Recent Weekly / Daily Reflection

 

 

 

 

Friday 29th Jan 2016

• Today my plan was to show my initial ideas to all of my group as to get more feedback to decide on what idea to further develop. However I only got views from Ben, Kam and Adam. At which point Ben was elected the leader of the group. I don’t mean to be rude but after that he’d been paying more attention to everyone else in the group and less to me. I hope this can clear up so I can pick one of my ideas I am really set to develop.

 

 

Saturday 30th Jan 2016

• Today I looked into some imagery, looking for key symbols of the Space Race and also Space flight itself. On a scratch piece sheet of A3 I concepted an image of a simple pawn then looked for things from the 60s to the Space race exclusively. I showed my initial sketches to my parents and they commented on liking the Eagle and Space Shuttle.

 

 

Sunday 31st 2016

• Today I gathered reference imagery for Ideas I came up with the day before. These include, The Eagle on the moon, Astronaut holding the US flag, Apollo Shuttle, Nasa Shuttle, Nasa Astro Van, John Glenns Helmet and The Nasa Building it’s self. I know some one is already doing an astronaut however I wanted to try myself because if you think of it the astronaut are the pawns of the space programs and missions.

 

 

4th Feb 2016

 

• Today I have looked at more images of Apollos Rocket. I have singled out what piece of the Saturn V rocket I want to do as my chess piece. This will be The Apollo Saturn V’s Command Module, I recently was confused about which part was what I found out that there is a nose cone as well as the command Module base it’s self. So today I will create some concepts of the command module using reference material of the current time.

• Came up with an idea how to make chess pieces build 2 rockets one Us and the other USR.

 

Weekly targets:

•  To come up with a 3 Development sheets for my Apollo 11 Capsule chess piece.

• Come up with a Topic for Contextual studies 2500 word (Essay)

• Change format for Daily Reflection include date, month and Year e.g. Feb 5th 2016 use the reflective recycle What you did, (How it went, what you will improve and how you plan to do so).

 

Sunday 7th Feb 2016 

 

• Today I did 1 sheet of concept art for my Apollo command module I feel it still hasn't developed enough to actually start modeling so I will continue to do another sheet and finally decide. I decided to change to doing only two sheets of concept art because I believe instead of having many sheets on one design I can express each design on 2 sheets. This and time is pressing on and I need to start modeling it.

• I posted 5 different examples of creative CVs and did some initial designs to start my own Creative one.

• As you can see the format has changed from this to this. 07/02/2016 - Sunday 7th Feb 2016 I find this easier to read and also more relevant to telling not only the month and year but also the actual day. Future posts will probably have this new format

• As a bonus I fixed a formatting problem I have had when adding bullet points to my blog. I did this by clicking 'Remove Format', changed the font back and fixed the spacing.

Reviewed Targets

 

• Coming up with 3 Development sheets has been changed to 2 to save time

Monday 8th Feb 2016

• Watched this inspirational video on Iterative drawing.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0ufz75UvHs

Applied this to my second development sheet for my Apollo ll Space Capsule Pawn. If all goes to plan I will continue to do this to better my drawing skills and come up with new useful ways to draw and concept better.

• Came up with 3-4 different ideas for my creative CV some include simple ideas to ambitious projects.

Thursday 9 Feb 2016 

Today I started work on creating my 3D model. I used a combination of these tools to help shape my command module. Loop cuts, extrudes, inserts and Vert pulling.

To keep up to date I started doing a making of guide recording each screenshot using the Print screen key.

I had an issue when It came to smoothing out the base of the capsule. I resolved this with the help of my tutor.

Essay Havoc
I am having trouble starting my Essay because my briefs have been mixed up. However my dad has helped me by making an outline I can follow.

Weekly Targets.

• Buy and get Z-brush to use at home as well as collage.
• Get a set of new briefs that are not mixed up. or get help from tutor sorting out the mess.
• Start introduction of Essay
• Continue work on Chess piece Add Detail within Z-brush Use Photoshop or Illustrator to create certain elements.
• Go to bed earlier say 9 or 10 O clock no later!!

Weekly Targets.

• flesh out how feel summary (does not need to be long)

Saturday  13 Feb 2016

• converted my sensors to a IMM Brush within Z-brush I aquried the day before!

  
Monday 11 Feb 2016

•  Worked on Essey talking trying to find out the difference on VRs and ARs.

 Sunday 21st Feb 2016 

•  I aquried some fresh briefs discarding the old ones and writing on them so I would not get confused, before I left for half term (Late Entry)
   

• Today I composed a development sheet of my concepts for the Space Race project.

• I have been back and forth on Youtube and Zclassroom to learn about my new program Z-brush. am having an issue with not being able to sculpt on my command module after doing some tests.

