3D Modeling & Animation
2025-26
2025-26
This piece is being put on display because it was my first project in 3ds Max and shows the basics I learned. I used simple shapes like boxes, cylinders, and cones to build the temple and its columns. One challenge was making everything line up correctly since I had to match a reference image by eye. To fix this, I carefully adjusted the size and position of each object and used the Array tool to copy columns evenly. I also learned how to apply simple colors to match the reference image. This project helped me understand how to create and organize objects in a scene. In short I included this piece because it shows where I started and will help show my progress over time.
Im including this piece because it is visually simple and pleasing, and I am proud of how clean it looks. I created the pawn by drawing a spline and shaping it using Bezier handles. One major challenge I faced was controlling the curves to match the reference image, especially around the top and base. After that, I used the Lathe modifier to turn the 2D shape into a 3D object. I also adjusted settings like segments to make the model smoother. This project required more precision than my earlier work. Overall, it shows my improvement and better understanding of modeling tools.
This piece is one of my favorite because it shows more hands-on work and creativity in my modeling. In this project, I had to manually create and adjust each flower, mushroom, and rock instead of relying on copying tools. I used modifiers like Edit Poly, Taper, Noise, and Bend to change basic shapes into unique designs. One challenge was making each object look different while still fitting together in the same scene. This project helped me better understand how to customize models and control their appearance. I’m proud of it because it shows more effort and improvement in my modeling skills.
3/20/26
This is my favorite project from the quarter. Both models were created primarily from memory and reference images, although many of the reference images were not very detailed. The most difficult part of the project was creating the wheels on the drone, due to the drone wheels having an odd surface, and making the overall proportions look correct. Nearly every part of the models was created using Editable Poly, which became my most-used modeling tool throughout the quarter. Compared to my earlier work, these models required much more attention to detail and accuracy. I feel this project demonstrates how much my modeling skills have improved and remains the piece I am most proud of creating this quarter.
4/27/26
I am including this piece because it shows how I went beyond the original requirements of the assignment. The assignment only required posing FrankenStone and Indiana Jones using an existing skeleton, but I decided to create additional scenes around those poses. For the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots scene, I built an entire wrestling ring and created a lighting setup to make the scene feel more dramatic. I later reused the environment for the People's Elbow render. What I am most proud of is how much personality these scenes have despite being created from a simple posing assignment.
6/4/26
I am including this piece because it is the largest and most ambitious environment I created this quarter. The original prompt involved an abandoned classroom where an old projector would turn on and scare the protagonist into an endless hallway loop. While I was not able to fully complete that sequence due to time constraints, I am proud of how the hallway evolved during development. It was not originally intended to be a liminal space, but the repeating lockers, checkered flooring, and long layout gradually created that feeling. I also used a large number of referenced copies and grouped assets to build the environment efficiently.