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.