Quarter 1

Why I Chose 3d Modeling and Animation

I decided to take this class for many reasons, but first and most importantly being an overall love of visual arts. I have been doing art for a long time and always enjoy learning a new kind or type. Since 3d art is a completely new art form to me, this class was very intriguing. I love seeing 3d art in the video game and movie industry, so to be able to learn how it is done is exciting. Another reason I chose this class is because although I am new to 3d art, I have a decent amount of experience in animation through stop-motion and applications like Adobe Animate. I have a lot of fun animating and it has always been something I enjoy spending my time on. Even if I don't continue to pursue 3d modeling in the future, I'm sure that the animation portion of this class will help me in my future endeavors in digital art.

One of the main things I hope to gain out of this class is enough knowledge of Autodesk 3ds Max so that I can feel more comfortable in possibly learning other software. I am hoping that learning a brand new software will help to push me outside of my artistic comfort zone, making other platforms easier to learn.  Another thing I hope to gain is the certificate for this class. if I do decide on a career in 3d modeling, a certificate would be helpful in landing a job, even without the college experience that I would hope to gain.  On the other hand, if I don't decide to pursue a career in 3d modeling, a certificate for 3ds Max would still look good for art-related school and job applications. Overall, my goal for this class is to have at least a basic understanding of Autodesk 3ds Max, as well as to grow my knowledge of animation and art in general.

Module 1 Reflection

In module 1, I learned how to build with primitives in 3ds Max. This module consisted of three modeling projects, being to build a snowman, a pencil, and a temple. I found the snowman and pencil to be quite easy and fun, however the temple, called "Temple of the Primitives," was much harder than the first two, but was still an enjoyable project. In the Temple of the Primitives, I had to block out a simple temple scene using a reference. The temple was made with primitives, but used some more new more complex shapes than shown in the snowman and pencil. I really enjoyed this unit, since I got to make something I was proud of without struggling too much or worrying about realism.

This module helped me learn the basics of modeling in 3ds Max. The subjects taught in this unit will definitely be helpful in the future for a few reasons. Firstly, it will help me when trying to create a rough idea of what I want to make. It will also help me to practice making simple models since I can now, although it will be extremely simple, I can make several different with some time. Blocking out your models is very important, so being able to quickly make a simple model with primitives will help my workflow in the future. I also gained a good knowledge of how to maneuver around my scene, what tools do what, and some useful shortcuts that will definitely help to speed up the process of upcoming projects.

Module 2 Reflection

In this module I learned how to use snaps, transform tools, organize and adjust objects, and organize my files. Snaps was a very important part of this unit since one of the assignments was to create a LEGO cat character, so precise placement was required to make the blocks fit where they needed to. Another thing I learned in this project was how to import other .max files into one project, which was required to get the other parts of the cat character. The other assignment we did during this unit was the "Four Corners" project. This consisted of putting different things in each of the four corners of the plane in which accurate measurements were needed for each objects placement and parameters. This project helped me learn how to modify objects to have them be exact as I want

This unit will help lay the ground work for future projects, since I know have an even more in-depth knowledge of 3ds Max. Knowing how to organize, manage, and import files will improve quality of life, since I won't have to spend a long time searching through folders just to work on one project. The ability to use snaps will assist me when working on a detailed project where precision is required, especially if I ever want to 3d print anything that I make. Knowing how to modify parameters will also help for the same thing, since guessing the size or location of something will definitely result in an inaccurate model. During the cat modeling assignment I learned how to import and merge files, which will be useful if I ever want to collaborate with someone else. Overall, this unit taught me a wide array of things that I will undoubtedly use in the future no matter how complex the project or assignment is.

Module 3 Reflection

In this module I learned several things, and did numerous projects. The two largest projects were the Lego minifigure and the object modeling. Some of the subjects I got practice using and understanding were splines, modifiers, and booleans. I also learned some general problem solving, time management, and workflow skills during the object modeling. Since I had to take my own reference photos, I couldn't just trace a perfectly accurate image so I had to figure out how to model something as perfectly as I could without the best photos or a video to follow. There were several smaller projects such as the screwdriver, chess pawn, field scene, toy submarine, and spaceship, which all went over specific attributes of 3ds Max.

