~Project Journal~

ITS BOMBERMAN!

Story

In the Jason's room, the rat has been playing all day, from made up fight stories with Jason's action figures, to throwing balls around. He was racing on the track against his toy friends in his newly made mouse-trap car when suddenly, he heard Jason return home!

Quickly, he made his way back to his rat hole only to realise that his car could not move. He started to panic for he knew he could not reach his rat hole on time on foot. Just when all hope seems lost, he felt a hand grab his waist, slowing lifting him off his feet. He turned around slowly and his faced turned pale as he came to realise that it was Bomberman grabbing him.

"Oh no..Not this again.."

With the bomb-throw power-up in possession, Bomberman tossed the frantic rat back into his hole, just before Jason entered the room.

"Whoa, did something crash?"

Shape

I feel that my model would be fairly challenging considering my current skill in Maya. Almost the entire model has a curve and I feel that it is harder to work with sphere like objects as compared to squarish ones.

The main shapes that will be used for my model will be that of spheres, cylinders and the occasional cubes. My model is simply an arrangement of various polygons and boolean>Difference of areas where parts are actually fixed together to form the entire model, being that these parts have holes and by using the boolean> Difference function, I can easily get those holes and designs that I want.

Ultimately, that is all there is to my model. The only extra challenging thing I foresee is that of the shoes of the model, as looks something to that of a cylinder with a flat bottom and an uneven top and bottom. I feel that I will not be able to create something identical, however, I can create something similar using the smooth and extrude function.

Design

FRONT VIEW

BOTTOM VIEW

BACK VIEW

SIDE VIEW

WIREMESH

BREAK-DOWN

~Thinking Outside the Traditional 3D Mindset~

Does multi-tasking give you a real or false sense of having accomplished something?

Ultimately, I feel that this is based on a few aspects. Firstly, are we sacrificing effectiveness by increasing out efficiency. Simply put it, by multi-tasking, we are doing many different things at the same time, increasing our efficiency as we get things done much faster. However, through this action, many, including myself, would agree that the outcome of whatever we are working on or looking at, be it a product or an event, would not be as good than if one concentrated solely on it. Even if we choose to believe that despite multi-tasking, we are able to produce the same 100% as when we focus on it solely, the reality comes down to it being untrue.

Here is an example. Picture two men, A and B, having to complete 3 tasks in 3 days. A decides to complete one task per day, concentrating whole-heartedly on that one task for that day, while B decides to do one-third of each assignment amongst the 3-day duration. Although ultimately, both of them will complete their tasks, A in my opinion would have done a better job. Despite the numbers adding up, showing that they completed their assignments at the same time, the amount of effort and focus put in is very different. Factors like being tired and restless does come into play here. Imagine that the ability of a person can be displayed in a form of a number. A starts of with 100 points, doing his entire work for that day with that 100 points, which depletes over time. B too, starts with 100 points for his first task. However, when he reached his second task, he would have approximately 67 points left, meaning, the effort and focus he have for the second task would not be as much. And focus is only one of the many factors.

Being so, although multi-tasking does improve efficiency, effectiveness is some how affected negatively, and being a perfectionist, I strive to score in everything I do thus, I feel that by multi-tasking, it gives me a false sense of accomplishment.

Is learning 3D and design different from learning programming, or is all learning the same?Why?

In terms of the content, yes, what we learn is quite different, 3D and design being that of learning things on the graphical side, being creative in our ideas and giving opinions. Programming on the other hand is more on the theoretical side, maintaining focus and understanding of the different type of keywords and patterns to solve question as well as knowing the steps and following them, making minor changes to the already set procedures.

In terms of learning on its on however, my answer would be no. After all, all these are just subjects. They have grades, difficulties and knowledge to learn. Simply because I prefer one subject over the other would I give a different kind of attitude when learning it.

The article states that “Learning is actually a very complex operation for an individual”. Do you agree with this? Do you feel that you approach your learning in the best way – if yes, how, and if no, how can you change your work style?

I have two different opinions on this. On one hand, it is a very simple operation, simply picking up a book or file and reading from it, studying the things we have to. However, on the other hand, it is also very complex, seeing that I feel that it takes effort to actually pick up the book or file to begin with.

On the whole, it is a simple task but to reach this task and continue doing it, that part is complex. To all who know me, I excel in procrastination. Even when it was clearly stated that completing a particular task in one day was impossible, I still delayed my work till the very last minute, and the funniest thing is, I never, throughout the entire time, from receiving my assignment to the day before submission, stopped trying to do my work. I would attempt it every single time but fail to do so due to my "skill" in procrastination. This is my example. Being so, to me, it is a very complex operation to start a simple task of learning.

What are your thoughts about the last paragraph in the extract?