• Been on the web looking for almost every scrap of info I can get on VR, AR and a little on MRs.

 Weekly Targets:

• Finish Essy before Tuesday.
• begin to invest time into making a Art of book and Personal Profile.
• Get help from tutor on Tuesday to resolve Z-brush import problem.
• Develop further with Creative CV come up with 2 concepts refine each and choose one to be final.

25th Feb 2016

 Creative CV Update:
Today I looked up images for both the Nintendo DS and New 3DS's. Using Photoshop I created a Doc size of A3 and scaled the image to an appropriate visible size. I used the image as a template to work from and I created my Creative CV on it. I used a soft brush with colors picked directly from the image and modified it to suite my standards. In my opinion is nearing complete I need to mention some referrals and then it will be 100% Complete.

Digital Techniques Update (Space Race):

I have decided to keep the detail on my chess piece minimal for printing costs since I want to have my own for home.

As for my Apollo Command Module I had taken some feedback in account from both my tutor, support worker and peers about her certain elements on my model could be fragile. I could push the sensors so they are in more to possibly counter this problem.

>>>>> Update :(Essay)

I had recently had some feedback from my support worker last Tuesday. He pointed out that I have not mentioned the date or author of each link.
 
To solve this from becoming into an issue that causes a deal of stress I will create a blank doc and write a link using the the book hand out, my tutor gave me as a guide, To create a draft format which I will copy and change both the names years and dates.

Weekly / Daily Targets

• Check with Support worker and or Tutor to organize a list of what I need to add for my (Space Race) project.

 

•  Create a technical file for (Space Race) project perhaps to begin 2-3 pages.

 

•  Have proper referencing guide formatted and done before next Tuesday. (optional) talk about VR games out at the moment.

•  29th Feb 2016 

Alternative Techniques (Space Race Proj)
Lately I had been experimenting within Z-brush. I was trying to find a way to apply more surface detail to the hull of my ship using alphas. I recently bought and watched The Martian which in my opinion was a great and awesome movie! in fact  It was my inspiration to add more details.

I had also bit the bullet when it came to applying symmetry, to get my rivets aligned to the base. However I did find out how to split each part of my model into different parts as to keep certain elements ridged and others have more detail to sculpt.

Essay
I have finally came to a standstill and printed my 4rth copy of my essay hopefully this will suffice.
I fixed up my bibliography using a handy tool my support worker told me about, which made things much easier. I have realized that both of my current modules are only 10 credits so after 4 variations I believe this project is out of the way and I will focus more on my alternatives techniques one. 

 Creative CV
 Last Friday I had shown my final render of my creative CV to one of my tutors and he liked it he gave me some feedback and told me some changes which made things look better. one was to keep the text aligned to the corner of my 3Ds screen and another was to make certain elements of text bigger and clearer to read. I believe If I bought the new 3Ds I could use this is my Creative CV.

Weekly Targets

• Finish any development sheets work for Space Race Proj

• do one full page for Making of Guide, for Space Race Proj

1st March 2016

Fixed some issues with my model within 3Ds max and added a window to my model.
merged my model with the groups base and sent off my model for print.


3rd March 2016

• Completed Alternative techniques skills evaluation and created Technical file within 2 days!
• I used Capturewiz to grab screenshots of both my work and images of videos.
• composed 4 sheets of development, with my alternative techniques to a better standard of presentation.

4rth March 2016 (Most Recent Update)

• Created an extra development sheet and printed out my development sheets.

Feelings and Experiece of The college year so far

First Semester

Within the first 2 modules I felt like I was being rushed. This was due to the two modules having a short deadline. I learned how to flesh out my original character Silly Cup in the character module. and come up with a cartoon environment for him to live in. I learned how to come up with Dynamic Pose and expression sheets which I enjoyed doing. I learned how to not think about every aspect of my character from his size to the way he moved and or interacted with the environment. I came up with a huge roister of characters for 2 different games and now have the basic knowledge on how to come up and refine characters.

The Environment module to me felt too rushed for me to put in my very best. because of this not all of the work I wanted to do was possible I had to crunch assets that would be in the game. This is not so bad because I will either further develop or recreate these assets in the game in my own time.


I enjoyed the games simulation module because not only was the deadline longer but I got to use a new software I never used before. I was introduced to Cinema 4D which at first was complicating to use however throughout the module I was having fun because I learned how to do basic scripting actually creating new game challenges for players to overcome. granted I did not have any enemies to me it was my first actual functioning game.

5 Examples of Creative CVs

2D Examples:

http://gurucareers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Illustrators-Creative-CV.jpg

I chose this CV because I like the initial idea of encompassing the text within an image or character.

