Rigging Part 3: Research and Development (Existing Rigs)

After the research that I have carried out to understand the anatomy of real life quadrupeds, the only thing that remains is to start looking into how that can be translated into a 3D environment. From prior rigging experience I know that often, bone structures can be identical. However I also know that it is often the case that problems can be greatly simplified to accurately simulate parts of the rig.

The best way to go about this was to observe existing rigs and break them down into their fundamental parts. Amongst all of the quadruped rigs, the director (Ollie) and the animators (Joe and Nick) all collectivley agreed that the rig in terms of its functionality and usability should resemble the "nico_005.ma" rig- one which is freely available to download and practice animating with. 

We arranged it so that in the time that I would be researching and building the rig that would hopefully resemble this rig, the animators would be practicing working with it. In this time they would be able to get used to the rig, and make any requests to me if they desired any modifications. One feature that animators were particularly interested in having was a footroll on both the hands and feet. I keep this in mind for future reference.

Having observed the rig from a superficial perspective, I took the following screen shots to derive my initial conclusions from.

Side on view

 (with mesh)

Three quarter view

(with mesh)

Side on view of rig

(no mesh)

Three quarter view of rig

(no mesh)

Close up of paw

This research has immediately given me an idea of where to place joints and what style of constraints may need to be included. For example I can see that the legs comprise nearly identical bones into CG to represent its legs. I also know that I should set out with the intention of making three body controls, of which most should have independent control if necessary.

Having researched into and eventually finding a rig to work to, I feel that I have given myself a better sense of direction and have mapped out my goals in a more efficient way. Now knowing what I have to achieve I can go about solving those queries with a greater level of focus.