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!!

There...Book Cover Complete!

It took some convincing on my part at first...I didn't want to keep the same "look" of the characters on the cover. Why? Once readers hit the "About the Author" part, they'll understand: that's a real cat on the cover! X3 He's one of many of my inspirations.
...Alright, instead of breaking out into a "Chicago" tune, here's the final cover.

Final Web Site Finished!

Finally submitted tonight; excellent code party at the school :3 That was much cooler than sitting around here, working...much.

Here's a groovy snippet of the final home page - also spliced and finished the "Music" and "Events" pages.

Happy Easter!

This Easter weekend's being happily spent working! I'm near completion on the children's book project, I'm very excited for it to be done!! :D Not on account of finishing a project; the original "Let's Pretend" book was written and illustrated close to ten years ago, this one's got a special place in my heart.

It's been updated to showcase my two cats, as well as the Love Bird and Basset Hound they each grew up with :3

Web Dev Final Project

Updated the logo; stuck with the moon theme from their original logo.
...I'm having way too much fun with logo design, back to coding!

Productive Day

Spent the day working from home -- what a great day! I've gotten everything entered onto our Class Trip group site, finished doing my taxes, finished my banking and have successfully started my final web site project! My knowledge has grown quite nicely in HTML & CSS ... I very much enjoy coding!

Back to work! ... If the cats let me X3

Progress Tastes Like Coffee!

It's been a great weekend so far on the work front. Here are a few screen shots of the children's book as it progresses.

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!