To be honest, the last paragraph is quite difficult to understand but I feel that from it, my thoughts would be that, instead of wasting time by pretending to do something boring, one should use that time to do something more productive and decide for themselves whether or not that "boring" task is important to them. I do not mean that they should ignore the task because it is difficult, rather they should be discipline enough to decide for themselves the right thing to do, to decide if that task is worth their time.

Should your lecturers also focus on your work attitude, or just leave you to sink or swim on your own? Why

I feel that lecturers should focus on our work attitude rather than let us handle things on our own. It is very easy for us to follow a PDF file and complete our assignments but that would just make everyone equals, same knowledge, same marks, in a sense at least. However, by focusing on our work attitude, it gives those who are morn willingly to learn the opportunity to excel over those who are not as willingly. I feel that this is only fair.

~Washboard Modeling~

Washboard Modelling

Process

First we create a 17 subdivisioned rectangle where we extrude and bevel, giving us jagged base much like that of a washing board. After which, the sides, being that of the base and legs are created from a cube polygon and aligned to fit its position using an align tool.

Technique

Extrude and Bevel are already known skills to us but the align tool is new. The align tool allows us to position a particular object based on another object. Meaning, if I select object A and object B, I can align A to be side by side with B while ensuring it is dead set in the middle of A. This allows for more precise position which I feel is crucial when it comes to designing.

This will be a frequently used tool in my opinion

Reflection

Surprisingly, like the track assignment, this is also an easy assignment. Although it did take some time to get used to how the align tool worked, it was ultimately very simple and easy to follow. Also, this assignment allowed me to learn how to use the align tool which is no doubt an important tool as it help with position which is very crucial for designing as well as for someone like me who adores symmetry.

~Track Modeling~

Track Modelling

Process

Similar to the Bucket assignment, using the CV curve tool, trace out the template of the track. However, instead of revolving, we extrude the base shape, extending it until it looks like a track. A further extruding of the underside front two faces followed by bevel completes the straight track.

For the curved track, we use the bend tool, setting curvature to 1. After which, by setting "rotate X" to -90, we gave our straight track a curve.

Technique

The technique used here is similar to that of the bucket assignment, however, instead of revolving , we extend.

Something new however is the bend tool, which allows us to curve a selected object, preferably a straight object, bending it into a curve.

Reflection

Of the Modelling assignments given to use lately, I would have to say that this is by far the easiest as the steps were extremely clear and simple. I had practically no problems completing this assignment and actually completed it quite quickly.

~Bucket Modeling~

Bucket Modeling

Process

Having failed many times, I practically memorized the steps. First is the create a plane polygon on the front panel, followed by Blinn and getting the basic shape of the bucket to be shown on the plane.

After which, CV curve tool is used to trace the shape, followed by revolve to allow the traced shape to make a duplicate itself in a full circle, forming the shape of a bucket.

After which, extruding and boolean >difference takes places to produce a hole at two ends of the bucket where the gear fits into which the handle will soon be attached to. CV curve tool is then used once again to create this gear and used once more for the handle, where this time, instead of the basic outline, the cross-section is added in to create the full handle.

After which, the Soft selection manipulator is used to give the handle a more realistic look.

Technique

I feel that this assignment is focused on the CV curve tool. Although extruding and boolean > difference is also used, the process used here is not that different to that of last weeks work.

Focusing on CV curve tool, I feel that it is a very useful tracing tool. It is easy to draw straight lines, simply use the grid, align, and click accordingly, and if the line between two points is not straight, it can be noticed due to the ups and downs that can easily be noticed on the line.

However, a curve is not as simple to notice if it is aligned properly or not and being so, I feel this tool is good as one only has to choose key points to get their desired curve.

Reflection

To be frank, I thought that the teacher was insane for giving us such a tough assignment.

However, after attempting it, I realise that it was not as hard as I thought it would be. Following through the steps, it was a little confusing, however, it was still manageable and relatively easy to do. Even though the steps are quite long, I feel that if I was suddenly thrown an assignment which requires me to use these steps, I will be able to do it as the basic understand is there.

This work is by far the most fun of those we have already done as the revolve tool works wonders. By putting a simple base shape, the revolve tool can duplicate it in a circle, making something new, making it fun as we get to invoke our creativity a little to come up with the weirdest base shapes so as to make an interesting object.

Interesting Vase

Process

Similar to the above work, the CV curve tool is used. However, instead of tracing, I had to come up with the base shape on my own. After doing that, revolving the base shape completes my vase. I selected the entire 3 bottom row faces and scaled them to give it a flatter bottom though.

Technique

The technique used here is similar to the one above, only that instead of tracing, I get to experience making a base shape without a template. I had to analyse the structure and come up with a figure which, after revolving one full circle, would become a vase. This was a very hard task and although the outcome is quite different from that of the example, I am happy with it as it is my interpretation of the assignment and unique in its own way.

