New features in my procedural TF tool

Simplified Overview

Before diving into the technical parts, here's a quick overview:

• I've developed a tool that takes a character and the goo character and via overlaying them I can create a partial TF effect, seen in my 'Jumping right into it' Kangaroo piece.
• The latest version, V2, introduces 'goo strands' that allow for a more grounded connection with the underlying model. This was an effect I have been working on for a long while, the first tests were in 2021. You can see an example of the effect in the header image.

For those who want the details:

Initial Steps and Challenges

• The initial version of the tool was quite basic. It identified overlapping areas between two characters, removed them, and then smoothed the edges.
• Despite being effective, it had limitations, like creating gravity-defying spots and unclear transformations.

Introducing V2: A More Advanced Approach

• V2 builds on the initial concept by adding goo strands that can be art directed across the characters.
• This approach uses a point scattering technique to create points across the surfaces, which are then connected to form lines. These lines are then simulated to create realistic, gooey strands that merge into the characters.

The Technical Breakdown

• Step one is to get the cut up goo character model, this model is made by detecting areas of the model that are close, then deleting those parts. After that the model is thickened and the sides of this added thickness are marked for future use.
• Next the first lines are made, scattering points only on the marked sides, then connecting the points randomly so each point has the start or end of a line.
• Next scatter more points, this time on the inner side of the goo character and the surface of the under character. Once again, connect with lines. But this time only do so for points that are close together.
• Once done, remove any intersecting lines (be it with the goo character or under character) and delete any lines under or over a user set limit.
• Simulate, I use a physics solver that detects when 2 lines are close, and then adds another really short line between them that pulls the lines together. Think of when you ziptie two cables together.
• Take the simulated lines, fuse any overlapping ones, then run it through 'polywire' to give them a 3d tube representation.
• A key step was using a VDB (volumetric representation) to seamlessly merge the strands with the goo character. Since the original cutout technique was VDB, in the end I can just VDB merge the strands. Due to their VDB nature expanding then contracting the volume surface will create thin gooey connection points.

The full graph is visible below, hopefully its high res enough to let you look at the entire flow.

 The Artistic Impact

The V2 enhancement hopefully will allow my work to be even more detailed, following the style I always envision for my pieces. The procedural nature should allow me to use this wherever I need.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! What do you think of this new technique? Any ideas or suggestions for future projects? Your feedback is invaluable in my creative process.

There's still a lot of cleanup and refinement to be done, but I'm excited about the potential this tool has to elevate my mid-transformation shots. Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming artworks using this technique!