets full credit for this idea...

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 12 Oct 2009, 22:09

I like that photo theme and the page background idea.

Breech Block · Post by **Breech Block** » 13 Oct 2009, 04:13

Very nice, a very effective way of getting the text to stand out. Like the pins as well.

Err...dont want to be nitpicky, but the punctuation in the top-right strip has an error in it.

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 13 Oct 2009, 07:26

It is better with that simple background but space between two lines of text is too big. I would make several models of strips of paper for text (different cuts).
For other boards, I'd add some detail to illustrate the action: water drops on the edge of a photo (when there is flooding), fingerprints on the wall (when there is dust or smoke), etc. ...
i image too a a torn photo glued with adhesive tape. the pictures are well presented when things go well. Pictures and texts are badly hung when Harold has many problems. As if the presentation was describing what feels Harold.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 13 Oct 2009, 07:29

Pick away guys...it is a WIP...

As for those suggestions Marcel: I already implemented a few last night but never got to post them. See next post for examples.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 13 Oct 2009, 08:07

Here are two (not all pages are complete until they are published though)...

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 13 Oct 2009, 08:09

Two more...

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 13 Oct 2009, 08:41

You are in the good way! Very nice.
there is another problem: who take the polaroid when Harold is in the picture? maybe a journalist for a tv feature about the life of a simple man or extreme make over program.

carlpatti · Post by **carlpatti** » 13 Oct 2009, 10:05

hi splinters!
"harolds house" is so brilliant - your 3D modeling is so fantastic - especially the underground scene. it is almost impossible for me to be critical at this point or add anything helpful - it is all so new and wonderful to me. i love the raw emotion you convey on each and every page. i laughed out loud.

then i cried.

i wanted to tickle harold's wife for leaving him!

how could she??? harold is such a good guy! he tries so hard...his wife really doesn't deserve him!

i will try to look at your work with a more critical eye - as soon as i stop the tears from flowing...

thanks for sharing!

patti

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 13 Oct 2009, 11:46

I thought about that but I couldn't come up with a suitable solution. After all, how does Harold take any of these photos other than then finished house?? And the underground one would be impossible anyhow. I think the idea is that this is a document of the project and we do need to suspend our disbelief when we see most of these.
It is, at heart, a silly story with no real moral tale to tell....just for fun. Plus, are we as logical adults questioning details a young child would have no interest in?

I take your point Marcel but I am struggling to see how I can do it differently. Ideas, welcome of course...

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 13 Oct 2009, 13:07

I have a life changing concern! Why did the floor boards change direction?!
OK just a small observation.
Lets call it a "Blooper"

Nice Story and graphics.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 13 Oct 2009, 14:49

They changed colour as well Steinie...err, Harold put new ones down and the, err, incorrect direction of the boards led to the, err....ultimate collapse of the house.....phew!
Did that cover it?

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » 13 Oct 2009, 14:57

I think it's a very good book to read and look at with a child. As a child you would like to hear the same story again and again. I know this from own experience. I still know some of the stories, by heart ,I read for my children then they where small despite they now are grown up.

A very good thing is all the details that you have put in the pictures. I think this is good because you can discuss and discover new things when you read the story with the children or if they read it for themselves.

I think you have done a fantastic job i this wiev.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 13 Oct 2009, 19:49

Cheers Tommy. kind words indeed.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 14 Oct 2009, 20:41

Some dodgy textures but I quite like the composition....any thoughts?

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 14 Oct 2009, 21:08

Overall, the textures are good. What can surprise is the simplicity of the textures of Harold. may be a slight effect on garment fabrics allow the character to be better integrated into the decor. Just a very little effect to keep the toon look of Harold and the image will be perfect.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 14 Oct 2009, 21:32

Cheers Marcel. I just wish I could get a decent SSS effect in Lightworks and I would be happy. Do you mean to add some texture to his clothes?

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 14 Oct 2009, 22:35

Two more fairly early WIP's. These are the last three by the way...once they are done, so is the book...

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 15 Oct 2009, 09:06

Just rendering that email pic out now Marcel...your comments have improved it greatly and I took my own advice (?!?) and got a fake SSS effect on the skin using shaderlab...

Will post pics later.

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 15 Oct 2009, 09:57

splinters wrote:Cheers Marcel. I just wish I could get a decent SSS effect in Lightworks and I would be happy. Do you mean to add some texture to his clothes?

Yes the clothes need a subtil textur. look at the picture.the light is better with a little bump and have the same effect than on the decor. bump help to diffuse the light.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 15 Oct 2009, 12:45

Well, here is the finished pic and the page. Hope this is better...

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 15 Oct 2009, 14:43

Harold is really better here! I like the textures of the pants. It is important when you do hd image.the cracks only at the right of the background is a good idea too.

Karthogen · Post by **Karthogen** » 15 Oct 2009, 14:56

Very nice,

Only comment I have is on the fruniture. It looks too new, Harold being the handyman he is I would expect some home repairs, wood filler for a sctratch in the desk, Duct tape for the sqeaky chair. But that is just my personal opinion.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 15 Oct 2009, 16:27

It's all new (credit card on fire...

)

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 15 Oct 2009, 22:55

Too much electricity?

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 15 Oct 2009, 23:19

And one last one before I call it a day....

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 16 Oct 2009, 12:23

Can I just take a moment to thank you guys for your support and helpful comments (as always). This project should be completed by the weekend and live on my site.
Cheers

Paul

LeonRegis · Post by **LeonRegis** » 16 Oct 2009, 15:22

The project will end? It was a really cool subject and brings amazing pics, I need to thank you to make my vision of 3D more colorful and varied. Hope you start other sooner, I like to see your pics.

Cya

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 16 Oct 2009, 16:58

I wouldn't worry about that; I have several projects to be getting on with after this one!!

Cheers for the support and kind words.

Breech Block · Post by **Breech Block** » 17 Oct 2009, 05:21

Fantastic lighting set-up on the pic of Harold in his caravan. The mood it sets is terrific. Great job.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 17 Oct 2009, 09:11

Cheers Breech.

And to close this thread, here are those last two images completed for the book. It is online now if you have a subscription.

Cheers guys....onto something else now eh?

tahnoak · Post by **tahnoak** » 02 Nov 2009, 09:31

Fan-freaken-tastic! Now that my kids are online nerds like their dad we will go back and check out the site.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 03 Nov 2009, 11:06

Cheers, subs are pretty reasonable when you consider what it would cost for 1 book to be printed on lulu.com or bought from amazon.com.
I also spruced up a few pages, added a new game and I am currently working on Halloween and Xmas books for Barn Buddies. With a bit of luck, the Xmas one will go online before, ahem, Xmas but it is too late to put Halloween up now...it will be there for next year though and I am making dedicated areas for both so they can be made more festive.

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