3D Animation Project Part 1

1. Story
     The most anticipated race of the year has finally arrived. All of the other mice had their turns to complete around the complex tracks of the playhouse and now its finally the last racer, Tim, turn to complete the race before the winner can be announced. Tim speeds off, clearing every curves swiftly. He drives he mousetrap car skillfully, beating all the other racers' timings at the checkpoints. The other racers decided to set up a trap for Tim by driving their mousetrap car and position properly so that the entire track is being blocked off. Tim reaches the last stretch of the race, where he see that he will crash and fail to complete the race due to the mousetrap cars blocking the track. Tim notices a new toy brought in at the side of the road, "The Bomberman". With the knowledge of Bomberman being able to knock off objects using its gigantic marble attached on his stomach, Tim took out a large cheese and throws at the back of the Bomberman. The Bomberman activates and shoots its gigantic marble straight at the mousetrap cars. They crashed and cleared the way, as Tim reaches the finishing line, emerging as Champion.

2. Shape
     The Bomberman consist of a few basic shapes. There are 5 spheres, 5 cylinders, 2 polygons and 1 rectangle. Smoothness of the marble will be used in the animation, as well as the edges of the entire toy as it is very round. I may have to place some lights at a distance so that the spherical effect can be seen more clearly. Marble surfaces will be used to create the marble animation at the center of the Bomberman. Also, using tools such as Boolean difference will be used to create clear holes in the animation. Beveling will also be greatly touched on so that it creates a very smooth and textured feel of the animation. Extrusion will be used to create the lever that pushes the marble at the back of the Bomberman. Creating curves will also be touched on to create its irregular circular shaped head and body.

3. Design

 BOMBERMAN

 

Front View

 

Side View 1

 

 

Side View 2

 Back View

Top View

 Bottom View

Week 3 Lab 2 (Washing Board)

In this assignment, I've learned how to use many different shapes to form into a particular object by aligning them and also creating textures. Using the tools such as Extrude and Bevel, texture of the washing board can be created with the rough surfaces look (the board). Using Modify > Alight Tool, this helps a lot when aligning objects with each other rather than going through the hassle of checking the values of x, y and z for each object. This provides a fast and accurate way in aligning the objects together. I've also learned to use Windows > Outline to move different objects under one heading so that they will be easily located as more and more objects come into the scene.

 Creating several objects to form a item: Washing Board.

 Using the aligning tool to align several objects together accurately.

 Creating the two legs of each side, and aligning them in place.

The final output of the assignment.

Week 3 Lab 2 (Train Track Modelling)

Creating train tracks by using the same method of creating polygons from the front panel just like the assignment, Bucket. The tracks are made by extruding the first polygon shape seen from the front view to create this repetition of polygons, hence forming the train track. The front part is the joint where by the train track can be connected to another track in a more realistic view. By using a new tool learned from this assignment called, Creating Deformers > Nonlinear > Bend. This allow the track to be bend just like a realistic train track.

Creating the joints of the train track.

 Creating bends using the tool: Create Deformers.

Train track can be bent or straightened by changing Curvature value.

Week 4 3D E-Learning (Lab 1) - 3D Mindset

Does multi-tasking give you a real or false sense of having accomplished something?
Personally, I feel that it gives me a real sense of having accomplished something as long as I produce the same results that is expected of me. I agree on the point that we should be doing things the old fashioned way which is doing things by single-tasking as it may allow me to produce better results and also prevent myself from being confused over different matters.


Is learning 3D and design different from learning programming, or is all learning the same? Why?
I feel that learning is different for every single subject. For 3D and design, it requires plenty of exposure and experience. As we become more exposed to many different design elements, we will get to think creatively and having a 3D mindset we creating designing things. As for programming, it requires us to have maximum amount of practice, practice and practice in order to do well for it. However, they do have one similar and important factor, which is failure. When we fail to accomplish the desired result, we will find different ways and methods to achieving it. During this process, we will learn more things instead of whatever we are supposed to follow and hence, become better at it.


The article states that "Learning is actually a very complex operation for an individual". Do you agree with this? Do you feel that you approach your learning in the best way - if yes, how, and if no, how can you change your work style?
I agree with the article that "Learning is actually a very complex operation for an individual." Finding the right learning method is very crucial for one. There may be so many different learning methods and styles but finding that perfect one is a matter of testing and trying these methods. I don't think that I'm approaching my learning in the best way because I still do not produce the desired results that I want. I should be disciplined and more focused in my work which brings the problem of multi-tasking in my work.


What are your thoughts about the last paragraph in the extract?  

I agree with the last paragraph in the extract that communication is very important to have success in business and design. Communicating properly will result in passing information from one to another with the closest meaning to what one is exactly think of. And yes, the ability to write an email, give and take constructive criticism, articulate a solution to a problem, and in some situations talk with a client are foundational skills necessary for success.

Should your lecturers also focus on your work attitude, or just leave you to sink or swim on your own? Why? 
I feel that lecturers should provide us with the basic necessary information with the assignment that we are tasked to complete. This gives us a motivation to do the assigned task as we have an idea of how we can complete it. Throughout the assignment, if we encounter any problems, that's when lecturers can help and also provide us some additional tips. Also, there should be bonus marks for any additional works that are being used in the product of our work so that we will look in depth in our work and produce better and creative animations.

Week 3 3D Lab 1 Part 2 (Vase)

Using exactly the same methods of making the bucket, I drew lines from the front panel view close to the y-axis. By drawing just half of the the vase that I want, I'm able to use the revolve effect to create the entire object out into a vase. By using this method, I'm able to create perfect round shapes and also a very clean revolve of the object. It can be used to create round and circular objects that are not fully just circular such as the vase itself.

Creating a vase using tools such as Revolve.

Week 3 3D Lab 1 Part 2 (Bucket)

Creating the bucket using just lines viewed from the front panel, and revolving it around to create one full bucket.

 

Week 1 3D Lab 2 (Oceans)

Creating oceans in Maya.

Oceans

Week 2 3D Lab 2 (Part 3)

Creating a 3D cardboard box using effects such as waves and bevel.

3D Opened Cardboard Box

3D Week 2 Lab 2 (Toy Train)

Making use of blocks to create a toy train.

Toy Train (Perspective)

 Toy Train (Side)

Week 2 3D Lab 2 (Rat Race)

Modelling blocks with smooth rounded edges.

 Rat Race

Wee 2 3D Lab 2 (Part 3) Boxes

I have problems with creating the open flaps of the cardboard boxes.
I followed closely to the instructions given but it does not help in producing the final result. Asked help from peers but too, it wasn't solved. Hope to seek help from tutor on Monday's 3D Lab session.

Error opening the cardboard boxes.

Week 2 3D Lab 2 (Part 1)

Gears made in Maya.

 

 3D Gears