Reflection

Upon looking at the assignment, I was stunned by what seemed to be an extremely difficult task. But after completing the previous work, I was able to recall the necessary steps needed to complete this assignment. The only difference is that I did not have a template like the previous one and I was unsure of what I had to draw out.

After several attempts, I managed to draw a basic structure that eventually became that of the picture above. I feel that I could have done this better but I am unsure how I could do so. I did some research and although it was insightful, I feel that the fault lies with my own inability to draw well. However, I will do my best to draw better in future.

Research

This was the video of which I watched which drew his vase freehandedly.

Through this video, I did learn that at points where there are small features, adding in more vertex will be better as it will make it look more identical as compared to that of if we had lesser vertexes.

Despite learning this however, I was still unable to duplicate the image properly.

However, an additional knowledge I gained was the use of "end sweep" which, when changed, for example to 180, causes only half the vase to be shown then when it was set to 360. This was an interesting find as when doing the assignment, we were simply instructed to input specific attributes when revolving our curve. Knowing this, I am sure I can come up with a few interesting things.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyclWWW3d0c

~Cardboard Box Modeling~

Cardboard Box Modeling

Reflection

I am starting of with reflection mainly because of the fact that I had difficulty doing this assignment the first time round. I realise that the work is getting slightly more tougher and more difficult to understand.

Later, you will be able to see the difference in my first attempt and my second attempt. Although the outcome still does not look perfect, I know I did improve and am happy about it.

However, I feel that being in this course, I have to perfect every assignment thrown at me as it will provide me with skills that can assist me in the future. Being so, I am making a point to mention here that the work document or PDF file seems to be slightly outdated and at times very confusing. I am not blaming my failure on the files given to us, but rather, I wish that clearer instructions can be made on these files to help slower and not as skilled people like me to have a better chance of excelling in this subject.

Here are the screen-shots.

BEFORE

AFTER

Process

Seeing that there are lots of steps and teachers, you have lots of students to grade, I shall list the steps taken in point form, in order.

1) Create a cube with 3 subdivisions.

2) Make it look like an empty box by extruding the top face and bringing to downwards.

3) Give the box four flaps by extruding the top four side faces and bring them upwards.

For this part of the assignment, I did cheat a little, instead of extruding and scaling it one by one, I selected the two opposite ends and scaled them outwards which gives the same effect. The only difference is that the two ends will have the same angle unlike when you do it individually.

4) bevel the sides of the box to make it more realistic.

5) Using the "move to face" obtained by double clicking the move button, I "crumpled" the box by selecting a pair of vertices, followed by a face, preferably in the opposite direction, I pulled it in different direction, giving it a crumpled look. I repeat this steps several times.

Ultimately, this is the steps taken to achieve the box shown above. To obtain the torn box, the following steps are added on.

6) Select the faces of the flaps properly and extract. After which, remove it by pressing the delete button, or rotate it accordingly to make it look like it is hanging.

Technique

In my opinion, this assignment is focused on extruding and I must say, it is a very useful tool.

I now know how to make a cube into an empty box with no top. Jokes aside, it is really a good tool to use and can actually quicken certain actions, for example, if I wanted to create a square nose from a squared-faced robot, I could select the right faces, extrude and make it look like the face grew a nose. Fine, it is a bad example but I am sure my point is made. Extruding makes things faster.

~Blocks Modelling~

Week 2 Assignment ~

Blocks Modelling

This is my attempt at Block Modelling

Process

Following the instructions, I slowly build each piece, assigning it the same measurements stated in the instructions. After a piece is created, it would be bevel to give it a slightly more realistic look. Thereafter, I would hide the piece so as to give me a blank canvas to create another piece. When all the pieces are done, I cancelled the hiding function so as to reveal all the pieces and finally, arranged them appropriately.

Technique

This is the first time that I actually use the Boolean > Difference function and I must say, it is simply amazing, being able to "subtract" a shape out of another object. If I had this knowledge at the start of IN3D, my robot companion might look more detailed.

Also, new things like bevel is first used here which likewise, if I had known during the start of IN3D, would give certain shapes a different feel to it as it my opinion, a sharp edge triangle is more harsh looking than a bevel-ed one, where the sides are more smooth.

Reflection

This exercise was very simple easy to understand and finish which was good. Bevel and Boolean > difference are really useful function which I feel will come in handle when doing my assignments later on.

Train modelling

Process

To simplify things, the train is merely a combine of many different polygons, squares, cylinders, etc.

Firstly, I created the basic polygons needed for this, duplicated cubes and cylinders to ensure all of them are of equal size.

After which, I joined them together to get the basic shape of the train.

Finally, detailing. I used Boolean > Difference to achieve what I call, "the eyes of the train" where I "subtracted" two cylinders from the head of the train. Also, I extruded the front by selecting the two few faces and moving them inwards to ensure it does not have such a flat surface, giving it a small dent or bent making it more realistic in a sense.

