3D Design & Animation Blog - Fall 2025
3D Design & Animation Blog - Fall 2025
Final Project Workday
Watched: 10 Amazing Projects Made In Maya
Light: Physical Sky
Setup a simple Physical sky using Arnold. In the Main Menu select Arnold > Lights > Physical Sky. You can either render it with the Arnold renderer or use the live renderer. Render Window - Arnold > Render
The background turns black. Maya creates a large sphere that surrounds you scene.
Right-Click on the object you want to change the material and hold. Choose Assign New Material
A new window will appear. Choose Shader under Arnold and then aiStandardSurface.
Change the Color . . .
Render Window - Arnold > Render
It should look something like this . . .
Inspiration
Increase subdivisions of an object to sculpt details. You can change this by selecting a object and opening the Channel Box.
Inspiration
Introduced Sculpting Tool
Lift/Push - hold {ctrl} to push
Smooth
Pull (drag)
Brush Size - Hold Down {b} and hold left mouse button & move
Magnitude - Hold Down {m} and hold left mouse button & move
Use the Sculpting Tool to modify you scene . Change anything and everything.
CGI Dreamworks Animation Studio Pipeline | CGMeetup
Become proficient with:
Lift
Smooth
Grab
Pinch
Flatten
The History of 3D Animation: Part 2 | InFocus Film School
Get comfortable with:
Navigation
Move Tool
Rotate Tool
Scale Tool
Get Comfortable with:
Component mode:
Vertex
Edge
Face
Channel Box
Inputs
Inputs in the Channel Box
The History of 3D Animation: Part 1 | InFocus Film School
Where we came from . . . The Adventures of André and Wally B. 1984
Make something cool with privative shapes . . .
Where we are going . . .
Get comfortable with:
Navigation
Move Tool
Rotate Tool
Scale Tool
Get Comfortable with:
Component mode:
Vertex
Edge
Face
Channel Box
Inputs
Inputs in the Channel Box
Finish Reflection and Finish Final Project
Porsche Lucasfilm Design New Star Wars TIE Fighter X Wing Millennium Falcon Star Wars + Porsche
Final Project Workday
Day 9
1 hour
Final Project Workday
Day 8
1 hour 30 minutes
Final Project Workday
Day 7
1 hour 30 minutes
Summary of Activities: In a well thought out manner, briefly describe what you worked on in complete sentences. Which should address:
Key Achievements: Note any significant progress or milestones.
Challenges: Mention any obstacles you faced.
Next Steps: Outline your immediate next tasks.
Spelling & Grammar: Check Spelling & Grammar
Add two Screen Shots
Include Date: Add the date you worked on project.
Final Project Workday
Day 6
1 hour 30 minutes
Summary of Activities: Briefly (in complete sentences) describe what you worked on. Which may include:
Key Achievements: Note any significant progress or milestones.
Challenges: Mention any obstacles you faced.
Next Steps: Outline your immediate next tasks.
Spelling & Grammar: Check Spelling & Grammar
Add two Screen Shots
Include Date: Add the date you worked on project.
Final Project Workday
Day5
1 hour 30 minutes
Why the Best Animations in the World are Made with Autodesk Maya
Final Project Workday
Day 4
1 hour 30 minutes
Summary of Activities: Briefly (in complete sentences) describe what you worked on. Which may include:
Key Achievements: Note any significant progress or milestones.
Challenges: Mention any obstacles you faced.
Next Steps: Outline your immediate next tasks.
Spelling & Grammar: Check Spelling & Grammar
Add two Screen Shots
Include Date: Add the date you worked on project.
POST in your portfolio the your complicated "Whatchamacallit"
Work on your final project . . .
Make sure you write in your journal; IT IS A GRADE! DAY 2
Final Project Workday
Day 3
1 hour 30 minutes
Sorry Guys, I have a sub today; he is a great teacher please treat him with respect.
Please use the time wisely . . .
Here is some Extude help . . .
Final Project Workday
Day 2
1 hour 30 minutes
FIRST FINISH your complicated "Whatchamacallit"
THEN or IF YOU ARE STUCK . . . If you finish your "Watchamacallit" or if you are stuck on the Extrude, work on your final project . . . Make sure you write in your journal.
