3D Design & Animation Blog - Fall 2026
Embedded Files
Final Project Workday
9/29-2/30
9/29-2/30
Create an inspiration board about Designs I Love! In Photoshop.
FINISH Your Snowman Scene
9/25 - SUB
9/25 - SUB
I am sorry, but I have a SUB today. I am going to IB training and will not be here 9/25 & 9/28. FIRST, today is a great day to get caught up on any missing work. I will list all assignments that need to be completed and should be posted to your portfolio. SECOND, work on your Snowman Scene. THIRD, WRITE IN YOUR JOURNAL. PUBLISH YOUR PORTFOLIO! If you get stuck on something, ask students for help. If you need help ask your neighbor and if they cannot help, the SUB has a list of students who can. Below are instructions for today's assignment that needs to be completed. ~Cornell
FINISH Your Snowman Scene
9/24
9/24
Make something out of ice.
Make Trees . . .
9/22 -9/23
9/22 -9/23
Make Trees . . .
9/18 -9/21
9/18 -9/21
9/15 -9/16
9/15 -9/16
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.
It should look something like this to start . . .
9/11 -9/14
9/11 -9/14
Become proficient with:
Lift
Smooth
Grab
Pinch
Flatten
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-mEz54_p90
Sculpt a head . . .
9/9 -9/10
9/9 -9/10
Inside Disney’s Secret Engineering Lab
https://youtu.be/16LuvR2CARA
Hansel & Gretel Witch Hunters Edward Troll making of
MarIOnette: Control Robots Inside Blender
9/4 -9/8
9/4 -9/8
9/2 - 9/3
9/2 - 9/3
8/31 -9/1
8/31 -9/1
Reviewed basics and introduced Mirrroring.
Finish Primative Shape Model
8/27 -8/28
8/27 -8/28
The History of 3D Animation: Part 2
The History of 3D Animation: Part 2
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 . . .
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
8/25 -8/26
8/25 -8/26
The Adventures of André and Wally B. 1984
https://youtu.be/a_9Tsbduk9E
The History of 3D Animation: Part 1 | 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
Where we came from . . . The Adventures of André and Wally B. 1984
Make something cool with privative shapes . . .
Where we are going . . .
8/21 -8/24
8/21 -8/24
CGI Dreamworks Animation Studio Pipeline
https://youtu.be/ru0tQRJ4qKs
Finish Interactive Tutorial
8/20
8/20
Autodesk Film, TV & Games Showreel 2026
Autodesk Film, TV & Games Showreel 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkWsmKFMxRw
Challenge: Design the Next Generation Vehicle
Challenge: Design the Next Generation Vehicle
https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/media-entertainment/project-falcon
The Prompt
The Prompt
Using Autodesk Project Falcon, design an original vehicle for the year 2050 and beyond.
Your vehicle can operate in any environment:
Land?
Air?
Water?
Space?
Underground?
Multiple environments?
The vehicle must solve a transportation problem, serve a unique purpose, or provide a new experience for its users.
Guiding Questions
Guiding Questions
Consider:
Who uses this vehicle?
Where does it operate?
What makes it different from today's vehicles?
How is it powered?
What problem does it solve?
Requirements
Requirements
Your design must include:
✅ A clear vehicle type
✅ A unique purpose
✅ Visible design features that support its function
✅ A name for the vehicle
✅ At least three generated design variations before selecting a final direction
✅ Final rendered presentation images
Design Statement
Design Statement
Write a short paragraph explaining:
Vehicle name
Intended user
Environment of operation
Key features
Why your design is innovative
12/5-12/8
12/5-12/8
12/3-12/4
12/3-12/4
Finish with proportions . . .
12/1-12/2
12/1-12/2
11/24-11/25
11/24-11/25
Final Project Workday
Day 4
1 hour 30 minutes
WILL SMITH on Ridiculous Work Ethics
11/20-11/21
11/20-11/21
Final Project Workday
Day 3
1 hour 30 minutes
11/18-11/19
11/18-11/19
IT IS ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS . . .
Final Project Workday
Day 2
1 hour 30 minutes
11/14-11/17
11/14-11/17
Final Project Workday
Day 1
1 hour 30 minutes
11/6-11/7
11/6-11/7
Complete the Boolean Basics.
Instructions:
Start and hopefully finish the Boolean 'Watchamacallit',
Start and hopefully finish the Boolean 'Watchamacallit',
10/28-10/29
10/28-10/29
Add Materials . . .
10/22-10/23
10/22-10/23
Inspiration: Avatar Trailer
What are the current 3D trends and where is the industry going?
FIRST FINISH your complicated "Whatchamacallit"
Here is some Extrude help . . .
10/22-10/23
10/22-10/23
The Creative Cube
Watched: 10 Amazing Projects Made In Maya
10/20-10/21
10/20-10/21
Watched . . . Science Fiction Science
Finish . . . Lightsaber
10/9-10/10
10/9-10/10
9/31-10/1
9/31-10/1
The 36,000 Year History Of The Lightsaber!
