3D Modeling & Animation Reflections

2025-2026

Quarter 1

Why Did I Choose This Class?

09/03/25

The reason I chose this class is mainly because I saw the word animation. I am very interested in film and visualizing my ideas. I thought that the class would help me with that and hopefully it will. It has not been long and I am very excited to get to know more

Module 1 Reflection

09/09/25

Before building the temple of the primitives, I learned how to navigate 3DS max, and how to use the basic tools. I learned how to block out shapes, using basic primitives such as a box, or sphere. Using these basic primitives, I was able to build three different models. These models include the following:

Snowman

The snowman was my first model. It made me become familiar with creating and placing primitives, and using them to create something

Pencil

The pencil was more about precision. Using the shapes to create one solid body required me to use multiple viewports, and edit parameters to my liking.

The temple

The temple was a combination of all I learned in building these models, to create a scene. It was helpful as to further familiarize myself with 3DS max and to increase my abilities in scene creation.

Everyone knows that the basics are the first thing you need to know if you are to get good at something. Considering I am to take this class for another quarter and a half, and that I may use this software in the future, it is essential that I know the basics. Each tool I used within these projects are important, as are all tools in 3DS max. I may use these tools in the future for everything on 3ds max. So if I plan on continuing to use the software, I am set to do so.

Here are the models I reference in the text. I apologize for the low quality.

Module 2 Reflection

9/16/25

In module 2 I learned more about basic primitives and scene creation. I also became familiar with grouping and placement. Especially working on Alfie Hitch cat, a Lego animal that required specific placement and organization. This project also helped me with file organization, which is essential to the preservation of my projects. Things I learned were more on the tool side rather than the modeling itself, like snapping and different transformation tools.

All of the skills I learned in this module, especially file organization, will be helpful in the creation and preservation of 3d projects in the future. Using skills I learned, I will now have ways to make exact measurements and keep my scenes in order. I hate the way I sound right now. I learned stuff and it was and will be important . Thank you

This is Alfie, a Lego cat I made using snaps to make the exact placements to give it that hand built Lego vibe.

^This is Alfie in the Temple of The Primitives, a project from the previous module

This is my Four Corners scene, which used keyboard entries to create an exact replica of the reference.

Module 3 Reflection

10/13/25

In this module I learned how to refine shapes and make them more detailed. I learned how to use the editing tools that help me make detailed items like the edit poly tool. I learned how to use splines and how to apply them to shapes. during this I made a chess pawn, a spaceship, mushrooms, flowers, rocks, a submarine, a Lego minifigure, a screwdriver, and a Torah and Yad.
These tools are essential to making my models look real. This module was the next and one of the most important steps in my journey in 3D modeling. Additionally, this helped me apply my visions to my models using reference pictures, which will be extremely helpful in both digital and physical 3D design mediums, such as clay.

Module 4 Reflection

10/30/25

In this module I focused on lighting and cameras. Doing so I improved the overall look of my scenes. After this module I was able to get more realistic renders and add mood to my models. I made a recreation of a scene from the iconic move "Citizen Kane" which is famous for its lighting, I used lighting on my Torah model from the previous module, and other things like that. I can now confidently create scenes with depth.

The skills I learned can and will be used to make renders and possibly set design. I can use lighting to simulate a real stage, and obviously I can use it to light my scenes. This can be shown in each of my projects from this module, especially the Citizen Kane one, where I used lighting to create a great scene. The things I learned will be useful now and in the future when it comes to 3d modeling and anything including lighting. The cameras resembled real cameras, but I already use one, and understand that. This is why that was not included. I also mentioned it so I can share that I like cameras. I use a Canon Powershot A95, but it is now sadly broken after 30 years of its existence.

Module 5 Reflection

10/30/25

In this module I learned how to apply materials and adjust my renders to be the best they can be. I learned how to use materials and maps to create better and more realistic models. I did so in projects like "The Heart Of The Ocean", "The One Ring, and the "Maltese Falcon" among others. Within these projects I also learned to adjust my render settings, using trial and error to create the best finished products I can. All of this combined showed huge growth in product quality.

I'm exited to use materials in the future to make better models. This will be useful should I continue modeling. This will bring my ability to create much better and easier I might add. I'm not sure what else to write but I have a quota. This is a sentence technically. Okay bye.

Quarter 1 Reflection

10/31/25

This quarter I learned everything I need to know to be an amateur 3d modeler. I learned how to make basic models and basic abilities within 3ds Max in the first module. In the second, I learned better scene creation and placement within a scene, as well as furthered my knowledge of basic modeling. in the third module I learned how to further detail my models using editing tools like edit poly and mesh smooth. In module four I started to learn about lighting and better scene creation using lights, cameras, and rendering. In module five I learned how to navigate, apply, and control materials to make realistic objects and create great renders. This was my quarter.

Some projects that really stand out to me are the Citizen Kane Scene Recreation, my Torah Scroll and yad, and my Field Scene. Creating the Torah, I was able to express some creative freedom, and furthered my understanding of detail. Whilst making the Citizen Kane scene, I was given an impressive introduction to lighting and cameras, and was an efficient and fun project to create. The field scene, like the Torah, allowed creative freedom, but not too much. It helped me make my own items within a guided space, which allowed for me to increase my ability to create models.

In conclusion, this quarter was productive. I went from knowing absolutely nothing about 3d modeling, and I mean nothing, to being able to create models that look fuggin sick within a matter of weeks. The class is fun, allows for creative expression, and is potentially helpful for multiple jobs in the future. I don't even know what to expect for the next quarter because I feel as if I've finished being a beginner. While obviously that's not true, it is still hard to predict what I'll learn next quarter.

Quarter 2

Module 6 Reflection

11/17/25

In the module I went more in depth with maps. I learned how to use UVW maps to improve application to my models. To practice this, I made a tank with different textures assigned to different parts of the tank, as well as a recreation of an Indiana Jones Lego character. Though the module was short, it was difficult and I definitely struggled. I am glad I am able to use UVWs to a certain extent.

This was very important for future models, especially for detailed ones. Without this, I'd have bland, opaque solid colored models. With the maps as well as materials, I can add a great amount of detail to my models. Though arguably not as important as materials, it still adds a lot of potential for detail in the future.

Module 7 Reflection

In this module I learned how to rig objects. Rigging objects concerns movement and structure in animation. It sort of acts as bones. I rigged a Golem, having it walk through my old temple. Things I learned included rigging, controllers, IK chains etc.

This info will certainly be useful in the future. It will allow me to create smooth movement in not just humans and animals, but objects as well. Animation is much easier and much better looking with rigging.

Module 8 Reflection

In this module I learned the basics of animation. With this I was able to bring my models to life using everything I had learned in the past. I did this in a project titled "The Big Premier" where I animated a man running from a stone Golem. I learned keyframes, basic animation, rendering animation, etc.

This module is essential to bringing models to life. Hopefully if I continue this I'll be able to animate more and test my skills. The animation process will add movement to everything, really pulling a viewer in.

Sadly, due to my submissions being videos and the lateness of this reflection, I am unable to provide examples.

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