When I was younger, I used to make animations using C4D. I became comfortable with it and the quality of my animations was of a good quality. However, I had never used Maya and I was excited to start.
Task 1
The first task was to actually learn to use Maya. We explored how to navigate, use shortcuts, duplicate, set projects, save in increments, manipulate 3d shapes by using different modes such as faces and edges, and creating sunflowers.
FINAL IMPRESSION: Maya feels like it has a big learning curb but I do enjoy that challenge. It is reminiscent of C4D so I didn’t have as much trouble as others who were completely new to 3D. I am grateful for what Sonya taught us and I am glad I have a bigger understanding of the software. I feel like there’s so much potential and so many possibilities I can explore with it.
Task 2
Next we learnt lighting and rendering. We explored the different lighting options such area light, spot lights and hdris. We also explored texturing. We learnt how to create textures, and to manipulate its properties such as speculation, reflectiveness and transparency. Finally we learnt how to render, such as all the individual settings to create a higher quality render.
FINAL IMPRESSION: When I used to do this in C4D, I found it quite a challenge to get effective lighting so I created a universal light setup for all my animations. I feel like I will have to do the same with Maya as Lighting, in my opinion, is the hardest aspect. To get perfect lighting and rendering is so complex and I feel like we just touched the surface here.
Intermission
For our final task we had to present a story in three ways. In this class, we explored the basic aspects of cinematography such as composition and camera angles. Personally this was a breeze. I feel like studying fine art has made me recognise how to create an effective composition that leads the eye exactly where I want it to with ease.
Final Task
For this task, we had to create a low poly world. We then have to create a narrative for our low poly world.
THE PROCESS: I decided to create a dojo. Why? because I believe the shapes in Japanese and Chinese architecture are very interesting. I allow love samurai. The first thing I did was create a design board. This will give me a direction on how to design my world.
After collecting these images, I decided to design my world.
Next, I decided to model and texutre.
Finally I decided to add lighting and render my final scene.
Here are my final outcomes. You’re probably thinking, nothing happens? Where’s the narrative? My narrative is that nothing happens. Samurais are into meditation and living calm lives. They are indifferent to their environments and don’t let it affect their emotions. It may seem underwhelming but that is how I believe life should be lived, and I personally believe it isn’t boring to not be a slave to your emotions.
FINAL IMPRESSIONS: I enjoyed working on this project. It was frustrating at times but that is the case with all art. I only wish I had more to spend on this.
TO IMPROVE: First thing I would’ve done is worked on the lighting and rendering more, to make it seem more engaging and clearer. Next I would have added low poly clouds to one of the scene and rain also. I would have also liked to add the bonsai tee to have some green to contrast with the other colours. Another thing I would have liked to add is some low poly fish to add movement to the scene. I would have also liked to add a lamp on the night scene to add a focal point and create contrast with value. It would’ve been nice to add individual planks to the bridge to create more depth and a window, which I wasn’t able to do because I didn’t have the knowledge to.