Friday, 6 May 2016

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.



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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


5 Great Examples for Creative Business Card Designs

This is just a list of 5 awesome design ideas for a creative business card!


This is something I would be willing to do a business card in the shape of a paint pallet, Brilliant!

Nice big creative font for the name
cool icons showing contact information
and a good minimal colour scheme.

This has inspired me to come up with something similar to this only it would have more colour.

I like the simple graphics for the icons I will definitely try this out when I create my own business card.

The concept was actually created by Tanya Kozlova

here a link to her Behance page https://www.behance.net/kozlova

http://www.creativebloq.com/branding/business-card-designs-5132829

For people who love lego your gonna like this. Check it out these employees get their own mini figures as business cards!

What could be cooler than a lego min fig that looks like you and even has the name and contact details printed on the figure. Neat idea

Text could be more creative perhaps a friendlier font? this lego is it not it should have a fun lego font!

This has inspired me to create a lego business card of my own!



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2653243/Everything-awesome-Lego-executives-use-customized-mini-figurines-business-cards.html














This is one of the coolest musical business cards ever! not only does it look pleasing. It  can play a sweet classic rock tune too!

Being a huge fan a musical insterments and music in general I would love to have one of these.

This has gave me an idea of making a piano business card!






This is an interesting idea what do you do when your stranded on a island or dark Forrest have no food don't worry just make sure you don't forget to back your handy business card!

Seriously  a business card made out of meat?!
Wow this is a really cool idea not to say I would do this myself but you got to admit you want one!

This has given me an idea to make an edible business card dang it now I'm hungry!



Say Cheese! Wait it's a business card?

At first glance I though this was real. for photography this would be epic!

nice consistent text and cool interface design.

Weekly Reflection!

Captains blog supplemental :

Over the past few days things have been hectic. however before we get into that the idea for my apocalyptic vehicle has drastically changed.

After getting feedback from both my Tutors, Parents and peers I have changed from making a hyper realistic apocalyptic vehicle to a simple cartoon stylized set of vehicles. This could be because of bad timing on my part or because my style has been influenced from playing simplistic blocky, voxel games. Games like Smashy Roads, Traffic Rush 2, Smashy City and of course Crashy Dashy!


Thursday, 14 April 2016

Yet another exciting weekly refelection!

Creative's log supplemental:

As I've said before in my last reflection I have decided to do a crazy cool idea. This was creating a 3D model of a apocalyptic vehicle. I have done the concepts and have started some attempts at modeling the beast. Not to be confused with 'The Beast' within the set of apocalyptic vehicles.

Anyway been battling creative block and am fairly confident with the concept I chose.

These are some dead early images of how I am tackling starting the 3D modeling phase.
See I told you I would add some images.


With the help of my tutor he made this mock up of a dodge ram from a blueprint. At this point I was not in anyway near certain how I was going to start so it was good to get a little push in the right direction.


Some  different views

This is my first attempt Yay!... or not so much. Not only had I not been using a blueprint to get the right proportions down but I forgot how to use the mirror option to get a spitting double. How embarrassing. To me this looks like either a doorstop or a truck cloth. yeah let's go with that the new improved car door stop tuck cloth thing!

I was mainly modeling from this view most of the time I was using Wire frame mode to push and pull verts.

I am liking this one eyeballing from my Snow Basher Ref sheet I created the some what decent looking shape. Looks like a truck to me! I added some cylinders on the sides cut them up and used a shell modifier to block out the wheel arches. probably not the smartest way to build a truck but eh I looks Ok for my first time.


I wanted to add some wheels to see what it would look like This is just a mock up of the model the first stages of it. Oh and the reason there are two colors is because of the mirror modifier.


 Yep bet you didn't see this one coming. I started again totally from scratch not reference. The reason I did this was becuase at the time I have been playing many simple mobile games like Smashy City, Splashy Roads, Crossy roads. and in my mind I was saying well these modeling look really easy to make. So this could be a fall back plan If I don't get this truck finished.


I created these type of toy car hybrids in Cinema 4D before learning how to create things within 3Ds Max.


In Conclusion what I have learned over the few days back from Easter is if your going to tackle a big project like building a car. Use reference imagery to at least get the proportions right.

I am sort of proud of these models but not as nearly as proud as I would be fishing out a hyper realistic model. but one step at a time.


As for my work based learning I finally decided what I wanted to do! Unfortunately I can't show the pictures at the moment because I have to get around to scanning. however cleaning around the house has sort of taken over my schedule from time to time.

My Concept is a Angel undecided. could be good, bad or both. I looked at a lot of reference from barely clothed to robed and even decked out in sweet Armour. My goal is to get a balance so she doesn't look to inappropriate. I mean I could make her but naked but I don't think realistically going out in battle field naked is really the best ideas.

I will eventually get around to adding some images of my undecided angel. for now however I need to focus on the task at hand modeling my Snow Basher!

I hope you all enjoyed reading this silly weekly reflection and I'll have more to follow soon!

Saturday, 9 April 2016

Weekly Reflection

Artists blog supplemental:

Been watching Zootropolis trailers and I am eagerly waiting for the DVD release!
I have been so inspired by this film that I have bought both Zootroplis / Zootopia's Art of book.
As well as two how to draw Furries books. It has also inspired me to create some more anthropomorphic characters. I already have a bunch however these new ones will be more animal looking with being as intelligent as a human and of course walking upright. The ones I draw have a way more human look minus the fur of course.

I have been having some time you could say a struggle trying to work. my main battle was struggling to keep and come up with new concepts. Others were lack of motivation not being very inspired and some times depressed. However I'm saying to my self to stay positive and I'll get through it!

My current modules are Digital Skill and Work based learning. I chose to design a 3D apocalyptic vehicle after being inspired by Mad Max 1 to 4. and other apocalyptic movies like 2012, The Day The Earth stood still and Terminator Genesis. It's taken a turn where I had days where I could not decide which vehicle I wanted to model however now I have broken it down to two cars.

As for work based learning  It is suppose to be a live brief
I have went from a Tiger Elf girl to an anthropocentric female tiger and finally to a angel in between stage deciding if she's good evil or both.

To break this up in less words

  • I can't wait for the DVD of Zootroplis / Zootopia
  • I am stressing over which vehicle I should choose to begin modeling. (first time modelling a car) The Snow Basher or Ice Breaker.
  • I am hoping my angel illustration will work for a contest I want to enter.
To over come these small problems I will get feedback from everyone my Tutors, friends and Family.

Oh yeah and have had Shakira's song 'Try everything' stuck in my head for over 6 days LOL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6rP-YP4c5I
Your welcome (evil laugh)
Still a good song though!