Various kidneys and cross-sections.
Kidney Progress
I have the kidneys nearly completed! Each pathology is there, I just need to fix the meshes so they can transition nicely into each other. I also need to connect the ureters to the bladders, but I’m not sure yet how I want to approach that – I might have to make a couple different versions, or I might wait to see what the animation demands.
Clay (left) vs topography (right)
Topology
With my R3DS license acquired, I can start the process of retopologizing the fetuses. Every stage of fetus – LUTO and normal – will have the same topology. This will allow for smoother transitions. I did a test this morning and it went surprisingly smoothly, so I made nice topology that I can use for clean UVs later.
Once the topology is applied, I can make one animation to use across all the stages – that is, breathing, and life signs (kicking and twitching and stuff). I’m not super comfortable with rigging, but no time like the present! Maybe I’ll enjoy it more than I have in the past now that I can use Cinema4D.
Pig-tail shunt
Medical equipment
As a break from organic modelling, I decided to get started with the pig-tail shunt. I made this in Cinema4D with splines, and used MorphPose to convert between the flat and spiraled shape. The shunt curls after it is released from the applicator. I used a Morph deformer with fields to control when it curled.
Shunt being applied – demo video.