Hi signature-view,
There is a parameter called Surface Force: explore it.
Take the Head object from the Asset Browser, or copy the one in the files.
Set the Snapping to Polygons, Switch off Points, etc.
Then use the "Sketch" Spline tool and start creating the Veins you would like to see on the face.
When done, copy the Spline and use it as the "Rail" in the Sweep with a profile. Nothing will show. Switch off the Rail Direction in the Sweep, also no improvement, correct?
Now, place the Plain Effector under the Rail Spline as a child. Set it to deformer and point mode. It might already explode. Set the Position X and Z to a small value until it looks OK.
Place a Sphere Field close to it and apply the Sphere Field to the Plain Effector. Now you can define the diameter of the Vein (Sweep), and it can grow as you like. Explore other Fields if you like.
Files …ANfv_01.c4d and …ANfv_02.c4d (Render to see the effect
Screenshot 2025-10-03 at 9.57.46 PM.jpg
This has one problem: one side effect. If you need to deform it, the Spline will not be deformed, perhaps for the Field, but it will still be visible in the image.
Time to bake the growing Vein into a texture. Prepare the UV space accordingly, so the textures do not need to be larger than necessary for the required area.
The simplest approach is to switch to Standard Render, apply a 100% reflective material with no roughness.
The veins are made of a white, illuminated material. Anything else is off in the scene.
Bake Texture, set to Reflection, can now render the animation. Set the frame rate; otherwise, you might only get a few images.
File …ANbk_03
Screenshot 2025-10-03 at 11.03.43 PM.jpg
These image sequences can now be used in RS or any render. Since it is UV-based, any deformation can be done.
File …ANbt_04
With those steps, you have a lot of control, of course, baked is baked, but the color and even animated noise can be applied.
I hope this will give some ideas for the project. Please let me know if you have any questions.
All files: https://projectfiles.maxon.net/Cineversity_Forum_Support/2025_PROJECTS_DRS/20261003_CV4_2026_drs_25_RSbt_01.zip
Enjoy your weekend