Technique

Similar to the first portion of the assignment, Bevel and Boolean > Difference is used add details to the object.

One more function used here however, is extruding where the front of the train was extruded inwards to give it a dent which made it much more realistic to look at.

Reflection

This is only the second week of IN3D and I must say, work is really piling up. Despite having an assignment, we are still issued homework that is also graded. It is going to be hard but lets how things go for now.

Judging from my work here, I feel that I am still able to manage the task given. It is still quite straight-forward and in a way fun. However, I highly doubt that it will remain this easy.

Gear

Process

First, I created a Pipe. After creating a pipe, I changed an option allowing me to select faces via clicking any part of that particular face rather than a small dot. Thereafter, I selected specific faces of the side of the pipe, ensuring that I selected it one by one to avoid highlighting wrong faces. Finally, I extruded these faces to give the pipe a jagged exterior much like a gear's.

Technique

For this assignment, other than learning how to select faces, the main technique used is extrusion where we extruded faces outwards to give the pipe its gear like shape. Another thing I noted was that when extruding, there is two options, a square and a triangle which the user drags to change the look of the thing they are scaling. I realise that there is a difference. This got me thinking about what other things extrusion can do.

Reflection

This assignment is very simple to do and understand. Extruding is like pulling something out, in my opinion at least. This was a good start for us as it showed the basics and things that we have to be cautious of, preparing us for the harder tasks ahead.

Research

After looking at the video below, I was in awe. Through one function, so much can be done and it is simply amazing.

Although I am still not fully an expert on it, I can safely say that through this video, I know that this function can do these few things.

Firstly, under the attribute "Keep Faces Together", whether it is set to On or Off makes a difference, to that of, when it is On, the faces will be stick together while when it is off, they are separated. Although obvious, I was unaware of this to begin with.

Next, by using the Shift + right-click, I can obtain the extrude function much faster.

Also, by using CV curve tool with extrude, a face can be extruded to the same height as that of the line drawn by the curve tool.

Lastly, after using the CV curve tool and extrude combination, changing the twist attribute just makes things very fascinating where the objects gets twisted like that of a DNA.

Although it sounds like a joke, I am being serious in saying that this function is extremely fascinating to me with so many hidden functions. I am sure that what I have said above are only a small portion of what it can do and I am curious to what else it can do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsVPuOUmuQw

~Exploring Maya: Making Waves~

Exploring Maya

Exercise One - Making waves

Extra Work

These are two screen-shots of my work, the first being that of the non-graphical one and the second, the graphical-looking one.

I am amazed at how realistic it looks and is even more amazed at how simple the steps are the achieve this. Thinking through, a few more steps like, adjusting the lighting, would make this already relatively realistic image even better. Maya is really very interesting.

Initially, we were told to submit this but after looking through the marking scheme, I realise that this was not part of the things graded. Being so, I regard this as an extra work.

Research

Seeing that this was the first time seeing animation of Maya, I decided to look it up a little and came across this website.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOE09LZOLRo

After looking through the video, I was amazed at how simple changes in camera angles can make such a big difference, such as the emotions, the impact and the outcome. The function which was used in this video was create>cameras>camera(make new camera) which he used to allow the camera to move accordingly to how he wanted it to move as the animation played.

It is an interesting function that I will use as I am the type of person to make others feel what I want them to feel and this function allows me to do so. However, I am sure that there are more functions for animation that I am still unaware of and thanks to this, I will continue looking for them.

~Companion Robot~

MEET PRIMMY.2's SIDE-KICK, PRILEAN!

While equipping himself with weapons, Primmy.2 noticed a weasel looking at him. He shot the weasel with his laser which resulted in it being thrown aback, landing in a Robot-a-fier, which turns anything it touches into a robot. This resulted in the weasel turning into a robot as seen above. Noticing another robot in his presence, Primmy.2 made the weasel bot his sidekick, naming him Prilean as it was the only name he was programmed to know.

Process

I started off by looking for things that I could draw. Eventually, I found my old drawing of a weasel. Next, I traced the basic outline of my old drawing onto a new paper. Finally, I added in the features, such as the nose and hair, ensuring that I kept it as squarish as possible so as to keep it looking like a robot.

Technique

Like the previous exercise, not much technique is used except for tracing and visualisation. If I had to add one more, it would be that of creativity as although the image was traced from my old drawing, I needed to be creative in the first place to draw that.

Reflection

Personally, this assignment was frustrating to deal with as I initially tried drawing a companion from scratch only to find myself getting frustrated as I was simply horrible at art. Eventually, I found my old drawing but still, I was unable to duplicate it through free-hand drawing. I had to resort to tracing to finally get the job done.

Seeing that IN3D is designed based, a factor that I do not have, I feel that I might do badly in this subject.