What I did: Considered my options.

For my main character, I need to show his age range from late-30’s up until his 90’s.

I asked myself the question, is it better to model one character and use a switching system to show the character ageing, or to model multiple characters of different ages?

With many decisions in life, I start with a list, weighing up the pros and cons:

Single Model:

Pros:

  • Everything is in one file
  • Potentially only one rig

Cons:

  • Complex blend shape system
  • Carries unused data in every scene
  • Potential for things going badly wrong when time is at a premium

Multiple Models:

Pros:

  • Each scene loads only what it needs
  • Simpler workflow
  • Each model optimised for its age

Cons:

  • Err?

Conclusion: Multiple models, because:

  1. I never need to show the transformation between ages, they’re different scenes
  2. Separate scenes = separate assets – makes more sense
  3. Simpler is better when complexity serves no purpose
  4. Better performance (not loading unused stuff)

What I learned: Sometimes the simpler solution is the right one. Multiple models makes more sense, than a complex ageing system I don’t actually need on this occasion.

Next: Start modelling the base character (late-30’s version).