Face 3d modeling is done using stock or a custom 3d models that are created with relative smooth and clean meshes and have quite a bit of details. They can also be started using face recognition devices and processing software. Below, we discuss the first approach to achieve realistic results.

You can cut down time and production costs if you purchase a 3d model from a 3d marketplace to use in your face 3d modeling and animation. Using a ready made 3d model will help you a lot during your face 3d modeling process. However, remember that when you use one that has already been made, you will have to add your own features and you will have to change it so it can be unique.

To start, lets look at the help you get when using this approach to start the process. Custom 3d models allow for an easier way to obtain the right proportions for the 3d face and also the necessary details that are needed to ultimately meet your needs for the face 3d modeling project.

Custom 3d models give an easier way to obtain the right proportions for the 3d face and also the level of quality and detail that are needed to satisfy the need. There are many advantages to using a custom 3d model to start the process including getting realistic location of the eyes, eyebrows, face, mouth and other proportions.

For instance, if you want exclusive licensing rights for the 3d face to use it for a character or project, then you will probably need custom 3d models. However, you can always get practical and not require exclusive rights so you are more able to get a quality one that’s already made and may even include rigging or facial movements.

Bear in mind that to use the 3d face model or to change any of the facial features or expressions, specialized 3d modeling and rendering abilities are required throughout the face 3d modeling process in order for a proper mesh to be achieved and to render it like a human face. It is safe to assume that in most cases, it is highly desirable to change the stock 3d model so that it can be original.

In addition, most face 3d modeling almost always involves further processing particularly when adding facial expressions such as happiness, anger, sadness, thoughtfulness, shyness, etc. In other words, you’ll regularly find that most custom 3d models of the body need some or lots of additional manipulation to meet your clients needs including; accurate facial expressions, body motions, rigging, low polygon version for game engines and virtual worlds, scene setup, post production like adding the audio and so on.

There are many techniques you may use to create custom 3d models of human faces. To initiate this process quickly, try to get a starting model that will have the basic outline of the human shape, without all of the details. The referenced 3d model can be referenced from a photograph, video, or existing 3d models or even custom 3d models. Face 3d modeling involves using these already referenced points and then using them to build and customize it to include all the necessary details.

Facial expressions are achieved with the movements of the face muscles, such as the movement of the cheeks, nostrils, eyelids, upper and lower lips and also with small changes in the creases and wrinkles of the human face. These details that are added by the 3d modeler as visual cues are what convert a lifeless face into a human like face. Then, the 3d artist can use this custom 3d model and distill it to effectively create a look that is very realistic, saving time and money during the 3d face modeling process.

For instance we discussed above that one can use reference videos or photos. It is important to note that these references that are used to pinpoint the location of the eye corners, nose tip and mouth corners are obtain by using specialized face recognition software. The output of the face recognition software is used as the kick off point of the face 3d modeling, so then you can add a range of poses, facial expressions and speaking.

However, to achieve this level of accuracy and ultimately a realistic a human-like appearance, you’ll need to use these specialized face recognition software to obtain the amount of facial points to go by and this can become costly. Often this high end capture devices and respective software are not available and can’t be purchased due to their cost. Therefore, another cheaper way to achieve a very human look is to manipulate the custom face 3d modeling until you achieve what your client specifically needs, without the added expense and overhead of getting capturing devices or specialized software.