Sept 23

After a long weekend of working on modular props and blocking out my spaces, I've finally gotten to a point where I can begin to add in detail pieces.

Here are some shots of what I had done before the weekend (not including the railings. Those were built in class wednesday) -

And some shots of what I had after class today -

For now I'm moving on to realistic glass and then on to proper texturing and light sources.

BFA Proposal

BFA Proposal

For my Senior Studio I would like to build one fully fleshed out environment in 3D and bring it into the Unreal Development Kit in order to create a fully interactive and explorable scene. I would be using many tools to create the environment such as Maya, Zbrush, Photoshop, dDo, nDo, xNormal, 3DS Max, and UDK. Additionally, I would like my environment to tell a story. Though not explicitly expressed, the details and clues around the environment will clue the viewer in to a narrative that the world was built around.
   As for the narrative, I would like to explore the realm of conspiracy theories, specifically those surrounding the time period of the cold war. I would like to build a 1960's secret government base, housing the “World Containment Initiative,” A government that is known to nobody and is ruled by nobody. This government is essentially the one World Government. The power that secretly watches over the entire planet. This group is responsible for many acts around the world that may have been attributed to one person, or are possibly chalked up to a mystery. Acts such as assassinations, disappearances, elections, and terrorism, all in the greater interest of the world as a whole. Though few in number, these “government officials” hold an enormous amount of power and influence with the greatest world leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, and are able to perform any act, good or bad, in order to achieve the desired results.
    The end result will be created using a realistic style, as to help in selling the story and environment to the viewers. The intended tone is a serious one, and I believe going for a realistic style will be the most effective in achieving that tone. Additionally, I would like to apply certain depth of field and bokeh effects to achieve a “polaroid” look on the players view. I feel that this will help the viewer focus on the details, as well as help create an older, 1960's feel.
     The final format for my work will be built in to one executable file, Much like a videogame. I will put the file on a pc and plug the pc into a television or monitor that will be hanging on the wall or sitting on a table. I will have an xbox 360 controller plugged into the pc so that the viewer may freely explore the environment using a familiar control scheme. Provided I have the time, I would also like to create set pieces to go in the exhibit. For example, a false 1960's tv would encase the actual screen, and the WCI Logo would be on the wall behind it, as well as glasses of scotch or whiskey on the table along with an old ash tray and some secret government papers.

Visual Aids:

Exhibit Display - 

 Equipment Needed:

-A workstation PC with Unreal Development Kit
-A fairly powerful PC for the exhibit
-A TV or Monitor for the exhibit

Calendar:

September-
16-Have Concept Finished
18-30: Prop Modeling (at LEAST one new finished prop per day)
 October-
02-30: Prop Modeling / Environment Modeling
November-
04-27: Bring into Udk and Polish
December-
02-06: Construct Exhibit Props

Self-Assessment

Artistically, I view myself as a 3D artist. I have at least a foundation in almost all aspects of 3D art, and I have focused my efforts into creating game-ready assets, and the tools associated with them. Much of my inspiration is directed towards otherworldly ideas, such as a futuristic concept or a supernatural, surreal environment. I don't believe that I have defined a style for myself in my 3D work yet. I have always worked off of the found energy from may many different inspirations. I would not consider myself an “Idea person” as I have always struggled with the formation of concepts and original ideas, not to say I have no originality, though. Because of this I have focused my efforts into coming as close as I can to industry standards, and refining the work that I have to a professional degree. I believe my technical skills are my advantage. I know how to do many things and I can do them well. Applying those things to something greater and more creative is where I struggle.Much of my inspiration comes from certain concept artists. For example, Sparth never fails to spark something in my head whenever I see a piece of his. Below are some Examples. At this point I feel that I am a technically proficient 3D artist who is still developing creatively.