During the process of starting off my final major project, I underwent some massive changes to ideas and development.
Originaly, my FMP was going to be two model showcase rooms, as a unique way of showcasing modellling rather than just turntables. One room was going to be survival horror and the other fantasy.
However, with some feedback and the challenge of how much time I would have to complete these at my full potential, I cut my project down to one room.
Room deisgn
My very rough sketch of my initial design of the room is below:
I then researched some room designs to develop the look of my room. I wanted a more unique design, that was more interesting to the viewer in terms of layout and arrangement.
I created this moodboard to showcase my inspiration:
I then made new sketches based off of this new research I had done, this time, with different designs and layouts.
Main models
Next, I decided to make sketches of my models I was going to produce. I wanted a variety of models, and taking from my FMP proposal, I followed through with most of these.
These props offer a variety of modelling and texturing techniques without being too complex on their own.
Development of idea: Game tutorial simulation
I then decided to look at the style I wanted for my FMP. It was at this point where I decided I wanted a highly stylised look, similar to that of The legend of Zelda, Mario Party and Animal Crossing games. This is something I hadn’t explored before, and having a variety of visual effects style, other than photorealism, was important to me in presneting to game companies and even film,
In terms of modelling, I would therefore be making my room and models and tectures highly stylised, and cartoonish, with focusing on design and look rather than photorealism in models and textures.
I then looked into how I could further this idea, and make this project have narrative and structure to showcase more of my skills. I thought turning this FMP into a simulation of a game tutorial as a way of showcasing my models would be a perfect way to introduce narrative and to give a purpose of a story to my project.
The idea is that the camera would be following the supposed moves of the player in this simulation of what would be a game tutorial throughout the ‘starting’ room. My models would be showcased as being ‘equipped’ by the player as items are in the games I have previously mentioed, being equipped means the models will bob up and doen and turn 360 degrees while a speech bubble appears explaining what this can do for you in the game you are supposedly starting. Below is the style and idea I am trying to convey:
Graphics
I decided there might be a character guiding you round the room and explaining the items, or just a cute design of a cartoon speech button alone. I created a moodbard to explain what my inspiration for this is:
Storyboard
I then decided to make a storyboard seeing as my FMP has now developed into more of a story. I decided to make lore that would be introduced in the game tutorial of the land your character is in, and the magic in the land.
Visual Effects
In terms of visual effects techniques I will be using, I will be modelling the entire room in Maya, as well as the props. I will be texturing my models with a stylised deisgn inclusing hand dreawing in 3D substance painter. I will then be creating fire and particle effects in maya. I will be putting all of these renders and layouts into Nuke, where I will also be editing lighting, shadowing and layering.
This style is something I haven’t explored before so I am exited to learn and showcase new skills from this project.