Blog Update 3

Weekly Progress Update

This week progress was a little slow because of outside obligations, but I did take some important steps. I've started to work more on asset creation and begun to write code for my prototype. I think I am going to focus more on the code the following week, because I can see myself sinking more time than I need to into the art and leaving the coding in the dust.

I've done quite a bit of sketching for my assets, and I've begun to 3D model the environment a bit. I think I have a good base to work on, and I can start to use some of the assets to prototype.

Reflection on Progress

I still feel like my progress is a little slower than I'd like it to be. I think it's difficult for me because I currently have 3 classes that have one quarter-long project that you spend the whole class on. So I want to make sure that I am making visible progress in each project, and not letting any monopolize my time, but that is different than my usual workflow. I tend to like to dedicate chunks of time or even days dedicated to one thing, but I'm having to force myself to work on multiple thing more incrementally. I think this is a good thing for me to practice this kind of work structure, but I'm still just kind of getting into the groove and finding my footing. I think I am starting to adapt to it a little more and expect that that trajectory will continue.

As far as the actual progress, I think I am feeling good about my direction with the 3D environment. I think the thing I am the least sure about right now is the direction I want to take the 2D assets. Since the idea is to layer the 2D assets on the 3D background, it's hard to sketch it out without having the 3D environments done because I want to make them still feel harmonious in a way.

Inspiration, Ideas, Readings, Research

• Mollymoon2 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mollymoonn2?lang=en

• Twin Peaks (1990-1991)

• Timeline of Legal History of Women in the United States: https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/resources/womens-rights-movement/detailed-timeline/

• Divorce and women’s rights: a history: https://vardags.com/family-law/divorce-and-womens-rights-a-history

Artist Profile

A digital creator I am finding some inspiration from at the moment is actually a TikToker named Molly Moon. She has come into a bit of internet fame with her videos that mimic early 2000's video games in a surreal and offputting way. She uses real-life pictures as assets in her video, and animates photos of herself almost like a puppet. 

Her style of using 3D pictures in a 2 dimensional way is similar to what I'd like to achieve. I also feel like the overall aesthetic and feeling of her videos is more feminine than similar creators. It reminds me of websites I would visit as a kid that would have games specifically targeted at girls. 

I've also found inspiration from the sound design in her videos, which is something that wasn't necessarily on my mind for this project. The nostalgic yet creepy voice over is, I think, essential in her videos. It has inspired me to think about sound design more for this project, as I think it really can add a lot for what I want to achieve.