TL;DR – LINKS:

Fursuit Parade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E71qcETUu10

80s Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qdiVpRRxak

Post Content:

EF22 is over *sad-face*, epic fun times were had. Now I process and (slowly, the processing takes time) release videos I recorded there (I was the goofball walking around with 6 GoPros mounted to a selfie stick, at dances, con, firepit, parade, etc)

The first full one, of the “fursuit parade” is available (rough) here:

here I say “Rough cut” because there is still some processing to do to make perfect (minor stitching errors are evident in video, and the “virtual horizon” has not been correctly set; both of these need to be manually configured each time the camera rig makes a large movement in the vertical plane, and, well, that happens alot!), for now I hope you’ll be forgiving and put up with slightly weird view/orientation/minor motion-sickness until fixed!

Dance (80s Dance) is being processed by youtube now (first version lacked the correct metadata, and was not processed to 360 rectangular-viewport; instead remains as a orthographic projection, sort-of like world maps, with a sphere flattened to rectangle. Is here is you want to see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qdiVpRRxak )

I’ll make a post with details on how these were made, and software used. I’m being a little lazy at the moment, and using AVP (AutoPano Video Pro; commercial software from Kolor, now a subsidiary of GoPro), it has the benefit of being quick and semi automated; has the drawback of being too automated at times. PTGui and VideoStitch are beastly (and geeky, more my style 😉 ) but with a backlog of 400Gb of videos, quick first, then proper! I will note that the workflow for PTGui / VideoStitch allows for some truly funky things to be done during the frame-by-frame processing, e.g. calling OpenCV with Python and identifying / tracking objects *grins* (I’ll post on that at some point too)

Meaw for now,

Meawmix

*squee* my con badge! From the lovely Auhrin(?), mohrne.tumblr.com

… it was balls to the wall, but didn’t get to finish the head in time (neighbours complained about Dremel use at night, oops)… will be ready for GLC in November, maybe a regular head too, lol.

Now I’m in Berlin for EF, staying offsite in an apartment XD [blog update,] shower, tea, then TO EF!!!

I created an about me page, need to look into having it anchored through site (new to wordpress, intend to migrate to a django served blog tho)

about

Update on progress for EF 22

GAH! I leave for EF tomorrow, so much to do, so little time!

(yes, I have known about this for a year; yes I have procrastinated an obscene amount)

Head:

Modelled a polygonal (LoFi) red panda head from reference images in blender (started from scratch, rather than use a pre-existing, high poly mesh). Pictures of the final used model below:

<image placeholder>

This was checked for proportions using a reference head, and proper (metric) metric scaling applied. To check, and tweak the model a number of small test prints were made using a 3d printer (M3D for those interested). Minor adjustments were made to the mesh after printing.

The mesh was then collapsed to a 2D net using the blender plugin “Paper Model” (https://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Extensions:2.6/Py/Scripts/Import-Export/Paper_Model), a couple of refinements to the mesh were made to make for a usable printable size (1:1 scaling, using A4 paper). A papercraft net of the head is available here:

<>

Example sheet from papercraft net:

<IMAGE OF NET>

Building:

So, with a head and papercraft net, now what? …go crazy cutting perspex! Each of the segments of the net were traced onto 1.5mm thick perspex, and cut to shape using a Dremel or small wire-hand-saw.

Safety first peeps, stay protected! (eye goggles, mask, wear appropriate clothing, remain sober while operating tools, etc)

<IMAGE OF CUTTING>

Individual panels will be held together with 3d printed (PLA) spacers, which follow the edges of the mesh. The perspex panels will be glued to the 3d printed parts (locktite: crystal glue), gaps in the seams filled with silicon bathroom sealant.

The perspex panels are naturally transparent (though do block UV…), and so need frosting (or otherwise being made opaque/semi-opaque). Plastic self adhering window tint/decals will be used to achieve opacity in the panels, although “self stick” this decal will be spray glued (to ensure even distribution of glue) to the perspex. Semi-opacity will allow later addition of RGB LEDs to the inside of the head.

Finished shots to follow… unclear if will be finished in time! GAH! *panics* (if not finished, will not take; can always do a cheeky papercraft anyways XD )

GAH! EF22 has snuck up on me! (life got a little crazy recently, moved apartments and *stuff*)

Quick update: Project for b3ta stripped back to get finished for EF22; now, a LoFi polygonal fursuit partial will be made!

A longer post to be made this evening, with: inspiration, concept, modelling, and first WIP shots!
Might post: a paper-craft version, and badge updates.