The generic 'how does i model heads' question

[Portalboat]

I'm trying to model Jade from the 'Homestuck' webcomic series (for a replacement for the Sniper from TF2), and I think I did I good job on the body:

However, as given by the empty neck, I'm having an EXTREMELY difficult time modeling the head. I have a generic human head that I'm going to base it off of, I just don't know where to start. Should I subdivide and sculpt it from a cube? Or sense I have a neck area defined already, would it be a better idea to draw polygons? I just don't know :/

How do you guys do it?

[marks]

Use a quadball and just start adding edge loops and moving verts around. Thats how 99% of character artists I know do it, symmetry is pretty useful for this too.

[poisonic]

i did this to model a head http://www.secondpicture.com/tutorials/3d/3d_modeling_of_a_human_head_3ds_max_01.html
this was the first head i did model its 1 week old its still missing ears and such i became a bit demotivated with this one i think i spended only a few hours on it so if i did take some more time it could be better when i start all over again

[Kremator]

1.) Make base mesh in your 3d program of choice
2.) Zbrush that shit
3.) ????
4.) PROFIT!!!

[jister]

I start with zspheres to define topology, just a sphere or two for the over head shape, upon that i just draw some small sphere's just to have the loops in place for eyes, nose, mouth and ears. mae it a unified skin turn to polymesh.

then go in with the move tool get the shape of the head refined, inflate the loops for eyes, ears, ...

and the subdivide and go at it with the clay brush.

after i finish my sculpt i use something like topogun or retopo to easily make a "low" poly or whatever i need.

some heads i did-> click
will make a tut there on how to sculpt with my next head. ->edit: made you a quick tut in there... viewtopic.php?f=47&t=34407&start=15
enjoy.