This module is important since it showed me how to manage completing a project or assignment without a video telling me everything I needed to know. Aside from the several new 3ds Max features I can confidently use, I now know what to do when making something all by myself. I have a better understanding of what I am capable of when it comes to how fast and well I can work. One of my favorite things in this unit is how to use splines, which will make so many things easier now that I know how to us them. Although this unit has a lot of projects, each one of them was worth it due to the amount of knowledge and confidence I gained after completing the module.

Module 4 Reflection

In this module I learned about cameras and lighting. We did two projects involving mostly lighting being the three-point lighting project and the table lamp project. I learned how to successfully place cameras and adjust them to my liking, and learned the basics of placing and adjusting lights to create realistic and well-lit renders. Most of this unit was spent learning about the camera and lighting tools rather than making projects with them, however this ended up being worth it since it made using them a lot easier.  I really enjoyed the three-point lighting activity since I was able to use my heat press model from the previous module and made a clean render using it.

This module was very important, since I can now create rendered images. Before, all of my projects were just screenshots of what I had modeled. After completing this unit, I can now create backdrops, lighting, and cameras to have my models feel a little more polished. Although some of the topics were confusing, they will help me to create better finished products. I hope to explore lighting and cameras more to even further increase the level of production for my future work.

Quarter 1 Reflection

Over the course of this quarter I learned many of the basics of 3ds Max, and even some more advanced techniques and skills. I started off the quarter having almost no knowledge about 3d modeling at all, and even less when it comes to working in 3ds max. Despite starting off as a complete beginner, I was able to grow a surprising amount of confidence in my modeling abilities, and learned several skills such as how to block out models using simple shapes, how to create detailed models with more advanced methods such as modifiers, how to use lighting and rendering to create a polished scene, and the general workflow of creating a model from start to finish. My understanding of 3d modeling has increased significantly as well. I have now established a general muscle memory of the 3d Studio Max software, and the ability to work fast under time constraints and deadlines. I have developed a strong vocabulary for terms and expressions used in 3ds Max. My main goals for next quarter are to have a better understanding of using lighting in my scenes, and I am looking forward to learning about animation. I hope to be well versed enough in 3ds Max to be able to create models and animations on my own, and am going to work my hardest to complete and gain my certification in the second quarter.

Quarter 2

Module 5 Reflection

In this module I learned more about rendering images and I learned how to assign materials to images. We made a scene using four different objects being a ring, a diamond, a bowling ball, and a falcon sculpture. Learning about materials was difficult at times, since the interface could be intimidating with so many settings and types of maps and materials. However, I found it very satisfying to have a good-looking and realistic render after assigning  the right materials. Overall, I thought this unit was interesting and it was nice to start learning something completely new again.

This module was very important because before this unit my models only used colors in the final product. Now that I have completed this module, I can add another layer of realism to my renders. The ability to create my own materials and modify existing ones will help me make professional looking projects. I will definitely use the skills I learned in this module in almost all of my future projects to create more pleasing visuals. I hope to learn more about the subjects taught in this unit since I will hopefully be better and faster at making my own materials.

Module 6 Reflection

In this module I learned how to apply UVW maps to models. I created two projects, one being the LEGO Indiana Jones minifigure, and the other being a simple textured tank. I found the tank very fun since it was fairly simple and easy to do. The minifigure was significantly more complicated and required more tools and knowledge, but I was still able to complete it without too much difficulty. Learning about all of the different subjects within this unit could be pretty hard at times, but I am impressed that I was able to create good looking final products even with the struggles this module presented.

This module was very important because it shows a whole new side of 3d modeling. UVW maps are very difficult but very necessary to increase your skill and the quality of your models. This unit was very complex and I found it hard at times to remember everything I was taught, especially when there were so many new subjects, tools, and abilities being thrown at me. Despite the confusion that I experienced in this module, the things I learned will be helpful in giving me more flexibility with my projects. I can now use my knowledge of texturing and UVWs to create more detailed and realistic models. I hope to gain a better understanding of UVWs since I believe that they could help me seriously improve at 3d modeling.

