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3D Modeling / Project 2: Theme Based Scene Modeling

16/10/2023 - 30/10/2023 / (Week 8 - Week 10)
Derin / 0354969 / Design in Creative Media
MMD 60804 / 3D MODELING
Project 2


INSTRUCTIONS

   

Project 2: Theme Based Scene Modeling (20%)
This project will be focusing on themed based scene modelling from 2D concept art (original) either by using simple organic or hard surface modeling. Good lighting, composition and rendering are essential. Final artwork will be presented by using CPU based rendering preview.

Deadline:
Week 10

PROJECT 2

Moodboard and Plans

For this project, I settled on a pirate theme for this project because I'd previously created pirate-related assets in our earlier exercises. To guide me in creating the captain's cabin, I referenced the video shown in Fig 1.0.

Fig 1.1 Reference video

I took inspiration from the image below for the lighting setup. I aimed to include two distinct light sources in my model: one cool-toned, simulating outside light through the window, and another warm-toned, sourcing the glow from candles and lanterns inside the cabin. I believed this approach would elevate the pirate theme and bring a richer atmosphere to the scene.

Fig 1.2 https://pin.it/3bszItS

I have also created a list of items to include in the captain's cabin:

  • Steering wheel
  • Bucket
  • Crates (2 kinds)
  • Shelf
  • Bottle of rum
  • Books
  • Lanterns
  • Map and navigation tools
  • Stools
  • Captain's bell
  • Barrel
  • Spyglasses
  • Coins

Modeling

I started by making the main shape of the room and added two engaged columns stuck to the wall. The plan is to put a window between them as seen in the sketch. Then, I made a raised platform on the left side to spice up the spatial dynamics (I have no idea what I'm saying). After that, I made a staircase on said platform.

Fig 2.1 Block-out modeling

Fig 2.2 Platform and staircase

Some of the items in this list have already been crafted in previous exercises, it was also the main reason why I decided to create a captain's cabin :P

Fig 2.3 Furnishing the cabin

Fig 2.4 Reusing previous assets

Fig 2.5 Chained table

When I shared my work with Mr. Kamal for feedback, he suggested removing the ceiling and to establish a focal point within the cabin. Taking his feedback into account, I opted to abandon the concept of a suspended chain table in Fig 2.5. It seemed odd to have it floating without any attachment to the ceiling. Additionally, I relocated the table to the edge, bringing it closer to the camera to emphasize it as a focal point. Here is the progress so far, with the stock image serving as a reference for scaling the furniture to real-life human size.

Fig 2.6 Making changes according to feedback

Mr. Kamal pointed out that the captain's cabin is lacking pirate-y elements. Upon feedback, I added a pirate hat and sword to emphasize the pirate theme into the room.

Fig 2.7 Pirate hat

Fig 2.8 Pirate Sword

The following is the result for modeling in an isometric composition.

Fig 2.9 Final look for Modeling


Coloring

Picking colors was tough for me as the cabin was mostly wooden, making everything blend together. It wasn't looking great. So, I switched gears and played around with the lighting using cycles rendering and it turned out way better than I expected. I decided to rely on the lighting to bring the room to life. I experimented a ton, binge-watched tutorial videos, and finally got it to work.

Fig 3.1 Coloring

Fig 3.2 Experimenting with lighting


Next up, I tackled changing the materials of the items and adding wooden textures to the cabin. Let me tell you, that was my first dive into what felt like 'nodes hell.' The struggle was real. You won't understand the amount of tears I shed during this process!!!!!!!!!

Fig 3.3 Tearful process

Fig 3.4 Nodes for wood texture


Rendering

Finally, after the brutal process of everything, I finally completed the Captain's Cabin model! I rendered my 3D model using cycles rendering in Blender, and after what felt like an eternity, here's the final outcome from the rendering process that took bajillion hours.

Fig 4.1 Final Outcome for Theme Based Scene Modeling


FEEDBACK

Mr. Kamal provided several suggestions to enhance the design of the space. His advice included incorporating more pirate-themed elements, introducing a focal point to draw attention within the cabin, removing the ceiling to alter the ambiance, and implementing specific lighting to emphasize this focal point.


REFLECTION

This project, creating the captain's cabin, was a rollercoaster. I thought a pirate theme would be a easy, given my past work with pirate-related stuff. But turning a room full of wood into a lively space was harder than expected.

Lighting was my savior. Mixing cool and warm glows transformed the whole vibe, giving it that pirate-y feel I wanted. Dealing with materials and textures was a headache, especially diving into what I call 'nodes hell.' But watching tutorials helped me figure it out.

Reflecting on this, the challenges boosted my skills big time. This project stretched me, teaching me new tricks for creating awesome cool backflippng 3D scenes.


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