Character creation-workflow with subd

[s3onboard]

hi

i starts with model characters with maya and have some questions about the workflow. i used a sphere delete edges on top and bottom with one flat face as a result to have not so much controlpoints in subd mode. convert it to subd.

i start with the bodyshape, extrude faces to model arms and legs. is that a good starting point?
further i will model the head also from a sphere and attach both subd objects. would it be better to model the whole from one object? are there later probs while animation or work subd attaching well (combine edges and unite objects also?)
i think is easier to get round forms from sphere then to tweak vertices but sphere have details at the top and bottom at level 1 and 2 in subd mode and strange n-sided polys at the sphere in subd mode. is it a better way to start from a poly cube?
model most time in poly proxy mode will ad later more details in standard mode. is there a plus for working more with controlpoints or will subd only be used to make all smoth?
at least if i model clothes can i copy the body, scale it and delete faces i don't need. would that be a good way?
looked for many tut but nothing could answer my questions.

thanx for your time. i'm happy about all commends or workflow describtions in short from you. (simple answers would be cool) have a nice day.

S3

[1000101-]

I typically start with a poly cube and start setting up the volume of the character first. After that I go in and add details; maybe converting to subd and back to poly every now and again to see what sorts of look I'm getting. Then I setup the UV's on the low poly version; smooth it once; texture it; unsmooth it. Then its on to skeletal setup; then IK setup; then I bind the skin to the skeleton; adjust weights and all that goodness. Set up a few deformers here and there. Animate that beast; Then its time for me to convert to subd (using poly proxy mode) and render..
its quirky and long but works for me

That Ole Russell

[s3onboard]

thanx for your answer, done ears out of a poly cube, seems to work very well.
with which tools do you work to add details if you are using only polys while working. thought the detail level in subd are a good option instead of tweaking faces and vertices?

S3

[joojaa]

Split poly, merge vertex, delete edge, delete vertex, extrude, component move, scale and rotate mainly.

However its sometimesfaster to work with just creating one face at a time (poly append), against a sketch or two. Also sometimes its great to have a nurbs reference behind (for detail). And some parts done with birail.

Also keep in mind that you want to avoid using anything other than 4 sided polys (stacked neatly with othe four sided polys)

Also once your model is finished use the original poly object as a low res proxy thisway you can work much faster. And then subd or swich to subd just before rendering!