The Creative Cube
Key Tools & Skills Emphasized:
Extrude (Face): Select the faces you want to extrude and then Edit Mesh > Extrude
Thickness
Local Translate
Offset
Divisions
Keep Faces Together
Activating the Manipulator Tool w/ History
Selecting Multiple Faces: Hold {Shift} and select multiple faces at one time
Insert Edge Loop: Mesh Tools > Insert Edge Loop
Multi-Cut: Mesh Tools > Multi-Cut
Offset Edge Loop: Mesh Tools > Offset Edge Loop
Extract (Faces): Select the faces you want to extract and then Edit Mesh > Extract
Smooth: Mesh > Smooth
The Creative Cube
Today is final project work day . . . Make sure you write in your journal.
Final Project Workday
1 hour 30 minutes
How Will AI Reshape the Future of the Film Industry?
3D PRINTING GUNDAM | Gunpla Accessories with DLP Resin Printing
3D Printing Silicone Squishy Toys
Watched at 1.25 speed . . . good. Talked about careers.
Design Is Everything
Zaha hadid Architects, Midjourney, Fractal city-08
Your favorite designs . . .
Finish Lighsaber and upload everything . . . Grade Check
Start Mudbox
Venom Timelapse
Elf Sculpting Timelapse
Make sure you finish your final lightsaber render.
Use correct materials
Add 3d Type with your name.
Compose it to fill the screen and display control box
Go to www.1001freefonts.com
Introduced Image-based Lighting
FINISH
Materials
Camera Setup
Final Render
INSTRUCTIONS:
This is the goal . . . You should have 5 spheres shown below.
Instructions Here . . .
Sorry Guys, I have a sub today; he is a great teacher please treat him with respect. The TSA team is heading to the State Championships.
Please use the time wisely . . .
SECOND: Demonstrate Duplicate Special in a minimum of 5 ways. Render with Physical Sky and post an image of the basic temple in your portfolio under the 3d tab.
THIRD: Integrate the temple and the snowman scene. You need to open two copies of Maya and then copy the temple and the paste it in the snowman scene.
1st: Finish taking your temple to the next level. For example, add extra steps, a fountain, a steeple, fancy trim. etc . . .
Watch:
Finish
Start
Complete Simple Temple
Required . . .
Explore different types of procedural textures . . .
Watched as intro . . .
Who is Cornell?
Create an inspiration board using Photoshop
Create an initial “Inspiration Board” using Google Jamboards with 20-30 images that represent you or have influenced your life. An inspiration board is a collection of images, ideas, words, blueprints, games, movies or anything that may inspire your direction. For this assignment we will use an “Inspiration Board” to help guide the direction of your future personal project and it will help me get to know you better. Search google, use your own images, and cross-reference your interests, hobbies, and/or just explore. Find at least 20-30 images. We will be using this board for our personal portfolio. Please watch video tutorial below and the video about Google Jamboards. ~Cornell
What are your own unique qualities?
What are you skilled at?
What are you hobbies?
What gives you purpose?
Open File Explorer
IBL files are here:
Navigate to: This PC > (C:) Local Disk > Program Files > Autodesk > Maya2022 > presets > Assets
Right-Click on the IBL folder and Copy it. Open your 3D Folder, Right-Click and Paste it in the 3D folder on your Desktop. If you do not have a 3D folder on the Desktop, Right-Click on the Desktop and choose New > Folder
Does you Create Cloud Account work?
Photoshop Tutorial for Beginners 2022 | Everything You NEED to KNOW!
Right-Click on the object you want to change the material and hold. Choose Assign New Material
A new window will appear. Choose Shader under Arnold and then aiStandardSurface.
Change the Color . . .
Watched 2nd half of class . . .
Avatar & Avatar 2 Behind the Scenes — How James Cameron Evolved Motion Capture in the Avatar Films
This is NOT Morgan Freeman
Final Project Workday
75 minutes
Can you spot the deepfake? How AI is threatening elections
‘Deep Fakes’ Are Becoming More Realistic Thanks To New Technology
Revolved Cubic Curve
Cubic Curve
Revolved Linear Curve
Linear Curve
Revolved Combined Curves
Combined Curves
Revolved Cubic Curve
Cubic Curve
I have clearly stated the project, skill, or design I focused on. (e.g., "Modeling a Lamborghini in Maya").
