When it comes to modeling, it can be very easy to do a model, however we can recognize some good and bad models. What actually makes a good 3D model?

Some of the most important elements of any animation are the characters, the models which are created to live the story.  The characters are the people who experience the events, to whom audience relates, and through whom the concept of the story can be revealed.  No matter how great a plot or setting is, if the audience doesn’t care about what is happening to the characters they’re not going to want to watch the animation, they will lose interest.  So it’s important to create believable, charismatic and lovable characters that the audience can identify with and become attached to. This rule stands as well for the “good guys” as for the “bad guys” of the story.

In order to do this, it is essential for you, the modeller, to know his character.  Know him backwards and forwards, inside and out.  Know his thoughts and dreams; know what he hates etc. that will help you to develop him. The more you know about your character the more easily you will model him and introduce his personality into your modelling.

That’s how you catch the attention of the audience and make them love or hate the character.

Make your character distinctive

Whether you’re creating a monkey, an alien or robot, you can be sure that there are a thousands of other similar creations. Your character’s design needs to be strong and interesting in a visual way to get people’s attention.

Exaggerate his characteristics

It’s always a good advice, because in animation you can slightly deviate from the reality, you are creating a new reality. So, exaggerate, it will make things more strong and obvious, so that you can more easily communicate with your audience. Exaggerated features will also help viewers to identify the character’s key qualities.

Give your character a personality

As I already said, interesting looks alone do not necessarily makes a good character; its personality is key as well.

Now, for the practical part I would advice to always gather references, look at what has already been done.

When modeling you also need to keep things simple. One of the key points in modelling is to keep the geometry as low as possible for as long as possible. It makes things easier to animate it afterwards. You should also avoid triangles and too complicated polygons (with more than 4 edges).

And now let place to creation!