Specialisation project Initiation report

One of the many projects that I am currently working on during this Trimester at University is a Specialisation Project. My interpretation and concept for this project is to create a mystical Faerie Kingdom/Village (as I have mentioned in my previous blogs), this idea became apparent after watching a few fantasy films, and stumbling upon some YouTube tutorials some time ago. This project, if all goes to plan, should consist of a variety of explorable Faerie houses, an explorable environment and potentially some faeries themselves.

As of this moment, my skills are somewhat 'narrow', as my previous work has only concentrated on certain/basic aspects of 3D Modelling. The first model I ever created turned out to be quite successful (in my opinion) and resulted in myself earning a High Distinction. However from there, I have become lazy in researching and practicing 3D Modelling, and so my skills have ceased to progress. Yet regardless of my skills, my passion continues in the form of Asset/Hard Surface Modelling.

My goal in terms of visual aesthetic relates to some incredibly talented 3D artists on ArtStation, Brooke Olson and Plamen Tamnev. Both their 3D styles are realistic yet 'game-esk' in terms of smoothness. Although currently this goal is completely out of reach, it is incredible inspiration for me to keep going to achieve something that looks even remotely like this.

For this Project, I hope to expand my skills in efficient modelling and appropriate Poly Flow, as well as learning how to use and create normal maps. Learning how to sculpt using programs such as Zbrush or Mudbox would be amazing, however I feel at my current skill level and motivation, I most likely will not be able to learn how to use sculpting programs for this particular project. However I have this to look forward to for future Studio classes.

My Specialisation Project at this point in time will remain as simply models in an environment with no animation. I hope to construct a scene of Faerie buildings constructed of natural elements (mushroom house, fallen log house etc.) incorporated by nature, whether it be modelled or using UE4 meshes. The environment will hopefully (this whole project is built on 'hope') be explorable, both exteriors and interiors.

Although my passion is for Viking History, I hope (again) this whimsical fantasy scene will prevail, and my skills will expand in more ways than if I would have stayed with Vikings. I shall be using YouTube tutorials, allot of trial and error, as well as help from my peers and lecturer.

Fingers crossed I survive this.

References

Olson, B. (2017). Viking Village. Retrieved from https://www.artstation.com/artwork/APkkq

Tamnev, P. (2016). Viking Village Unity Demo. Retrieved from https://www.artstation.com/artwork/YOBYd

Warpaint. (NA date). Fairy Mushroom House Illustration. Retrieved from https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/fairy-mushroom-house-3d-illustration-432189643

Warpaint. (NA date). Fairy Mushroom House Illustration. Retrieved from https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/fairy-mushroom-house-3d-illustration-668596177

Warpaint. (NA date). Fairy Mushroom House Illustration. Retrieved from https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/fairy-mushroom-house-3d-illustration-488532076

Cinema 4D. (2014). 30 Beautiful Cinema 4D Models Renders Architectures and Sci Fi Scenes. Retrieved from http://webneel.com/cinema-4d-models-renders-architectures