It is a good CV because it is clear to read it has the relevant information I.e The Name, contact details, It shows the education and skills they have along with the abilities. The image its over all color and style is relevant.

I would say they need to add a work experience if not a job when updating this.

Text is clear to read and concise in format size, not too fancy not to dull.

An Idea I thought about when doing this is either doing a similar approach which one of mu main characters as the exterior of the text or. To make it look like an inner organ body.

http://www.cssauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Creative-Resume5.png?06f03a

First two things I like is the Colors I am drawn to looking at the artistic skill which is a great technique.

Consistent text size is always good on a CV.
All relevant information is there.

I like the artist hand drawn style.

This Ship is also interesting its the second thing that draws me to the artists experience.

I really like the colorful brain I will probably adapt this into my own doing my own style of course.

http://media.creativebloq.futurecdn.net/sites/creativebloq.com/files/images/2013/05/infob%281%29.jpg

Good use of color like the above images I am drawn to
the artists skills.

I like how the artists has made the skills points into pencils it shows how they're level at this  time.

Good use of bold letters to show the name

I like the way how Zhi Liang has presented his / her skills points as pencils I think I will take some inspiration and do something game related as my skill points.

http://www.techblogstop.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/0/Creative-Resume-Designs-by-techblogstop-31.jpg

I like the minimal amount of color it reminds me of a blueprint. good use of text
relevant information as well as quirky icons.

I notice a recurrence with the brain image I may use this in my own creative CV

Text is clear to read kept a simple font which is good nothing to flashy.

Interesting idea to include Map.

Neat 3D skills boxes.

I like the use of icons because not only do we have the text to read but there are quirky pictures which are in my opinion more informative.


http://www.creative-resume.net/2013/05/16/forget-about-checking-the-job-board-go-for-the-skateboard-instead/

 This is very unique a CV on your skateboard?
one word Aweasome!

Ever since I have seen this its gave me a bunch of Ideas ranging from really complicating to bizare.

This has made me think of instead of using a plain A4 piece of paper as my creative CV to use a different form of media to write upon and create something truly original.

This has made me think of using a piece of wood and the laser cutter to create a cool wooden shaped CV.

Project Evaluations

Character Design

In the character design we had to concept a character. I had many decisions as I like coming up with new characters all of the time. Especially friendly, scary or mysterious ones. After creating a couple of mind maps I decided to choose a character I had already came up with, as I wanted to further develop him to a more professional standard. I had options from choosing my Anthropomorphic character Erika Fox, Koah from my tribe the Teche-Koah. and others. I finally went with my first Original character Silly Cup.

I chose this option after discussing my other options with my parents. before we broke up for the holidays I we were given a piece of paper which told me that I had to come up with a character, their backstory, a set of development sheets including pose and expression.

at the start of the module I told my character's backstory, presented my first initial sketches of Silly Cup to both tutors but they couldn't relate to him. learning some skills as the project progressed, I did some more development on Silly Cup. I already came up with his character and his origin, with the help of my parents. What made this project difficult was after getting that kind of feedback from the tutors I couldn't work my mind was blank and I felt very depressed.

Pushing on I decided I did too much work to let it all go away for nothing. I already came up with a bunch of new characters however I wanted to make a professional character model sheet of Silly Cup.

Another thing that was giving me a harder time to complete was coming up with a convincing backstory this was because at the time I was already fleshing out 3 different characters from different styles. Erkia Fox, Arthur Brushwell etc. I wanted to show the tutors I had more than one idea to fall back upon. However If I chose to develop any of my other characters it would have taken me twice as much time as it did to flesh out their appearance, movement and personality.

I used a new workflow when It came to creating my characters development sheets and final model sheet. I now use this workflow in my current projects. I would draw out my initial idea on a piece of A4 paper using a soft HB then using my Light Pad I would trace over the top adding my own  style.

Upon drawing with a soft pencil I found out the Scanner didn't pick up all of the line work so I used a harder HB. Although the the scanner picked up the line work I was not happy with the results. Finally redrawing the same images about 3-4 times I used a un-branded hand writing pen which gave me the professional look I wanted. I called this stage the Clean up as I was refining the the sketch for scanning.

I used Photoshop to color my sketches in and used Illustrator as a final line work fix.

Overall The project started slow was depressing at first but I persevered and came up with a professional outcome which I am happy for. I also now have the known knowledge to flesh out some of my other character or come up with complete new ones!

Possibly a way that could help me is to come up with 4 ideas create short backstories and choose one character to develop.

I thought I would further develop my

Environment Design

What did you do?
For this module I produced a final level design sheet along with supporting development. I did some further research into games that had a similar style and game play to which I wanted to achieve.