I have briefly mentioned why I chose this project or skill and its relevance to my interests or goals. (e.g., "I’ve always been passionate about car design, and this project allowed me to explore that interest through 3D modeling").
I have explained why this project or skill is important to me on a personal level. (e.g., "Learning this skill brings me closer to my dream of exploring car design as a career").
I have mentioned a main insight or initial lesson that I have learned from the project. (e.g., "This project taught me that mastering even a single detail, like the curve of a fender, requires patience and precision").
I have organized body paragraphs by specific aspects of the project. For example challenges, skills learned, and personal insights (e.g., one paragraph on learning new software techniques, another on overcoming challenges).
I have described what I did in each part of the project, giving enough detail to help the reader understand the process. (e.g., "To create the front fender, I had to carefully adjust vertices and edges to capture the car's unique curves").
I have mentioned specific tools, software, or methods I have used, and explain why they were important. (e.g., "I used Maya’s mirroring tool to ensure symmetry, but had to fine-tune vertices to get a seamless look").
I have briefly summarized the main skills or insights I have gained from the project. (e.g., "This project taught me not only the technical aspects of 3D modeling but also the importance of patience and attention to detail").
I have mentioned how working on this project contributed to my personal or academic development. (e.g., "Completing this project has given me more confidence to tackle complex design tasks").
I have concluded with a final thought or reflection on the overall impact of the project. (e.g., "Looking back, this project was a stepping stone in discovering how much work goes into creating designs that not only look good but feel real").
I have taken a break and then revised my reflection.
I have checked for clarity, coherence, and logical flow between paragraphs.
I have corrected any grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
I have posted this reflection in my project journal.
Write a reflection which must include BLUE questions and could address any of the following questions. Add date and put it under the project goal or associated mini goal.
What progress have I made toward the project goals so far?
What major milestones or achievements have I reached?
Are there any areas where I’m ahead of or behind schedule?
What challenges or obstacles have I encountered, and how have I approached solving them?
Are there recurring issues or setbacks that I need to address differently?
What new skills or knowledge have I acquired through this project?
How has my understanding of design or my specific project topic evolved?
How effectively am I managing my time and resources?
Are there specific tasks or aspects of the project that I am spending too much or too little time on?
How have I demonstrated creativity in solving problems or generating ideas?
How am I thinking critically about my work, evaluating my designs, or considering alternatives?
What are my primary goals for the next phase of the project?
Are there new approaches or adjustments I should try to improve my project’s progress?
What has been the most rewarding part of this project so far?
How has working on this project impacted my confidence or interest in design?
Know why you're writing this reflection. Is it for personal growth, academic assessment, or to express your insights? Tailor your tone and content accordingly.
Take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts, emotions, and initial reactions. Ask yourself:
What happened?
Why was it important or impactful?
How did it make you feel?
What did you learn from it?
Organize your thoughts into a loose outline. This will typically include an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Open with a brief overview of the experience or topic you’re reflecting on.
Consider including a “hook” to engage the reader, like an intriguing question, a vivid description, or a meaningful quote.
Conclude the introduction with a thesis statement or main idea that summarizes the essence of your reflection.
In each paragraph, focus on a specific aspect of your experience or insight.
Use descriptive language to recreate the experience for the reader and share your personal reactions and feelings.
Analyze why the experience was meaningful, how it affected you, and what you learned from it.
Make connections to broader themes or lessons whenever possible.
Summarize the main insights or lessons you’ve discussed.
Reflect on how the experience has impacted you, your perspectives, or your future actions.
Leave the reader with a lasting thought, perhaps a question or a call to reflection in their own life.
After finishing your first draft, take a break, then return with fresh eyes for revisions.
Check for clarity, coherence, and flow. Ensure each paragraph logically leads to the next.
Correct any grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Make sure the essay accurately represents your experience and insights.
Ensure that your tone is authentic and that the essay feels personal and reflective.
Following these steps will help you create a well-structured and meaningful reflection essay.
Simple Spaceship design using extrude tool . . .
