Weeks 1&2 - Learning the Basics

  When starting the 3D Creation Pipeline module my main concern was that I would be at a significant disadvantage compared to my peers, since I had a more traditional art background. To succeed in this module I had to start with the bare basics of Maya, this was necessary to develop muscle memory for tool access and shortcuts as well as getting accustomed to the software itself. I started by completing the base maya tutorial as well as watching the preliminary videos posted on the VLE. 

Notes from Independent Studies

Week 1

  During the first session I continued learning the tools and shortcuts in Maya. I specifically focused on the extrude features of the modeling software. It was important to get comfortable with using them as they play an important role in the modeling process. During this session I wanted to see the kinds of shapes and patterns that the basic tools would allow me to create. 

Session 1 Results


Model Mesh
  Between the sessions I wanted to do more practice with the tools I learned and I started by creating a simple hospital building similar to the buildings in Monopoly Plus (2014). I started with a simple cube and added details such as the windows, doors, ledges and helicopter pad using the techniques I learned during the first session. I also added color and lighting so that I could practice techniques in the later stages of the 3D creation pipeline.



Final Render

Week 2

Reference Images
  During the second session we continued practicing on Maya. For this week we had an in-class brief to create a metal arm found on outdoor exercise equipment. The challenge with this object was to do with the 'Y' shaped bar that had to come out of the side of the base cylinder. I tackled this issue by using the extrude and rotate tools, making sure to adjust the diameter as needed throughout the process. I found the symmetry tool to be extremely useful through this process, for both the 'Y' shaped bar and the handle grips on either side of the arm. I was happy with the overall result of this brief although there were some small issues and mistakes that would be fixed with more practice. 

Final Model

'Y' Bar Close-Up

Grips Close-Up


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