How do you feel it went?
From the start the module went OK I created a series of concepts in which I chose one to further develop into my final piece. However like My Character design module It felt very short. I felt like I had started to rush my work to get it in. A feeling no one wants to have if I don't say so myself. Because of the quick deadline I felt like I didn't do my very best, however I stuck in and got through it.

what went well and what went not so well?
oddly enough the research went well. I felt like I could have done more however that's because I am passionate about this game concept. If allocated more time I would have done a A2 Level design sheet showing both a Mario inspired level design platform along with Ray man Origins imaginary world.

The Timing felt short maybe it was me not prioritizing my tasks correctly but I felt rushed doing everything. In my opinion I feel like it's not my best work, however in the future I will revisit this module in my own time and recreate the world of Cup Craft.

what skills did you learn? from your experience?
These are the skills I learned in this module

•  I learned how to make custom brushes using Photoshop.
• How to adapt a custom workflow and develop upon it
• I learned how to make a concise sheet of terrain assets.

How will you plan to develop from this point?

• Timing problems could be improved if I set myself my own deadline before the actual one.
• I feel that I need to quicken my research skills in order to get more practice work done. to do this I could look into tutorials or ask for advise from either my tutors, peers or parents.
• Although not shown within development I did create some custom stylized rock brushes I plan to use these to speed up my workflow when using revisiting this project in my own time.

Games Simulation

In this project produced a 3D, 2D Mixed game simulation. I learned about game engines and what they are used for in the industry. Continuing with the my unique cartoon style I created packs of assets for different biomes. This included different types of plants, animals and minerals. I came up with a traditional to digital workflow that works best for me.


To start with things did not go as well as I planned. This was due to my concept changing drastically throughout the module. I believe the reason for this was because at the time I had bought and downloaded a set of new games via the PC gaming platform Steam. However most of the games I was playing were relevant to my module as my game simulation concept was a survival based game.


I created a series of assets which I could either further develop or use as actual development artwork for my game. I could add this to my portfolio showing I have knowledge of creating game assets.

What went bad was having my original concept changed so much it didn't feel like my own idea anymore. I was trying to think outside of the box. I knew that most of my peers were all doing 3D, however I did not want to do 3D in my mind I wanted things to be simple, I thought logically doing a 2D side scroller would be just the ticket. However early in the project i too wanted to have a crack at building a 3D level. I believe I did this because I didn't feel confident about using the new software at the time. That and the games I have been playing warped my original concept.

Skills I learned are as following

• learning how to navigate around a new software's interface
• Coming up with my own workflow
• Learning how to make sure that I measure each 3D object to Unreal Engines Units.
• How to come up with modular Design
• Learning how to use a new node coding / programming language.
• Decision making - learning to choose and discard anything that would be too time consuming and or difficult to produce at my current skills level.
• Creating a Seamless texture
• learning how to unwrap both simple and complex objects

I plan to improve by doing the following.

• look at tutorials regarding UDK 4's interface (Unreal Engine 4)
• Continue to develop my workflows to get the job done quicker by breaking the tasks down into easier manageable chunks.
• Instead of using sliders I will input numbers of 2,5 and 10s
• I will look at more tutorials regarding UDK4s Node based scripting language.
• I will either do an even number of concepts and then pick one to further develop getting feedback from both my tutors, peers and family members.

For most of these modules I was set to a short deadline however In the future I will revisit this project and build upon each to come up with a successful game idea. I will get better at speeding my workflow, learn to take for feedback, find useful tips and tricks using tutorials and continue to draw everyday to better and challenge my current skills.

CreativeSkills job choices for the future

Game Designer

My wish is to become a successful games designer and produce my own games with the help of a trustworthy imaginative team.

Is this role right for me?

To do this role, you will need to:

• be able to work in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams 8
• be able to communicate your vision to artists, programmers, producers, marketing staff, and others involved in the development process 9
• be able to accept constructive feedback on your work 8
• be able to present your ideas both verbally and on paper 9
• be imaginative and creative 10
• have good written and verbal communication skills 8
• have good basic visual design and drawing skills 9
• be reasonably fluent in a range of 2D and 3D graphics and animation packages, such as 3D Studio Max, NUKE or Maya 9
• have some programming skills at least at ‘scripting’ level 1
• have an awareness of the various games platforms and technologies 9
• possess a thorough understanding of game play theory 8
• have storytelling and narrative development skills 8
• be skilled in information design and user interface design 9
• be able to think systematically and strategically 8
• have knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures 10

1- 10

1= Weakest 10= Strongest

I have not done any programming or scripting therefor I will either require a scripter or spend time learning the basics of scripting.

I am very imaginative some times it's hard to sleep because I have a wonderful dream or idea that I have to get up and write it down.