I am totally sorry that I have to miss another class. I hate that I am not here to show you what to do. Today you will need to state what your final project focus will be. Then find at least 4 QUALITY resources to help with your final project. Make sure you start watching to make sure they are worthy and of quality. For example if you want to design cars, for tutorials that will help you learn 3d car modeling. Make sure you choose something that you want to spend the time doing and keep in making sure you do not have to finish the project, you are graded based on documentation and the hours you spend. Don't choose a simple project thinking it will be easy, I will ask you to start a 2nd project if it is too simple. Choose something you want to really learn no matter how big or difficult it is. Have Fun!!!
Here is my example: https://sites.google.com/cherrycreekschools.org/digitaldesign/3d/final-3d-project
I am sorry I will be out today. The goal for today is to finish anything that is missing; look at Power School. Your grades should be current. If there is something that needs to be regraded, please submit a regrade form. Then finish the final render of the Lightsaber.
Resubmit here . . .
Tools Introduced
New Camera: Create > Camera > Camera
Resolution Gate
Stamp Tool - Add detail to the ground, snowman, & Mountains
aiPhysicalSky: Attributes
Inspiration: Avatar Trailer
Inspiration
Why Unreal Engine 5.4 is a Game Changer
Final Project Workday
8 hours 30 minutes in March
Provided as of 5/1
Sorry Guys, I have a sub today; he is a great teacher please treat him with respect. The Drone soccer team is heading to Nationals.
Please use the time wisely, we do not have many days left of school . . .
First Finish Final Spaceship Design. Make sure all work is published in your portfolio.
EXAMPLE: https://sites.google.com/cherrycreekschools.org/digitaldesign/3d/spaceship-design
Second Finish any other missing assignments. Use regrade form and I will grade them when I get back.
Third Work on Final Project make sure to document your progress.
EXAMPLE:
https://sites.google.com/cherrycreekschools.org/digitaldesign/3d/final-3d-project
Final Project Workday
7 hours 15 minutes
Provided as of 4/29
Sorry Guys, I have a sub today, please complete the following . . .
FIRST: Finish creating 20+ Rorschach Inspired designs.
SPACESHIP INSTRUCTIONS HERE . . .
Download the "NEW" parts Zip folder Here:
Extract the folders and move them into the Alchemy shapes folder.
BMW Car Design Process
Finish Revolve and Bend Final Render
Instructions
What are the current 3D trends and where is the industry going?
Add Materials . . .
Here is an extra video to better understand materials.
"Arnold Standard Surface Shader Overview"
"And where I excel is ridiculous, sickening, work ethic. " ~Will Smith
INSPIRATION: Watched while working.
Watched 2nd Half: Rigid Body Modeling Inspiration
Watched 2nd Half: Organic Modeling Inspiration
Top View: Create a simple shape snapping to grid (X) using the Create Polygon Tool.
Mesh Tools > Create Polygon Tool
Top View: break the polygon down into quads and triangles.
Mesh Tools > Multi-Cut
Perspective View: Extrude the polygon plane to give it thickness
Edit Mesh > Extrude
Top View: Select the polygon and mirror it over the correct axis. I made sure I was mirroring over the correct axis and in the correct direction.
Mesh > Mirror ⬜
Top View: Create a simple shape snapping to grid (X) using the Create Polygon Tool.
Mesh Tools > Create Polygon Tool
Perspective View: Extrude the polygon plane to give it thickness
Edit Mesh > Extrude
Perspective View: Insert 12 equal edge loops on the wing.
*Note: if the tool does not work correctly, your polygon may not be in quads.
Mesh Tools > Insert Edge Loops ⬜
Change:
✅ Check Multiple Edge Loops
Number of edges to 12
Create 3 curves and demonstrate a simple Sweep Mesh: Create > Sweep mesh
Distribute
Taper
Twist
Profile
Create a Helix and extract a curve. Select edge Modify > Convert > Polygon Edge to Curve
How do you know what you know?????
What are the positives of Deep-Fake Technology? Negatives?
Lattice Deformer - deform a sphere with a lattice deformer
Non-Linear Deformers - create two combinations of two or more deformers
Watched . . . Inspiration
Watched . . . Inspiration