Lappie Blogging

Doing everything with my new BlackBerry is hilarious...but lacks capital letters on this blog. I wonder why it does that? No worries to that, there's good in each of these devices, and I love them all equally.

Going to continue on with the Durston Honey Farms website today...as a cat walks over my laptop X3 (I can't get angry with them for such cute things; I know they're just trying to get my attention). Not much to finish on the website, then I'm just waiting for copy to add.

Going to get back at it in Maya today as well, with a few more lessons, and then continue modeling Mylo.

Toon Character Modeling

Ok, there's a goal, I've set for myself. ...I'm going to try to not touch any web today, if I can help it :3 I think I maybe slept 4 hours last night. That's brutal! I just couldn't sleep, but that's fine by me! I managed to get a full website estimate and contract finished this morning, as well as I fixed the issues with the Durston Honey Farms website!!

Now to play/learn/I need a coffee!!

PS. Cat on arm, too long, makes for sleepy limbs X3 .:zzzz:.

Cartoons VS Real-Time

In the years that I've been working in 3D, I've seeded this bizarre expectation in my brain: everything should look realistic. Even when I was working on the entrance portfolio for the RRC course I'm taking, there was this strange vibe that my works always have to reflect on "realism." I understand where this is coming from; all the 3D that's influenced me has some quality of realism.

As of late, I've been pondering, "why the heck would I want to go that far?" while I'm exuberantly content with being a cartoonist. Thinking long-term, I understand we have to do a major studio project for next year - all the works I've seen from 3D have been so catered to realism...but is that really me? What really drives me crazy (in a good way): the realistic graphics that have taken the new Final Fantasy games? Or the adorable cartoony styles of Harvest Moon and Animal Crossing?

When I was a wee lass, I had a town-full of characters that seemed to evolve on their own; their personalities and adventures were bar-none to anything I was supposed to be doing in my life. Why yes, this did affect me academically, although I always kept my head above water and passed all my courses. I graduated on time, with no issues, but this was always my mega-dream. Since 12 years old, I'd decided I wanted nothing more than to see this world someday in it's own television series.

Thinking long-term and in the now, I'm going to take my modeling in the direction of my cartoon style. I see how important it is to gain more knowledge in the 3D field of realism ... but when it comes to "what we want to do," I know my place in the artistic world. Thus, I'm old, I've got the skills and resources at my finger tips. I've no doubt in my mind this is where I want to be.

So to happily rip off Nike for a mo, "just do it." (And bwahaha!! It is three words in the English dictionary!! You cannot sue me!!...) ...

*run*run*run*slam*vroooom*screeeeech* ...

Happy Camper

The modeling portion of my demo reel project is finished; I also decided to incorporate some of my best work over the past year. Although the crate was modeled by my instructor, Brett McLaughlin, I created the texture for it. The reel will showcase, in turntable format, my best models, finishing off with an adorable animated short, of my happy little camper!

Bend is My Friend

So the tail mission was a great success.....I sure wish I knew what I was actually doing -- then this piece won't pop up as a polygonal embarrassment.

If all else fails, I want an entire army of these!!

3D Cat - Fake Rigging

Seeing as we won't be learning how to rig a model for some time, I decided to put my my MacGuyver cap on to come up with a way for my 3D cat to still move around.

Even though the arms and legs are solid objects, a quick manipulation to each pivot point will allow for basic movement. Of course, limbs bend and fold as they're contorting...that's where my new best friend comes in. Can you guess? It starts with "Blend" and ends with me jigging happily, while [real] cats look on in wonderment. "Why is she doing that?!" I can hear them meow. "Our eyes are bleeding!!"

I fully realize this model isn't of any high quality standard -- in fact, I've just started using Maya September 2010. With that being said, I'm quite pleased with how this has come to fruition. The final animation may not even happen prior to Open House, but I'd like to continue working with this little guy through out the summer. Heck, maybe even try to learn rigging on my own?! lol .... Yah, wish me luck ... 8}

Still Needs Work

...But I've imported him into the scene I created for "Hogan" [DMT Anim2 Assignment].

3D Cat Model

With tunes like this, how can I lose?! http://bit.ly/gZzM7k [Chrono Trigger].
(My heart just fluttered looking at the renders #nerd....yup, that's my kitty!)

Click to view full size image!...I think I've earned me some breakfast!

Animation for Reel

I had a groovy idea when I woke up this morning ... I couldn't shake it, even after such little sleep!! X3 Going to model the cats from my kiddie book and add them to the tropical island scene I modeled for my last project!

WIP


Only half, but looking like a kitty cat none the less!!

DMT Open House...We're Invited!

I'm super excited about this year's DMT Open House for the 2nd year students...primarily because we're invited as well! I'm looking forward to viewing their works, as well as meeting people in the industry!

For the next month, I plan on getting together my best work for a reel, but I'm going to challenge myself to model a new character -- something that will set me apart from the rest of the reels -- something that we haven't worked on as a school project.

#Excitement!