I'm making clothes for Roxie to sell at CP. Let's face it, Roxie doesn't have enough shoes, so I like to give her some footwear with every outfit. But here's the thing... while I've gotten BETTER at making them, I still seem to SUCK at modeling shoes. I've made some decent stuff, but when i look at other people's shoes that they model I see great realistic shoes. Mine look like molded plastic around her feet.

I plan to stick it out until I get better, but I'm wondering two things....

a. will people mind if I stop included shoes with Roxie's outfits until I get better? I mean, I could always sell a Roxie shoe pack later on, and messing with the shoes does slow me down considerably from making things  for Roxie.

b.  What the hell am I doing wrong that my shoes don't look more realistic? I did find a Blender shoe tutorial, but it's more about modeing a shoe from a picture instead of from a model's foot.

Model with reference. You get the basic shape from the model's foot and you use the photo to enhance details on the shoe OR you model the shoe from a photo - per the tutorial - and then fit it to the foot (which would probably end up being easier).

Here's the current outfit I'm working on for Roxie.

I went back and rendered a close up of the shoes in the pic above and this time I added BB's suede shader. Probably the best looking thing about the shoe at this point.

No advice for you Clarkie, but I have to say, that first image of Roxie is really good!

That look she has on her face and the hair look really good on her, it really suits her, proper-like!
That to me represents exactly the sort of character she is - excellent!

I'd post a double thumbs-up smiley but I can't even find the bloody smileys now :-D

Yeah, listen Clark, this is the first time you have captured the true Roxie spirit, therefore, it rocks!!!
Keep it up, cause it's images like this that make people realise how cool I am!!!

Later,
Roxie - Girl With Blade

 what separates a shoe form a sock ? shoe strings ,seems, buckles ,zipper,sections.

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 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Shoe-PlainDerby-Black.jpg

even this simple shoe have seems and strings

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 http://image.dhgate.com/albu_278306914_00-1.0x0/newest-basketball-shoes-brand-basketball.jpg

these have a lot  going on strings ,seems ,sections.

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 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Red_High_Heel_Pumps.jpg

 even these boring shoes have seems ,sections.

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 http://www.thefashionrow.com/images/1197.jpg

 strings ,seems, buckles ,zipper , sections.

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ya could make complicated shoes .sell outfit and shoes separately.

Here's a brighter shot for you, then Pumeco. And have a look at those shoes. The straps look like they were mistakes I forgot to clean up instead of something I made on purpose.

Did you attach an image?
I can't see anything!

Regards the boots, Roxie is still drooling over those boots in the video that got posted before, she's still waiting for you or Vilters to make her some!

Hmm, it was there earlier. Guess the forum kicked it.

I dont have much to offer to the conversation but dont give up, and best of luck =) keep trying and stick with it and soon youll be modeling shoes like gucci. and dont be afraid to ask for feedback, request if necessary, dont assume people will offer...

peace and cheesegrease =D