This week, I decided to focus on sculpting a human skull instead of another character head. After completing my previous head studies, I realised that many of my proportion mistakes came from a limited understanding of the underlying structure of the face. Rather than continuing to adjust surface features, I wanted to better understand the foundation that supports them.
The main challenge I encountered was understanding the relationship between anatomical accuracy and visual appeal. At first, I focused on copying reference images as closely as possible. However, I found that simply replicating details did not help me understand the overall structure. Certain areas, such as the eye sockets, cheekbones, and jaw, appeared correct individually but did not work together as a cohesive form.
To overcome this problem, I began analysing the skull as a collection of larger shapes rather than isolated details. I studied how different planes connect and how the proportions of the skull influence the appearance of the face. This process encouraged me to think more critically about anatomy rather than relying on observation alone.
I also found this exercise highly relevant to my animation studies, particularly facial animation. Throughout this semester, I have been learning how to create more believable facial performances using rigs and blendshapes. Sculpting a skull helped me understand the structure beneath the skin and why certain facial deformations occur. For example, the placement of the cheekbones and jaw directly influences how expressions stretch and compress across the face.
In addition, sculpting continued to serve as a useful way of “changing my mindset” from animation production. While animation often focuses on movement and timing, studying anatomy encouraged me to slow down and analyse structure. This experience helped me realise that stronger facial performances depend not only on animation skills but also on a deeper understanding of how the face is constructed.