Reflective Report

PPD Reflective Report

Intro

Through my second year I have learned a great deal. My work has improved to a more professional standard. I have boosted my skills with different medias, both traditional and digital. Learned about planning and the processes it takes to start and finish a project and improved on both my social and work based skills.

The modules

If had not undertook any of these modules I would not be at the standard I am now.

·         Character Design – I have learned about shape theory. For instance, Circles are soft therefore they give a character’s design a friendlier appeal as to a Triangle, being more intimidating. Function, how the character moves within or against the environment and how to set up a character design sheet.

·         Environment design – I have learned that is best to create a list or some form of plan before tackling two projects at the same time. Due to both modules having the same deadline I felt I had rushed my final pieces for both my Character Design module and Environment module.

·         Games Simulation – This was an exciting module because not only did I learn how to make a functional game level, I also learned about how to plan and make assets for a game. I learned how to make modular objects like walls floors and chunks of land. I even got a small amount of knowledge in scripting, within UDK4’s node based codes.

·         Alternative Techniques – I created a chess piece within a group, learning about the trials of what it’s like working with a team.  I also learned about how important it is to focus on detail and scale when using the 3D printer, this was after I found out that if the main details are not big enough they could be lost within the printing process. I now have the knowledge to operate one and have ideas to make my own personal chess set.

·         Contextual Studies- For this module I learned about how to reference material that I have adapted from video links and the web to a better standard. I chose to do an argument about the strengths and weaknesses about Virtual reality vs Augmented reality. I found out a lot about VRs and ARs in general but feel like I still need help structuring an essay. I do however now know somewhat about getting material from sources.

·         Digital Skills – For this module I learned that, although I like drawing vehicles I can find myself either worrying too much about how to create the 3D outcome rather than doing it. I used a range of diverse processes to create my final piece ranging from digital painting to 3D. but most importantly I found out that I like making the models and texturing them but if I had the choice I would want someone else to unwrap it! Aside from that I made a set of reusable modular, stylized vehicles for a game.

·         Work based Learning – I learned that there are many competitions out there to keep myself occupied and improve on my art style. I learned about how to make a time sheet to help prioritize my roles. I have learned how to use a mind map more efficiently, getting more ideas randomly instead of planned out. I have learned to make an Art book to commemorate my artwork, which was very helpful. So much that I will make another one at a later time perhaps to reflect my skills from now and the future.

·         PPD – This module has helped me a lot when it comes to finding and writing about inspiration, getting known by showing off my work and the processes it takes to create each piece, but most importantly it has helped me become aware about my surroundings to brand myself better. I have learned how to create a logo and business card to show people my style work.  What I like and can do!

Things that I could and will improve are as followed…

·         Structuring an Essay

·         Although I used Z-brush I would like to improve on my digital sculpting skills perhaps create a character and pose them.

·         Decision making

·         Planning – Although I have a grasp of how to plan out my modules now I still believe I should work on my planning.

·         Time Management

·         Team work – The only modules that I worked in a team that I can recall, is Alternative techniques. I believe I would like to experience more team work possibly with people I know or make new friends.

Overall Feelings About the Course.

I liked recreating my character, giving him a backstory, however what was really fun was creating some of the new characters that will be in my upcoming game Cupcraft. I feel I didn’t get a lot of time devoted to rigging a character like facial animation and or hardly any animation at all other than my first year. I think that if both the character and environment modules didn’t clash I could have done an equal amount of work for my environment module. I feel a bit let down with the environment module for the reason I didn’t feel like I learned much new.  As I said before I would have rather created a character sculpted it and had it ready for a game.

I didn’t really like doing the essay however the tutors and my support worker helped me get through it.

Future Plans

My intentions are to learn about setting up a company so I can start my own, I want to improve on my social skills, portfolio and branding skills and come up with games for a living, possibly have a side job as a cartoonist or as a freelance illustrator, graphic designer, 3D modeler, Sculptor and animator. To get to this stage I have applied to level 6 top up course BA honors.

Conclusion

Overall this year has helped me to plan things out better, taught me how to use 2 new programs (Z-brush) (Unreal engine 4) and build up on knowledge I have for 3ds Max.

I have learned how to sculpt digitally and Paint creating a pallet of color instead of picking the defaults. Build up upon my Silhouette and concept thumbnail processes, use a 3D printer, use an official game engine, come up with a range of unique characters for both film and game and create a set of assets for a working game.

Module Evaluations

·         Character Design

·         Pros. Learned to create and or build upon one of my original characters, created a character model sheet that could be handed over to a 3D character designer and about function and how the character would act and or move in certain situations

·         Cons. The timing was off due to having 2 modules running at the same time. I wasn’t happy with how I presented the line work of my final piece. I felt like I wasted to much paper by drawing on one sheet at a time instead of drawing a group of elements on one full sheet.

·         Improvements. To improve on my timing skills, I could make a time sheet or form of planning to break down the module or project into manageable sections. To not waste paper I could either draw bigger or draw lighter as to develop on top.

·         What I will do next time. I will create a plan to schedule both modules, to prioritize each role. I will draw bigger and draw lighter as to not ruin the page from excessive erasing out and or puncture holes.

·         Environment Design

·         Pros despite the fact that I felt the module was rushed I got good feedback from both of my tutors, I learned how to use a digital custom brush to create a group of assets instead of manually drawing out one at a time.

·         Cons The timing could been set out better and the module brief could have been explained better. Due to the timing I felt like I rushed my final piece and therefor did not get it to a professional standard I was after. I believe my decision skills were not up to par.

