For this project, you may choose to build something, learn a new skill, design something or ALL OF THE ABOVE. This is not just another assignment. It is an opportunity to take ownership of your learning and spend the rest of the semester exploring something that genuinely interests you.
Think carefully about your choice. You will be working on this project for many weeks, so pick something that excites you, challenges you, and makes you want to keep learning. The best projects are often connected to your hobbies, future career goals, passions, or personal curiosities.
This project is your chance to answer one of these questions:
What can I create?
What can I learn?
What problem can I solve?
What can I become better at?
Build
3D printed product
Prototype invention
Robot or Arduino project
Model vehicle, boat, or aircraft
Furniture or woodworking project
Clothing or sewn item
Website, app, or game
Learn
Drawing or painting
Character anatomy
Digital sculpting
3D modeling
Animation
Photography
Filmmaking
Music production
Coding
Drone piloting
Sewing
Woodworking
Design
Character concept
Product design
Architecture concept
Game concept
Vehicle design
Brand identity
Film concept
Theme park or attraction
Future technology concept
It all starts with, 'Who are you?' Create a collection of 20 images that tell the story of who you are. Include your hobbies, interests, passions, inspirations, important people, experiences, and future goals. Think about what has influenced your life and what makes you unique. This collection will also help guide your future independent projects. If you're ever unsure what to create, we can come back to these images and use them to discover ideas that connect to your interests and passions.
Design Brief
Create a new inspiration board with 4 possible project directions that you would be excited to explore this year. These are not final projects, just areas that interest you. Include 2-3 images for each direction and a descriptive word explaining what you would like to create or learn. Choose ideas that connect to your interests and passions. If you need inspiration, revisit your Who Are You? board. The goal is to have four project directions where, if I chose any one of them, you would be excited to get started.
Design Brief
For now, keep your idea broad. You do not need to know exactly what your final project will be. Think of this as choosing a direction rather than a destination. For example, you might say, "I want to learn how to make video games," "I want to create fantasy characters," or "I want to design and 3D print mech robots." Write a short statement describing what you would like to focus on and include one image that represents your idea. Then meet with me and give a quick 30-second elevator pitch explaining what you want to explore and why it interests you. The goal is simply to give me a starting point and a visual reference for where you'd like to go.
I want to be a car designer and design cars.
Design Brief
Find 4 resources that could help you achieve your project goal. These may include YouTube tutorials, online courses, instructional websites, books, or other learning materials. Spend a few minutes exploring each resource to make sure it matches your interests and skill level.
Be sure to consider whether the resource is still current and relevant. Some software tutorials become outdated as programs change, while other skills and techniques remain useful for many years. Choose resources that will give you the best chance of success.
For each resource, include:
Title
Creator/Author
Link
Length (video length or total series length)
Publish Date
1-2 sentences explaining how it will help you reach your goal
Modeling a Dodge Demon
Part 1 of17 ~30 min each
Total Time ~13 hours
Published 2020
3D Car Modeling Tutorial pt.1 | Autodesk Maya | Modeling a Lamborghini Huracan
Part 1 of 25 ~30 min each
Total Time ~12.5 hours
Published 2017
Modeling a Jaguar
Part 1 of15 ~35 min each
Total Time ~8.75 hours
Published 2018
3D Vehicle ( JEEP ) Modeling in Autodesk Maya 10 hours
Published 2022
Design Brief
Write Your Objective (What, Why, and How)
Write a short paragraph that answers:
What do you want to accomplish?
Why did you choose this project?
How will you learn or complete it?
Write a short paragraph explaining what you want to accomplish, why you chose this project, and how you plan to get started. Remember, your goal can be to build something, learn a new skill, design something, or a combination of all three. Be specific about your starting point. For example, if your goal is to design cars, you might begin by learning how to use Blender to model a vehicle and follow a beginner tutorial to develop your skills. Focus on the first steps you will take, the resources you will use, and how those steps will help you reach your larger goal.
WHAT? & WHY? & HOW?
I want to explore how to model photorealistic vehicles in Autodesk Maya. I will follow the "Modeling a Lamborghini Huracán" YouTube tutorial and document my progress daily as I learn professional 3D modeling techniques. I chose this project because I enjoy cars and want to learn the skills used by vehicle designers and 3D artists. My goal is to build a realistic vehicle model while developing a strong foundation in Maya's modeling tools, workflows, and design process.
Date
Example of my idea direction . . .
I would like to develop a chair that is visually appealing from both the side profile and the contour of the seat.
Analysis of Design Brief
Estimated Outline and Time Comitment
What steps do I need to complete this project?
What should I do first, next, and last?
How much time do I need for each step?
What skills do I need to learn or improve to complete this project?
What tools, software, or equipment will I need to know how to use?
Who or what resources can help me learn these skills?
Estimate of Materials Needed
What materials will I need for my prototype and final project?
How much of each material will I need?
Are there any alternative materials if my first choice is unavailable?
EXAMPLE:
Estimated Total Time: 18-25 Hours
Research and gather inspiration from existing chair designs (1-2 hours)
Analyze design ideas and determine what is realistic and feasible (1 hour)
Research ergonomics, comfort, and chair construction principles (1-2 hours)
Create thumbnail sketches of multiple design concepts (1-2 hours)
Develop and refine 2-3 promising design ideas (2-3 hours)
Select and finalize one concept design (1 hour)
Create a detailed 3D model of the design (3-5 hours)
Prepare files and parts for laser cutting (1-2 hours)
Build and assemble a prototype for testing (2-3 hours)
Evaluate the prototype and make design revisions (1-2 hours)
Fabricate, assemble, and finish the final project (4-6 hours)
EXAMPLE:
Researching existing chair designs and furniture designers
Understanding ergonomics and human dimensions
Creating thumbnail sketches and developing ideas
Evaluating design feasibility
Measuring and working to scale
Creating 3D models in Autodesk Maya
Using reference figures to check proportions and comfort
Understanding structure, support, and load-bearing concepts
Performing Boolean operations in Maya
Preparing files for laser cutting
Arranging parts efficiently to minimize material waste
Operating a laser cutter safely
Understanding laser cutter settings and material limitations
Cutting, sanding, and finishing wood
Applying wood glue and assembling parts accurately
Evaluating prototypes and making design improvements
Time management and project planning
Documenting design decisions and reflections throughout the process
EXAMPLE:
Prototype Material (Best Choice)
1/8" (3 mm) Baltic Birch Plywood
One 12" × 24" sheet is usually enough
Easy to laser cut
Strong enough to test joints and assembly
Looks professional
Estimated cost: $5-10
Analysis of Design Brief
Today I began the Lamborghini tutorial by setting up image planes for the side and top views, ensuring accurate proportions. I then shaped the wheel well, focusing on its curvature and depth to establish a solid foundation. Later, I moved on to modeling the front quarter fender, which proved challenging due to its complex curves. After careful vertex and edge adjustments, the fender’s form is starting to take shape—it's rewarding to see the structure come together.