How to Create 3D Character Heads From Caricature Faces Using CrazyTalk 8

After creating my previous tutorial How to Create Cartoon Caricature Faces from Photos Using Krita, I wanted to create a complimentary tutorial showing how to rig those faces for animation in an application that is equally easy to learn simply by following a step by step guide.

Reallusion's CrazyTalk 8 is a highly under rated application for creating talking head style animations (Note: CrazyTalk 8 from January 2022 is an officially discontinued product and no longer available). For example if you wanted to create an animated vlogger character CT8 will let you do that extremely quickly, with auto-animations, and auto lip sync.

While it excels at animating 2D talking head characters (created from photos and your own artwork) one of its most unique features is the ability to create 3D Human style character heads from photos. Incredibly you have so much control over modelling every aspect of the face and head that the software really lends itself to creating 3D caricature style heads.

Learn how to rig heads like these in CrazyTalk 8.

CrazyTalk 8 is a legacy product that will not see any future releases. Many of it's features have since been incorporated into Reallusion's flagship products, Cartoon Animator and iClone.

That aside, it's still a great and unique application. I don't think I can point to another that is as easy to learn but able to give such impressive results.

As I mentioned at the start, I've created a tutorial, How to Create 3D Character Heads from Cartoon Caricature Faces Using CrazyTalk 8, that runs you step by step through the entire process of setting up a 3D Head in CrazyTalk 8, ready to animate. It is actually a very easy process, once you've learned, you'll be able to set up a any character probably in less than an hour (if you're taking your time to make sure it looks good).

As with my previous tutorial it's a PDF that steps you through the process. It may not be as flashy as a blurry screen captured video that goes too fast, and you're constantly pausing while you catch up but, I assure you, the clearly labeled, large size screenshots and descriptive text, that allows you to follow along at your own pace, is a more relaxed way to learn.

Note, I have no affiliation with Reallusion or their application CrazyTalk 8 other than I own copies of most of their applications and a good chunk of items in their Content Stores because I like and use their products (and I sell my Cartoon Animator Content in their Marketplace too).

The tutorial is available in my Art Time Productions, Gumroad Digital Store or you can purchase it directly through the embed purchase form below. (Sign up to the Anim Life newsletter for special deals on my tutorials and other digital products).

If you do download my 3D Head, Caricature Faces tutorial and find it useful (or have questions, feedback etc.) I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

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