3D Modeling & Animation Reflections
2025-2026
2025-2026
In module 1 I learned a lot of the basics of 3Ds Max. I learned how to use basic tools and how to create basic primatives such as teapot, sphere, box, cone, etc. I was also taught all the basic shortkeys like e for rotate and w for move. I learned all the viewports and what they do and how to use them to the best of my ability. This information really got me started and has got me thinking about how i'd use them.
I'd use these skills I learned from this course to make new projects in the future. For example if I create a business and need a logo then I already know the basics of 3Ds Max and can create that for myself. I can also see myself using the short cuts to be able to jump around the program easier. Im gonna use the viewports more to get accurate on what im making and make sure everything makes sense. This module has taught me a lot of basics which has given me the ability to express myself in basic forms inside of 3Ds Max.
In module 2 I learned more in depth stuff about the program and put together a little lego cat. One useful skill I learned was snaps. Snaps are a way to snap objects onto one another so you can get them lined up accurately. In this module I used the viewports to accurately line up primatives to create a character. In this module I learned a lot of new skills and got to use some of the skills from module 1 more in depth.
I would use the a lot of these skills to improve future works. I'd use the snap tool to more accurately place things together without having to check multiple view ports to see if everything is perfectly lined up. If I were to choose not to use the snaps tool I could go into different perspectives to make sure my objects are lined up perfectly. The snaps tool is very important because it makes sure you are accurate no objects are slightly off. I learned a lot of new skills this module and can now use them in the next module.
3/27/26
In module 3 I used a lot of the tools i've learned about and learned new ones to build a Lego person. I learned how to bevel an object to create the top of the head and the bottom, I also used the attach tool to attach objects together. I used the bridge tool to create the feet by using 2 box primatives and connecting them. I used the edit poly tool to create the bodies fanned out sides and proboolean for the holes in the back of the leg. I feel I learned the most useful tools in this module that would be good for another project.
I would use things like the bevel tool again to create things like complicated objects and more. I found the bridge tool very helpful and was able to play around and make a interesting little wall with it which it seems perfect for. I would use the proboolean tool to create holes in objects and also attach objects to create interesting textures and shapes using different primatives. I would use the attach tool to attach bridges and objects together to make cool pieces. This module was super fun and had a lot of good information on tools to use to expand my creative output.
Module 4
4/10/26
I learned a lot about cameras, lighting, and rendering in this module. I learned about different types of lights and when to use them. I learned about the different cameras such as target and physical and when to use them appropriately. I will use the information about lights to illuminate scenes properly and get different interesting lighting. I was informed a lot on different lighting and how to set up scenery and it has been very useful.
I plan on using the the information I learned on lights to illuminate scenes and use different intensities on the lights and different colors. I will use the cameras for scenes and use to target camera to precisely get the view of an object. These tools will help me with creating realistic looking scenes and renders. I learned a bit about rendering and find the gray scale option cool if i'd like a vintage look to my renders. I can also use the different camera lenses to add different vibes to my renders. This module is very useful for creating scenes and I will use all of these tools.
Module 5 April 5th
In this module I learned how to navigate the slate material editor. I learned about linking maps to materials to edit the outcome. I learned the different physical materials and editing base color and clear coat. I also learned about different maps on objects. This module has helped me a lot in the later ones.
I will use the physical material editor more to create realism in my scenes. I will experiment with other physical materials to make the scene look how I want. I want to use the shellac material more like I did with the bowling ball. I will play around more with linking different maps to physical materials. I had a lot of fun this module and have used these skills a lot to improve.
Module 6 April 15th
Module 6 was all about mapping objects and applying textures. I learned how to navigate the textures and link physical materials and maps. I was taught how to apply an unwrap map to an object so that you could apply the assigned maps to different parts of the 3D object. I learned a bit more about editing the texture of different materials to get pleasing results. I was happy with how much I learned and will use these more.
I would use the mapping tools in the future to make different lego characters. I think it would also be interesting to see if there was maps for more complicated objects. I really enjoyed working with the materials and will use these to add a aesthetic level up to my renders. I was thinking of using the materials and adding materials to different objects. I really enjoyed this unit and I am excited to continue using these skills.
Module 7
In this module I learned all about Bipeds and how to create a skeleton for a character. I learned how to set up a biped so that it would make the character move properly. I learned how to attach the biped to the object using skin modifiers and adding the bones to it. I also learned how to pose the object after attaching the skin modifier. I enjoyed exploring the biped tool in this module and I am looking forward to using it in the future.
I would use these skills to do a lot of things in future projects one example is, using biped pool to create skeletons for characters. I would also use the knowledge I gained about the skin modifier and link my character and bones. I would then be able to create moveable characters for animations or just posing for renders. I want to be able to make animations and experiment with biped character movement. This was a very educational module because I learned all about how to make these characters come to life.