Pixar-style topology

https://cgcookie.com/courses/piero-animated-character-concept
https://cgcookie.com/courses/short-film-character-production

There are at least a couple of approaches to topology that could be considered “industry standard”. Pixar is often working with fairly dense meshes which seems to let them “get away with” using more grid-based topology. Their characters are also often done in a certain style and so their topology is probably dialed in so the animators can get what they want out of the models.

More commonly one sees topology with loops around areas that will see significant deformation. Eyes, mouth, joints, etc. This can be a lot more flexible in the long run, especially if you aren’t sure of what the animation requirements will be for the model. Specifically, loops can allow one to add or remove geometry where and as needed without necessarily increasing the density of large portions of the model.

Ultimately, whatever gets the look and required behavior out of the model is the “right” technique. Every studio is going to have their own internal best practices (which we rarely get to see/hear about) and every model is likely to have its own required behavior. As a student one needs to consider the bigger picture – while working through projects it’s not necessarily the specific tools and techniques that are most important, it’s the concepts. If you know Blender but move to Maya or another similar tool you’ll likely be able to pick it up quickly because you know the concepts of 3D modeling. If you typically use one approach to retopology but a studio prefers another you’ll know the concepts and be able to transition without issue. From experience, if someone has an impressive portfolio it won’t matter to a studio if their exact method is represented – they’ll have a more senior artist train a new hire.