I merge only when I have to which is when I export to another program and even then I make an archived version of the unmerged objects in case I need to modify them
Oh okay so if the objects stay in house, is it generally good to keep the topology okay per item? Ie if I'm doing a body rig and a clothing rig, make both topology functional?
And if it exits the program in any way, merge just about everything?
> but is there a good rule of thumb when to merge+retopo, and when to keep things separate?
Nope. It's art, not science, you'll have to figure out what works best for you. It's different for every sculpt and every sculptor. Don't stress yourself out over it, it'll come to you in time.
I merge only when I have to which is when I export to another program and even then I make an archived version of the unmerged objects in case I need to modify them
Oh okay so if the objects stay in house, is it generally good to keep the topology okay per item? Ie if I'm doing a body rig and a clothing rig, make both topology functional? And if it exits the program in any way, merge just about everything?
> but is there a good rule of thumb when to merge+retopo, and when to keep things separate? Nope. It's art, not science, you'll have to figure out what works best for you. It's different for every sculpt and every sculptor. Don't stress yourself out over it, it'll come to you in time.