Modeling a Character in 3DS Max, 2nd Edition

Step 14: Optimize the Hand by Turning It

into a Fist

Fingers are key to adding life to a character because animated digits

imbue expression and attitude. Fingers are also very expensive in a

low-poly model because they’re so small relative to the rest of the

mesh and need extra faces to be animated properly. Load

Callisto36.max from the CD. Looking at Callisto’s hands, there’s

definitely some disparity when it comes to the faces of the fingers

and the rest of the body!

As much as I’d like to see Cal have complete articulation and

expression with her hands, being almost 150 faces over budget

leaves you little choice but to target her polygon-rich fingers. ...