Task 8

I designed my model using the brief for guidance and as a something to refer to so that I could match the client's needs. The specifications detailed that I needed to produce a 3D robot character- modeled, textured and ready to be implemented into the second life asset store. Although I knew that the character had to be robotic to the greatest degree, I decided to base my design on more organic creatures. I took the opportunity of gather imagery of robotic creations with a similar theme to the one I was aiming for, and it was interesting to see how other people had managed to capture an animals likeness in metallic parts using intricate and rigid parts to represent the joins and exaggerated textures. As well as looking at 3D creatures, I also looked closely at physical, artistic approaches such as wireframe sculptures; Although not robots exactly, I found them to be a great source of inspiration and reference when it came to creating my own design. Thus, with ideas inspired from my research, I put my thoughts to paper and built a mind map. Using the mindmap I could then begin to work on my own creation.

I started out the design phase with involved making a design pack. I used both traditional and digital methods for this, and even took some photography for extra reference material. After that, I loaded my concept drawings into newtek's modeller as a backdrop and began the production process. Having learned how to use the software though building the lightbot, I felt a lot more confident, but the whole experience turned out to be a big learning experience and I will certainly be able to take things away and apply them to the next project. I also referred frequently to my writing on '3D: The basics', which explained the different techniques I could use and reminded me to try new things instead of just sticking with what was easy, but not necessarily the best approach. I mostly use box modelling techniques which allowed me to develop my model peice by peice, while also keeping the shape quite realistic yet also uniform. At times, I used the extrusion modelling technique which proved useful for the rigid structures.

It was interesting to try out the different textures once I loaded the finished model into layout; I spent a long time at this stage just trying things out and experimenting, but I think next time around it will be a lot quicker as I'll be used to it. I found that some textures which weren't even labeled as 'metallic', but in fact as 'leather' still worked quite well, as all the textures I think rely heavily on the setting they are in and this makes it all very suggestible; something I tried to use to my advantage. I used the textures available as presets on the software, however I am fully aware that I could've made my own- there was simply no need however, to spend time on something that wasn't required. Lighting was not an issued, and worked perfectly. I even added a floor to allow shadows to be dropped to make it appear more three dimensional.

The photoshoot ran smoothly, and I was able to get some good rendered scenes of the character from all kinds of different angles. The only problem was that there were mistakes in geometry in parts of my creation, and this is something, unfortunately, I only detected once textures had been applied, and everything was finished. It was unpractice and I didn't have time to go back and try to fix things as this would've meant essentially redoing everything. In the future, I should be more vigilant of these things as to be more efficient and save a lot of time and effort in the long run. Ultimately however, I was pleased with my model considering it was my first attempt, and I have learn a lot that I will be able to take into the next 3D modelling project with me. I also need to work on my time management skills as, although I finished just in time, it was very tight, and I might've produced something of better quality had I managed my time more effectively. All in all though, I think I achieved my original aims, and while I know there will always be things to be improved, I think my model was satisfactory according to the brief and reflects the amount of work I dedicated to this particular project.