Module 7 Reflection

In this module I learned how to rig my models with bones. I created one project being the Frankenstone's Monster project. During this unit I created a skeleton for Frankenstone's monster which I used to pose him and Dr. Frankenstone to make creative scenes. I really enjoyed all of the new things I learned and I found it especially fun to use inverse kinematics. I liked the realistic movement achieved when using the HI inverse kinematics that I applied to the monster's arm, and like being able to create a biped skeleton for the monster to move. 

I will certainly use the skills I learned in this module in my future projects. I will especially use rigging during the next module, since it is the animation unit. I thought that it was nice to have a  break from the more confusing topics such as UVW, and to learn a more fun and interesting tool. While some parts of this unit were difficult, I usually solved my issues quickly. I am very glad that I got to learn topics and tools covered in this unit  since it was something I had heard about but didn't know how to use. I am really looking forward to the animation module and am excited to put my new skills to the test.

Module 8 Reflection

In this module, I learned the basics of animation in 3d Studio Max. I created three projects, being the Indiana Jones project, and the Four Corners animation project. Some of the topics we explored consisted of general animation practices, as well as more specific 3ds Max tools. One of the tools that was discussed were tangents, which I found somewhat confusing but interesting and helpful at the same time. The Indiana Jones project took the longest by far, but it was worth it since once I got the the Four Corners project, I was much faster due to all of the skills I had learned previously in the unit.

I will find the skills taught in this unit in the future, especially for my performance based measurement. Hopefully I will also be able to start using 3ds Max on my own time and will be able to use my animation knowledge to make some great projects. The knowledge I gained from this module was very important, and it was nice to expand my former knowledge. One of the tools I will find the most useful will definitely be the tangents, since I will be able to have more control over my keyframes. Overall, this was one of my favorite units, and I am very excited to see what I can do with my new abilities to animate in 3d Studio Max.

Four Corners Animation

It was very helpful to have my project folders and files organized, especially for the 4 corners animation assignment. If I hadn't purposefully placed my files where I did, I would have had a lot of trouble finding my file for this assignment since I would have had to look through several older files. Adding a path constraint for the car changed its movement by having it follow along the path of the road. However, I still had to make some adjustments to make it follow the path correctly, such as enabling the "Follow" option, giving the car a slight bank, and flipping it's axis so it drove forwards instead of backwards. After extending the animation to 24 seconds, the car moved slower. This was because I used the Re-scale Time option which was necessary since without it the car would have moved very fast. Changing the frame rate to 30 fps instead of 29.97 basically did nothing, however if the change was more dramatic, the animation would have looked faster and "smoother." I learned that when it comes to frame rate in animation timing, it is important to choose a frame rate that matches the movement, speed, and style of your animation.

Adding different types of lights impacted my scene by making it look and feel a lot more dynamic. Despite having trouble figure out how to set keyframes for different intensities for the individual lights, I am very glad I pushed through the challenge and got the day/night cycle working. Using the align tool on the headlights helped to make them properly centered in the right spots and using the link tool ensured that they would follow the car. Adding a day and night cycle made my animation much more interesting and complete instead of just a couple of stationary lights. Some key adjustments I had to make were changing the color and multiplier on the sun rays and skylight. It was important to enable shadows for my final render so that it looked more realistic and helped show where the sunlight was coming from. Placing cameras made it so my scene did a better job of grabbing the viewers attention, and after positioning and linking my cameras, my scene became much more interesting than just one non-moving view.

Quarter 2 Reflection

In this quarter, I learned a lot of very important things, such as texturing, rigging, and animation. Despite facing some difficulties, such as the complexity of the UVW project, or the many new interfaces taught in these units, addressed them well by pushing past the problem and doing my best to stay focused and determined. My understanding of 3D modeling concepts has improved significantly over the quarter since many of the things I learned have become somewhat of a second nature, and my workflow and speed has increased. The PBM final project helped me understand the planning and setup parts of 3D modeling, since I noticed that the parts of my planning I spent less time on had more of an impact on my workflow later in the project. Overall, this quarter helped me improve the skills and techniques I learned in quarter one, as well as teach me new important skills.