K-9!!!

When I found out I had to model this character for homework, my reaction did not mirror the image below, in fact it was the complete opposite of Tennent's!

I'm a big fan of Doctor Who, but not so much that I was interested in modelling his robotic little friend.

However, from a modelling perspective, after briefly researching what the character looked like, it became interesting to me as there are a few complex parts to the model that would at least make me think for a while before attempting to create them.

Awwww here goes.....

Firstly, I used this picture for reference.

 Firstly, as always I started with a basic poly box to build from and added an edit poly modifier.

I selected by Poly and used the scale tool to alter the box to fit the basic shape of K-9.

Secondly, I inset some of the polys on the sides of the model and extruded negatively to add detail to the base. I then selected by Edge and used the move tool to place the edges where I wanted them to match my reference picture.

I also switched to the Front view port and used select by Vertex to ensure the edges were symmetrical on both sides, by affixing them to the Y axis.

I also extruded by Poly and used the scale tool again to add to the basic shape.

I then began work on the features of the model in more detail.

I inset on a poly at the back of the model, moved it into place and scaled it into a square shape. I had to adjust the angle of the inset as it was slightly off from the model and this would have affected my extrusions.

I extruded and inset for the tail, finishing by extruding and scaling the end polys to make a circular end.

I extruded, ringed some edges, connected and then beveled to get the "calculator" part on the back of the model. I then inset and extruded to finish it, selecting the edge and moving it up.

As can also be seen, I began work on the neck.

If I had been in lesson and learnt the extrude along an angle technique last week, this may well have been a doddle. Alas I had to improvise.

I selected a poly, deleted it, selected by border and extruded so I made the basic shape of the neck. To make it more circular to match the reference, I selected the edges and chamfered the hell outa them. This made it more circular and smooth.

I then Poly modelled the head as a separate object using extrusions and scaling. I inset and extruded for the "eyes" and chamferred the top of the head.

I then moved the head into place on the body, nearly joining the neck and "attached" it to the model. I used the "cut" tool and cut the shape of the neck out of the base of the head.

I the target welded the verts from the cut to the verts on the neck and my model was complete.

ANALYSIS: 

This took me about 2 hours to do. I was relatively happy with the model, though not satisfied with the neck as I believe I can improve this.

After getting some feedback, it was pointed out that I had missed out his ears.

Darn it. I have and would do this by by taking a sphere, deleting half of it, capping it, insetting it and extruding negatively, then attaching them to the model.

I feel I spent enough time on the model but could improve it if I did so again. The lesson learnt this week is..... do not get behind on work as it is twice as hard to catch up on what you've missed and above all........be organised!!

The robot will be up soon and roll on sunday when I will re-organize my timetable.

Onwards.....