·         Improvements Again like my character module I should have made a timesheet, however at that particular moment in time I knew very little about planning and time sheets. To help me improve on my decision skills I will set numbers and or targets to help choose my final outcomes.

·         Future improvements I will create a time sheet to priorities my roles to help break down the module to manage my timing better. I will set out a minimum and maximum number of ideas and choose one to develop further to use as a final piece.

Game Simulation

·         Pros. I learned how to an official game engine ‘Unreal Engine 4’, I learned how to texture and create my own seamless textures, I learned about Specular, Normal and bump maps, how and where to apply them on a 3D model. I Learned how to make assets for a game and also about modular design.

·         Cons. I kept changing my ideas within the middle of the module which wasn’t ideal, however it worked out well and I stuck with a mixed style, texturing issues arose when applying them on precise shapes. For instance, my Ramp block looked wrong on one side.

·         Improvements. I believe to improve on choosing and sticking to an idea I should plan to stick with one idea after a great deal of time has passed. To fix the texture issues I will use an unwrap modifier in 3Ds Max or another program and either flatten the UVs or apply a pelt unwrap.

·         Future Improvements. As to not waste precious time when I have an idea started and time has pressed on I will stick to the idea I have developed the furthest. I will use either method to unwrap my objects and use Photoshop’s offset to create seamless textures. I will also make sure my texture is set to a power of 2 as I have learned that if it is set to a power of 3 or an odd number it will not be seamless and will cause errors unwrapping it.

·      

Alternative techniques

Like most projects I do they start off slow but I quickly get inspired, usually resolving any problems.

For this project I learned how to rapid prototype a 3D chess piece.

We started the project off by getting into groups of 2-4. I chose to work with Ben and Adam because I wanted to get to know them better and see what it would be like working with them. The tutor gave us sheets of paper, where we had to write down as many different themes, as we could think of, a chess set. Some of my ideas included a standard medieval theme and Aliens Vs Humans. My team mates Ben came up with this concept of human like rat creatures. 

This was kind of a loss cause for the reason the tutor changed his mind after a quick crit discussion, and we were all assigned to do a Space Race themed chess set. I was kind of disappointed because although my ideas were kind of lame some other people in the class had some really cool ideas. Like Shauna's group came up with the idea of Mythical Creatures Vs other mythical creatures. It is no offense to the tutor however I believe I would have rather loved to peruse that concept.

After finalizing with the entire class it was settled we were all going to create a Space Race themed chess set. The class was split up into bigger groups and into opposing sides Shauna's group were the Russians and I chose The Americans. This in its self was a hard decision to make I wanted to do a Russian chess piece however I felt because I was American that I had to do an American chess piece. If I did not, it felt like I was letting down my country and family. Kind of an odd feeling for a flipping chess piece!

Within the American side we were each assigned, roles by little scraps of paper with concepts on them. This was in my opinion a bad idea because it limited my creativity. I felt like I had to do this I was stuck with creating the pawn, where everyone else got cooler roles. If I could I would have rather been the knight. 

I came up with a variety of concepts throughout the project and finally chose one to actually create.
this being the Apollo command capsule. 

Contextual Studies
This module I did not particularly like however it helped me learn some new things I had never known or even thought of before. That being said let it be known I do not like Essays. The start of the module was too sudden

Pros. I got to choose my own topic to argue about
I learned how to to reference links, articles and other sources. I found out a lot about how Virtual reality and or Augmented reality.

Cons. I did not enjoy doing the written part of this but I know that I will need to know how to do this for my level 6 that I am applying for.

Improvements. Perhaps I could break down the topic into easier sections to tackle separately

future improvements. I could make a time sheet to help manage my overall project

Digital Skills
for this module I learned how to successfully develop a recognizable style, unwrap a 3D model and texture it.

Pros. I now know how to unwrap a vehicle using 3 different mapping procedures, Pelt unwrapping, Planner Mapping and fitting the U Vs on a pre-created texture or block of color.

I have created a collection a vehicles to be used as assets for a mobile platform game.
I came up with a cute style inspired by 2 industry standard artists

Cons. I didn't make a realistic vehicle, Although I created a 3D model sheet I did not my desired apocalyptic vehicle. I did not rig or animate the 3D model.

Improvements. I could have followed more tutorials or purchase a book on how to make realistic objects for video games. I could spend more time experimenting with both 3Ds max and Z-brush to learn hot to use it to a more professorial standard
Future Improvements.

Work based Learning

Pros. I learned how to find competitions to submit my own art work and get known or get the chance to win something, I learned how to turn around an idea instead of scrapping it and starting again.


Cons. I had a creative block mid project and was in the middle of moving house.


Improvements. To fix creative block I could look at images or listen to music for inspiration, or start writing down why I am doing the project to motivate and answer questions thus getting out of creative block.


Future Improvements. I will create a mind map and write down random ideas with relevant questions to get me out of creative block. I should remember to be true to my own interests and ideas.


PPD 

Pros. it was useful because it made me be aware of jobs found locally. I developed my own branding with logo design and coming up with a creative CV. I learned about business cards and now have my own!


Cons. I feel like that this module should have been done throughout the course and not at the end.

Improvements. I would like to develop further on my self branding, to create my own website, portfolio and yearly Art of Book. I feel I should develop my logo design and or business card to a better standard


Future Improvements. I should do a blog weekly without having to worry about it at the end. I will create and send off both a creative CV and normal one, Create a better designed business card planning it out better