Hey, Chris, do you mind if I ask you a question. I've notice that in your meshes, some of your lines either branch off or merge. I've been told that it's due to topology considerations, but how do you know when and where to merge or branch them?
I've certainly been told that you need a pure quad model for it to work properly in all types of software, and that triangles cause shading problems. I've also been told that software as it is, is making strides and that triangles aren't the problems they once were. From day one modeling years back at Viewpoint I modeled using triangles and haven't had huge issues with it. Posette and Dork and Vicky 1, 2 and 3, and Michael 1, 2, and 3, I modeled all with triangles in the mesh work.
I want to be able to create more then tube meshes. I want to be able to have muscle definition in the mesh for morphing and for a more accurate natural look, and not leave it to a deformation sculpt that has to be baked down in order to achieve muscle detail. Although, the added sculpts look awesome, and those "extra" details really can make the product complete, or support a product well. Veins and added sinue in a sculpted model if done properly look awesome. BUT... having said that, I want the base meshes that I build to have the ability to show definition and detail, so... for me I choose to add in triangles to the layout to better show origin and insertion points. That's my choice anyway, and I'll fight anyone that says I'm wrong! Kidding. No fighting really. I have not seen too many renders that can't be done due to my meshes having triangles in them. I personally think that's a bunch of whoey.
Also, I'll add another thought to this though. I do see a bigger more realistic concern with triangles in mesh work when I see Paul have to fidget with weighting them when he creates rig work. THAT, is a really problem or challenge. So I try to minimize triangles in meshes around joint areas for rigging. I also try to add in complete mesh loops around joints that can help Paul when he has to create groups for the rig. I think it flows better and performs better if the mesh has complete loops in joints.
Hope this might help and explain my view on triangles in meshes. I personally don't see what the fuss is about them. Just me. I can certainly appreciate a complete figure that is build from quads and applaud those that create them. Though, just having a quad mesh is still only part of the equation. The rig work must be stellar, and the maps too, and on and on.
Now that is a good looking dog!
And oh my gosh being able to mix cat and dog morphs makes for possible great fantasy animals-how cool that will be!!
The dog is looking SO realistic! I'm really looking forward to getting it!