Start of course
Work Iv'e done so far (The good and bad)
Concept art
What I learned
I learned how to develop an idea, using means of inspiration
boards, mind-maps, initial sketches, silhouettes and thumbnails. I enjoyed
learning these skills because I can use this now known knowledge to further
develop an idea in a professional industry standard.
I learned about Silhouettes and thumbnails, which I find a super
useful when coming up with a concept for either a character, vehicle, prop and
environment. I found out that professionals use this technique and for that
reason I am glad I had the time to grasp this skill.
I learned how to make my own custom brushes, using Photoshop, to
help perfect the overall design of my concept piece. My tutor Tony taught me
how to make a brush out of a simple image of a cloud. I think this is great for
painting skies and giving an environment a smoke or foggy effect. He also
showed me how to make a brush out of a simple squiggle. I now use this
technique in producing my own concept pieces.
Sequential imaging
I found this module very helpful in enhancing my knowledge of
storyboards. I learned a new technique which I have been using to get more
accurate drawings of shape and detail.
This technique consists of importing an image into Photoshop,
decreasing it's opacity just enough and using a new layer to sketch over
the top getting the overall shape and values.
Digital Skills - Prop Design
At the start of this module I was ecstatic because I was finally
going to learn the fundamentals of 3D modelling. In this module we were
learning how to make a three dimensional prop for a game. With me able to come
up with a cool idea, most of the time, I decided instead of making your
common weapon I would take a different approach. Inspired by the Diamond
pickaxe from Minecraft that and a sci-fi pick which looked like it came from
the game Borderlands. The only complaints I have to say about the project is
was not having enough time to finish off my pick and give it a more realistic
look and trying to decipher how to unwrap a 3D model. However I now know
how to do so and for that I'm a pleased because that was one skill I
wanted to learn.
Practice enrichment
This projects had it's ups and downs. From the start I loved
learning how to do a 25 frame animation, I admit I went over the limit but It
gave my animation life, probably because I watch a lot of animated cartoons and
movies. I enjoyed this part of the module because it helped me come up with my
own characters inspired by Transformers and beast Wars. I learned how to come
up with a frame by frame animation. I believe I would have struggled without
the use of my surface pro 3, however I could probably use a tablet in it's
place.
I learned how to use
a new software, and in my own opinion I I didn't like very well I feel like if
I had more knowledge of the program I would like it and use it more but for now
I'll stick with Cinema4D and 3Ds Max.
The module was all about coming up with a 3D model of a character
I liked this module because it helped me to come up with my
Converterz (C) Adam Chapman 2014
From the start It was a little daunting.
Contextual studies
This has got to be by far my most stressful module, I have had
experience writing essays before, however, by the time I started this I forgot
how to do essays. I did not like this and although it is an academic project I
felt like I didn't get anything out of it other than the stress. Unlike other
topics where I greatly benefited.
Animation for games
From the start I had a set idea which in my case is a bad thing
however I was glad I stuck with that one idea. I learned how to use reference
images to capture motion. I also found out the many different techniques in an
animation and came up with a pretty cool character, I guess you could say it
was a persona of myself.
Work based learning
From the start I thought of coming up with a humanoid alien cat
like girl but throughout development I changed her to be more anthropomorphic.
Personal professional development
Things I loved doing
Concept art, 3D modelling, Animation, Character Design, Environmental
design, prop design.
I Enjoyed the Concept art, storyboarding and 3D modelling module
because I feel I learned something new each day.
Thing I didn't like doing
Having a limited amount of time to finish each idea.
Having days where I had creative block and or sickness.
What I have learned
What I will do next / in the future
My plan is to continue college until I have a vast amount of
knowledge. In the future I might work for some game companies doing either
concept art for characters, prop design or 3D modelling and rigging. My big goal
is to come up with a trustworthy team and make games as my own games company
starting out small but ambitious!
What companies I could work for.
Ubisoft, Rockstar games, Square Enix, etc. I chose Ubisoft because they are the creators of Rayman I like the art style and animation styles. As for Rockstar games They created the GTA series, which I like because they combined both exploration, shooting and driving into one game. I would work for Square Enix because they do beyond realistic games.
