Ok So here is where I am at for my tree. Ill start on testing out some leaf styles :)
So I started working on the leaves. I still am working on the toon shader but I think it has a nice outline like the reference art. Its only 500 particles but I can optimize it more if needed.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13Q1gabhZ6NqbqehC8fYSp_OLTZbjfaZI?usp=sharing Here is the baked tree test
Thanks!
I couldn't find anything wrong, and I wouldn't worry about the performance issue, it will be rendered per frame anyway. It's not an interactive game or so.
It does look really amazing!
I am not grading, but if I were, you'd get an A+.
this sure looks amazing, you sure did a great job , love that tree already:D
Homework Submission - Week 1 - E: FG Tree B
@theluthier
Here Is my tree model block out. Right now I am working on making the leaves look the best they can and animating them.
I can also provide a link to the model if you want.
Nice job stickdonkey! You made a lot of progress for week 1. You've earned full points + some extra for the effort 👍
I've got 2 main notes to offer: First is that the the leave setup feels a bit paper-y. Have you tried copying normals from a sphere to the planes with the data transfer node? That could possibly help soften / fluff them.
Second note is the tree's base. Since tree roots flair out at the base, the base should taper out more than round over:
I'm going to spend some time this week exploring foliage techniques for trees and bushes. Look for a post in the nature team thread for some [hopefully] helpful tips.
@theluthier
Thanks for the feedback I'll get to fixing it today!
stickdonkey I am loving the bark textures you have created. Nice work!
stickdonkey I looked back through yesterday's stream comments and saw your questions about leaf advice. I'm so bummed that I haven't had time to explore foliage techniques myself. If Lampel joins the project this will hopefully split the load enough for both of us to spend more time in Blender.
For now I recommend watching the videos I posted for ideas as well as watch what 
danitufi is doing!
Its fine! i saw your post for the trees so ill watch those videos and see what I come up with!
Hey stickdonkey , nice progress so far! Tag me if you have any questions or whenever you're ready to submit for week 2.
I had already sculpted the base of the trunk so I figured I already posted for week 2
Some leaf update
gonna probably add a couple more bunches but I think its looking good
Ok i think i am about ready to put it in the final folder going to try 1 more thing for my leaves but any suggestions are welcome!
Ok here is what I believe to be my final render unless something else comes up, I tried the data transfer for the normals but it made it look kinda weird and didn't really change anything.
