How to model and sculpt a lioness in Aspire in Vectric software | Modeling Tools

Overview

This video demonstrates how to model and sculpt a lioness relief in Vectric Aspire V12. It covers creating a multi-component model from vector art, adjusting component heights and angles, combining parts into a single sculptable component, and applying smoothing/sculpting tools to refine the result.

Steps

1. Open the provided lioness vector file.
2. Go to Job Setup and increase Modeling Resolution to Very High for maximum model detail.
3. Open the Levels tab and rename Level 1 to Tail. Set the level Combined Mode to Merge.
4. In the 3D view, select the tail vector and use Create Rounded Shape Components.
   • Drag the angle handle up to create tall walls.
   • Reduce the height handle to create a low-relief shape.
5. Insert a new level named Back Leg, set combined mode to Merge, and apply a rounded shape to the outer back leg vector.
   • Again raise the angle and lower the height.
   • Select additional detail vectors and apply shapes to create muscle definition on top of the back leg component.
6. Insert a new level named Body, set combined mode to Merge, and create a rounded shape component for the body vector.
   • Use detail vectors to add subtle body/muscle definition.
7. Insert a new level named Front Leg, set combined mode to Merge, and create the main front leg shape.
   • Add further muscle-definition shapes using the additional front leg detail vectors.
8. Insert a new level named Head, set combined mode to Merge, and create the head shape.
   • Add the face detail vector to create facial definition.
9. Review the overall model by hiding the vectors. Adjust component heights and angles as needed for a natural blend.
10. Create a single sculptable component:
    • In the Components tab, insert a new level named Sculpt.
    • Make sure the Sculpt level is active.
    • In the Design tab, click the snapshot component button to create a single component from the visible composite model.
    • In the Components tab, right-click the new level and choose Show Only This.
11. Save the model as lioness basic model.
12. Apply smoothing:
    • With the lioness to edit component selected, go to the Design tab and select Apply Smoothing Filter to Selected Components.
    • Keep Preserve Transparency enabled so the model does not blend into the model plane.
    • Adjust the smooth slider carefully; too much smoothing removes desired detail.
13. Enter the sculpting tools by selecting the component and clicking the Sculpt Visible Model icon.

Key Points / Warnings

• Increasing modeling resolution before creating components maximizes the point density and final quality.
• Keep all new levels set to Merge combined mode so parts blend together correctly.
• Use high angle handles for tall, sharp definition lines; then reduce overall height to maintain low relief.
• Creating a snapshot component preserves the original building blocks while allowing you to edit one baked model.
• Enable Preserve Transparency when smoothing to avoid flattening the relief into the background plane.
• The sculpting process is iterative: adjust heights, angles, and smoothing levels until the relief looks natural.