The head model used in the workshop is available free from 3D Scan Store, but the techniques set out can be transferred to any human or humanoid character.ĭerrick Sesson is a freelance facial modeler at Digital Domain, having previously worked as a lead modeler and character supervisor, including a period as modeling and texturing supervisor at The Mill. Sesson then demonstrates how to refine the resulting shapes using Maya’s sculpting tools, before bringing the results together into a Blendshape node. He sets out how to prepare the head for deformation, breaks down the essential shapes for each region of the face, and reveals how to block in those shapes in Maya using deformers, particularly Cluster deformers. In the workshop, Sesson discusses how FACS works, before exploring how a standard ZBrush head can be used as the basis for creating facial blendshapes in Maya.

The FACS system splits human expressions into sets of key shapes for different parts of the face, making them easier to recreate and animate in CG.

Master the art of creating FACS-based facial blendshapes for animation or VFX The workshop, which comprises over five hours of video training, explores how to apply the movie-industry-standard Facial Action Coding System (FACS) to facial animation work. The Gnomon Workshop has released Introduction to Creating Facial Blendshapes in Maya, a complete guide to facial blendshape modelling in Maya and ZBrush, recorded by Digital Domain artist Derrick Sesson.

Maya face modeling