Finish "Designs I Love!" and make a NEW page under the 3D page call it Final 3D Project.
ADD: your name with an outline stroke and drop shadow on the text.
It should look something like this.
9/26-9/29
9/26-9/29
Being Curiosity?
Start "Designs I Love!" 20+ images of designs that you love . . . .
9/24-9/25
9/24-9/25
We started the Star Wars Light saber . . .
Instructions HERE:
9/15-9/16
9/15-9/16
5/7
5/7
5/5
5/5
5/1
5/1
Porsche Lucasfilm Design New Star Wars TIE Fighter X Wing Millennium Falcon Star Wars + Porsche
Final Project Workday
Day 9
1 hour
4/25
4/25
Final Project Workday
Day 8
1 hour 30 minutes
4/23
4/23
Final Project Workday
Day 7
1 hour 30 minutes
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Brief Daily Journal Entry
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.
4/21
4/21
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Brief Daily Journal Entry
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.
4/11
4/11
Why the Best Animations in the World are Made with Autodesk Maya
Final Project Workday
Day 4
1 hour 30 minutes
4/1
4/1
3/26
3/26
How Will AI Reshape the Future of the Film Industry?
3/24
3/24
3D PRINTING GUNDAM | Gunpla Accessories with DLP Resin Printing
3D Printing Silicone Squishy Toys
Watched at 1.25 speed . . . good. Talked about careers.
3/13
3/13
Design Is Everything
Zaha hadid Architects, Midjourney, Fractal city-08
Your favorite designs . . .
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
Finish Lighsaber and upload everything . . . Grade Check
Start Mudbox
2/27
2/27
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
2/25
2/25
Introduced Image-based Lighting
FINISH
Materials
Camera Setup
Final Render
INSTRUCTIONS:
2/21
2/21
2/19
2/19
2/7 - SUB DAY
2/7 - SUB DAY
Watch:
1/30
1/30
Watched as intro . . .
Who is Cornell?
Create an inspiration board using Photoshop
What Inspires You?
What Inspires You?
Find 20+ images that represent YOU and create Initial Interest Inspiration Board.
Find 20+ images that represent YOU and create Initial Interest Inspiration Board.
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
1/18
1/18
Does you Create Cloud Account work?
Photoshop Tutorial for Beginners 2022 | Everything You NEED to KNOW!
1/17
1/17
11/22 - 11/25
11/22 - 11/25
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
11/20 - 11/21
11/20 - 11/21
Revolved Cubic Curve
Cubic Curve
Revolved Linear Curve
Linear Curve
Revolved Combined Curves
Combined Curves
11/18 - 11/19
11/18 - 11/19
Revolved Cubic Curve
Cubic Curve
11/6 - 11/7
11/6 - 11/7
9/27-9/2630/24
9/27-9/2630/24
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
8/14/24
8/14/24
Inspiration
5/1/24
5/1/24
Why Unreal Engine 5.4 is a Game Changer
Final Project Workday
8 hours 30 minutes in March
Provided as of 5/1
4/17
4/17
4/15
4/15
4/11
4/11
Sorry Guys, I have a sub today, please complete the following . . .
FIRST: Finish creating 20+ Rorschach Inspired designs.
SPACESHIP INSTRUCTIONS HERE . . .
4/9
4/9
Download the "NEW" parts Zip folder Here:
Extract the folders and move them into the Alchemy shapes folder.
Alchemy (ROBOT).zip3/11
3/11
BMW Car Design Process
Finish Revolve and Bend Final Render
Instructions
3/1
3/1
10/23-10/24
10/23-10/24
EXTRA!
EXTRA!
Here is an extra video to better understand materials.
"Arnold Standard Surface Shader Overview"
9/1-9/5
9/1-9/5
"And where I excel is ridiculous, sickening, work ethic. " ~Will Smith
9/1-9/5
9/1-9/5
8/24-8/28
8/24-8/28
INSPIRATION: Watched while working.
Watched 2nd Half: Rigid Body Modeling Inspiration
Watched 2nd Half: Organic Modeling Inspiration
4/17-4/18
4/17-4/18
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
4/10-4/11
4/10-4/11
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
3/29-3/30
3/29-3/30
How do you know what you know?????
What are the positives of Deep-Fake Technology? Negatives?
CGI VFX Breakdowns: "World War Z, Jerusalem Sequence"
DE-AGING HARRISON FORD
President Joe Biden's Magical Pistachio Story (Deepfake AI)
Lattice Deformer - deform a sphere with a lattice deformer
Non-Linear Deformers - create two combinations of two or more deformers
1/19
1/19
12/1
12/1
11/8
11/8
10/25
10/25
Watched . . . Inspiration
Watched . . . Inspiration
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse