3D Interiors
3D modelling can also be associated with interior design. http://www.sweethome3d.com/index.jsp. I really like character 3D modellong but I also like 3D modelling in general and I would definitely like a job in that area. Interiors or automotive designs are a step further I’d want to practice 3D modelling because I’ve only focused it on character animation. I would like to create a 3D environment during the holidays and maybe turn it into a game level in Unity. My aim in the summer holidays also is to practice using Unity more and other game Engines.
Rockstar Games
Rockstar sounds like a great place to find an internships at. I will contact them and find out if they have any work placements or internships available and if not then I might also ask them if they can allow a visit so that I can see how the industry works and how the employees work with each other. Their work is honestly great because I’ve played grand theft auto and really like how the game allows you to do what you like. My brothers are definitely hooked.
I really like racing car games like Midnight Club, which are amongst those that I really enjoy playing because it creates competition between players and also helps people meet online, which forms bridges between cultures and communities.
BF3 Tournament – Now Recruiting Teams!
http://iseries.multiplay.co.uk/2012/05/22/i46/bf3-tournament-now-recruiting-teams/
Its great how people are passionate about gaming and that they can go to tournaments like this and compete against each other.
This is a great way to meet professionals and compete against them. It’s ideal to get noticed this way if you are passionate about the games industry. It will get you recognised if you have serious gaming skills and turn out to be great at the game. Another plus side to this is winning a prize at the end.
Independant Games Festival
In 2012 they hosted student showcase winners and presented prestigious awards. They also celebrate the brightest and most innovative creations.
This year they took nearly 300 game entries across all platforms (PC, console and mobiles).
I could try and enter such competitions and whether I win or not I could also add it to my CV.
3D Designs In Cars
http://www.carbodydesign.com/tutorials/3d/car-3d-modeling-tutorials/
Above is a website that gives tutorials on car body designs. The tutorials make the models look real, especially in adverts. A lot of 3D car adverts that I saw before knowing about 3D animation or 3D modelling softwares, I wouldn’t think that they were anything other than real but I’d also wonder how they’d create it like that. Now knowing about 3D modelling softwares and having experience in making 3D models I can tell the difference now. Below are a few adverts that I think stand out a lot because of the looks they give and entice customers to buy such cars (due to the illusion that the advert creates of what this car in particular can do).
3d Audi – Car Animation Video
Cobra Venom V8 concept – 3D car animation showcase – Norma Movies
DEVOLUTION – new SHC concept car – 3D design animation trailer
http://www.simplyhired.co.uk/a/jobs/list/q-design+engineer+-+automotive+-+3d
Above link shows how popular an automotive 3d design engineer’s job is but some jobs for graduate’s requires at least a years industries experience. This is a problem and after Level 6 I’d have to apply for a placement or an internship to gain this experience.
3D Modelling, Softwares and Dissertation
3D modelling is a very exciting career path and I’m very interested in taking up 3D modelling jobs.
3D modelling can be used for many types of purposes.. a few of them being animation, film, games, interactive design, automotive designs, etc.
Softwares that I’m aware of that create 3D models are Maya, Mudbox, ZBrush, 3ds Max and Cinema 4D. So far I have worked with Maya and 3ds Max and in the summer of 2012 I want to practice using other 3D softwares like Cinema 4D, Mudbox and ZBrush. If I hopefully progress onto Level 6 of DFGA then I want to focus my Dissertation on 3D Modelling. Because 3D modelling can be associated with any media I am struggling to come up with a title for my Dissertation but the aim is to focus on 3D modelling.
Maya
Mudbox
ZBrush
3ds Max
Cinema 4D
Pocket Studio
I definitely like the work that Pocket Studio produce. That is the type of work I would definitely like to get into because it involves create 3D models as well as using softwares like Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects to edit the end product. I like creating things out of the ordinary that’s why I would definitely try getting noticed by these types of companies first and if unsuccessful then any other types of 3D modelling would suffice. I just love 3D modelling.
Why I like 3D Designs
The reason I like 3D Designs is you can create anything from imagination and take it to the next level of bring it to life. Here are examples of some 3D designs that I like.
You can see how vibrate 3D models can be made. They can be made to create characters and voice them and animate them to life or you can create something materialistic like vehicles, architecture, plants or furniture. Anything can be made and I’m beginning to be very passionate about taking up a job in 3D modelling.
3D World
3D World Magazine on youtube and official website.
I really like reading the 3D World magazines because of the competitions, events, tutorials and professional work. This magazine shows different types of looks and effects that can be created using 3D softwares and other softwares like After Effects.
I love work like this…
…because it’s awesome. 3D modelling and image manipulation of multiple exposure. My kind of interest!!
Motion Graphics and Visual Effects
Motion Graphics & Visual Effects – Show Reel
This video definitely demonstrates how great motion graphics and visual effects can be. 3D modelling isn’t the only way to create something that seems close to real life. With motion graphics and visual effects this can also be achievable. The great thing is to create effects on actual footage making it look as close to reality as possible.
CGI and 3D
Jobs in CGI might be harder for me to achieve. I’d like to practice being able to create more realistic models using Maya and other softwares. Combination of softwares uses can help me achieve other looks that Maya alone can’t do. I think I should take up internships in 3D modelling even if its not in the genre that I’d like, just to build up my skills and gain some professional experience. Below is the information the website provides in what is expected from a 3D modeller:
http://www.creativeskillset.org/animation/careers/3D_computer/article_4637_1.asp
Modellers build three-dimensional computer models of everything that is needed for a CGI project. As they develop their skills and interests, Modellers may concentrate on different areas such as characters, objects, environments or special effects.
Further on in the process, Riggers will rig the models to enable them to be animated and Texture Artists will apply texture which will be further enhanced at the Lighting stage when tone and depth are added.
What is the job?
From designs, concept drawings and any other available reference material, Modellers create three-dimensional models using whatever software is applicable to the production.
They work to established designs and need to produce an accurate translation of the reference, staying on model (in style). There may be occasions when Modellers will need to do their own research or scan in a maquette or sculpture as reference.
The models they produce need to meet the creative requirements of the Production Designer and/or Art Director and/or Client, but it is just as important that they should satisfy the technical needs of the CG department and be efficient, reliable, to scale and easy to rig and animate.
It is important that Modellers understand and appreciate what will be required of their models in the later stages of production because this can affect the work they produce. Information about the action that is going to be required from a model will be provided by a Director, Supervisor or Animator, or can be found in the storyboard or layouts.
On smaller productions, Modellers may also rig, build textures and create lighting. On larger projects, they may be required to liaise with riggers, texture artists and lighters.
Typical career routes
There are several levels of Modeller from a new entrant taken on as a trainee or junior, through to a Senior Technical Director or Supervisor. This job profile relates to a mid-level Modeller. Modelling can be a good career choice or can lead on to other roles, such as rigging or texture.
Ideally, Modellers combine both modelling and texture skills which give them flexibility when progressing through the CG Department. With the appropriate talent and skills, a successful Modeller/Texture Artist may aim, eventually, to be either a CG Supervisor or a VFX Supervisor.
Essential knowledge and skills
One of the most important skills is to be able to think in 3D. In addition, it will be necessary to demonstrate at least some of the following within a portfolio submitted for a Modelling position:
- ability to follow design reference accurately and work in a range of styles;
- ability to create moderate to complex and organic models;
- ability to model characters, props and environments, working to a good level of finish, if required;
- good drawing skills including use of light and shadow and a good understanding of anatomy;
- strong sense of scale, form, weight and volume;
Key Skills include:
- good understanding of modelling with either Polygons or NURBS;
- ability to do UV mapping;
- ability to problem solve;
- ability to communicate with colleagues and work as part of a team;
- ability to take direction and willingness to address comments and make changes;
- ability to work with a minimum of supervision and capacity to function as team leader, if required;
- ability to deliver on schedule, working under pressure if required;
- respect for the procedures and requirements of a particular studio, production or pipeline;
- knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
Training and qualifications
Modellers are likely to have gained a degree in one of a variety of different disciplines including Mechanical or Civil Engineering, Industrial Design, Architecture, Computer Graphics, Computer Animation, Sculpture, Woodwork, Metalwork, Ceramics, etc.
It is possible that a period of comparable professional experience, or working up from a trainee, may replace an academic qualification providing that a portfolio can demonstrate the necessary talent and skills.
Modellers will be expected to have solid experience in at least one of the 3D CG packages regarded as standard by the industry. Maya is currently the most widely used programme for film, television and facility houses in the UK. However, it is unlikely that knowledge of a specific programme will affect employment.
Some studios may provide the necessary re-training if modelling talent and skills are well established in a portfolio; alternatively, Modellers will need to upgrade their own skills and take training on the relevant software. Life drawing and experience of sculpting or traditional model building are an asset.
Scorch London
Scorch London is a video production company that provides many service. They are the only production company in the UK to have a full-time in-house motion graphics department. The services that interest me most is the Motion Graphics Production & Animation and Video Production.
Motion Graphics Production
Produce everything from title sequences for film and TV, idents and stings for broadcast channels and simple animated identities for web and corporate communication.
They seem to know what they’re doing and they have the computer firepower to get the job done, quickly and effectively.
London’s leading motion graphics companies.
Animation Company
Unlike other purely motion graphics companies, Scorch London are also a full-service animation company and provide animation within their company and not just basic animation; they provide hi-end 3D animation suitable for Tv commercials, promos and web applications.
They can also design animated characters to demonstrate products and for films.
Happy to take full control of animation project, including:
- initial product photography and measurements
- character design
- storyboarding
- modelling
- lighting
- animating and rendering
Full-scale animation production or a simple logo animation, they can create it in style from photo-realistic, to quirky, cartoony animations.
http://www.scorchlondon.com/portfolio/?show=motion-graphics-animation
Video Production
Usual video production companies offer services from producing and filming, to editing and grading. Scorch London is one of the best companies to provide an all round service and bring whatever the client needs to life. They work closely with the clients to provide full support, and create more opportunities that the original thought, this will maximize the clients investment, leading to a good relationship between the company and possible a potential long term client.
http://www.scorchlondon.com/portfolio/?show=video-production
It is important to be flexible and versatile as a company to provide almost every service a client needs for a video production company and animation, this way the client would not go looking elsewhere. Another important factor to remember that every client is different so the service should be tailored to the clients needs and requirements, so that they are paying for what they need. Also the thing to keep in mind is that you should be well experienced in every service you provide because usually when a company offers multiple skills, the skills are basic and not at their full potential. When opening a company, the company can hire individuals with good experience for every service they provide. A company can give a good rounded support if the individuals are well experienced in individual services.
I have designed and created cartoony animations and my interest in this style has grown a lot. Although I have a major interest in this area of style, I would also like to brush up on my skills of creating realistic animations e.g. CGI.
I am extremely interested in working on motion graphics mixed with animation in the future. I love to design and then create a 3d animated character. It has become a newly inspired interest and I wish to continue pursuing this interest whilst building my career.
A career that involves image manipulation interests me a lot because I prefer to work with Photoshop and After Effects. Designing, motion graphics, animation, video production, all involve the idea of manipulating images or the final piece to look like something fictional and realistic.
I can imagine myself working on briefs that ask me to create animated characters, title sequences, motion graphics. Doing so makes me feel good about the fact that I am bringing someone else’s ideas and thoughts to life. That type of work has a feel good factor and interests me a lot which makes me want to pursue this type of career further.
Doll Face
Doll Face
A machine with a doll face mimics images on television screen in search of a satisfactory visage. Doll Face presents a visual account of desires misplaced and identities fractured by our technological extension into the future.
This is an excellent video that demonstrates how the media can effect people. People are influenced by it and try to mimic what the television is portraying. I want to focus in 3D modelling as good as this but I would like it to effect people in a good way rather than influence them to lose their identity.
3D Animation, Design and Architectural Visualization – Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
CORE150 animation demonstrates how simple animation with 3D models can be and yet very effective. I must admit its not the most impressive animation but it does demonstrate what the product does and is for.
Benefits of networking
Networking is about developing long-term relationships for mutual gain and creating a lasting impression with people so that they think of you positively when an opportunity arises.
Once learned, networking is a life skill which has many applications. Most commonly, people use networking to develop new business or find a new job. In the context of HR, networking has the following benefits:
- Networking internally – raise your profile, source new project opportunities, strengthen relationships with stakeholders and gather information on their HR requirements
- Networking externally with HR peers – exchange best practice knowledge, learn new HR methods, source inspiration for an HR issue, benchmark performance or even find a new job
- Networking externally with business executives or suppliers – stay abreast of latest business news, do your own head-hunting/talent spotting, find knowledge or contacts to help a colleague
Networking is synonymous with the term ‘working a room’ – however it is NOT about rapidly working your way through huge quantities of people, dishing out business cards in a desperate bid to make a ‘sale’. If you go back to our definition – networking is about mutual gain and it is long term. It takes time to develop a two-way dialogue and truly understand the needs of others and so results do not happen overnight.
http://www.londonhr.org/networking-benefits.php
This is further information on networking that I think is beneficial.
24/01/12 – Networking
Today we learnt that if there is a network within a network then incase a user loses data that they needed then it has most likely been tracked by others that were in the same network. This would mean the person retrace this data via other users of the same network.
As social networking sites like Facebook are popular amongst young people, the second year students of DFGA also have Facebook accounts. They have created a group called DFGA where they can upload work, comment on each others work and give feedback. This can also be called a network within a network.
I have subscribed to a lot of new film, games and animation magazines and will soon right about the ones that interest me. I did however come across a site called Motionographer and this interests me because I like working in post production and hope that I may find a career in it or something similar. As I would have liked to be a Graphic Designer, I feel that an interest in post production might be a mix of Graphic Design skills and the skills I have gained in Digital Film, Games and Animation. A lot of people I’ve met say that you should be good at just the one thing then you can perfect that skill. I think that you should have a variety of skills and intertwine them to produce different products/media. I could however focus more on particular parts so that I don’t struggle with it but I could also have other skills that I can bring into my area of focus. I like a bit of mixture.
Workshops, Conferences and Festivals That Could Be Useful
I think the Bradford animation festival could be useful because they might do conferences on the process of an animation or games. I like to draw so maybe I could get a career that involves drawing the characters and concept art. I admit it is a very competitive industry to get into but I will have to attend these events, conferences and festivals to meet people and talk to them and get advice off of them.
- Bradford Animation Festival: http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/
- Bradford Film Festival: http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/film/bradfordinternationalfilmfestival
- Next on my list is the Saltaire Festival: http://www.saltairefestival.co.uk/Whats_on.aspx
- London International Animation Festival: http://www.liaf.org.uk/
- FLIP International Animation Festival: http://www.flipfestival.co.uk/
- Animated Exeter: http://www.animatedexeter.co.uk/
- Animex International Festival of Animation and Computer Games:
- Animex: http://animex.tees.ac.uk/tickets.cfm
- Animex Game: http://animex.tees.ac.uk/events_game.cfm
Additionally I found a site that lists festivals and their locations, dates of the festival don’t seem to be updated on this site tough, it is better to get the name of the festival and search for the festival itself on internet.:http://www.animation-festivals.com/guest/festivaldetails.php?festivalID=512
So far these are all that I’ve found on the festivals and conferences. Animation Festivals are very exciting I think. Usually they have a games sector incorporated because games after all is animation. I will be looking into careers that relate to Graphic Design and more towards Motion Posters because I like to design and manipulate images. Maybe film festivals will be best for Motion Graphics.
The Typography Workshop: http://www.thetypographyworkshop.com/#
Web Typography Workshop: http://gidsy.com/activities/4802/web-typography-workshop-for-designers
Motion Graphics
I am becoming more and more interested in Motion Graphics and I came across this YouTube video called Unleash Your Fingers. I thought it was going to be great but even though the tricks he does with his hands are cool, the video gets boring after a while. I thought the graphics was good, very good actually in terms of the timing but other than that I didn’t feel like I immersed as much because he’s just sitting on a chair and moving his hands about.
Notes: 27/09/11
Book: product placement
Daniel Swarez – Demon
Visions of the Gamepocalypse – Jesse Schell
CEO of video games studio called Schell Games, Teacher at Carnegie Mellon university, formally with Walt Disney Imagineering, wrote a book called the art of Game Design.
Real life and games have been reaching out and connecting – Facebook games, wii and wii fit, guitar hero etc. Games are leaning towards reality.
Gamepocalypse – human beings will reach a point where they are playing games every second of their lives in some way. In the future when wi-fi connection will be very cheap (theoretically), doing everything you do daily will be bring you points. For example brushing your teeth could bring you points and brushing it for a longer period of time will give you a bonus point and brushing it twice a day will bring you another bonus point. In the end these points could be used as discount on the toothpaste you buy. This concludes that the people that sell toothpaste would want you to use the toothpaste more, which will mean it will finish faster and the more you will buy them.
Games made to be fun but mainly for you to notice advertisements.
Games Provides:
– Clear feedback
– A sense of progress
– The possibility of success
– Mental and physical exercise
– A chance to satisfy your curiosity
– A chance to solve a problem
– A feeling of freedom (most defining thing about games)
Book: Finite (win or loss) and infinite (curiosity) games
Singularity is near – is the moment when technologies have advanced so far that it will be difficult to predict what will happen in after the next 5 seconds. A thousand years ago it was easier to make predictions about what the future would be like and as the years go and as technologies advance the future seems harder to predict.
Predictions can be made if they are practiced and if you do practice then the singularity is helping you because if you practice predicting the future you will get feedback faster each time because you will know what prediction is right and wrong, eventually leading you to make correct predictions with practice.
NOOKS & CRANNIES
Games are everywhere so if you want to make games you need to look into places they have not gone yet: gap in the market.
– Audience (who’s playing)
Games will eventually get cheaper (theory), consoles such as ps3, Nintendo wii and xbox charge a lot for their games but game apps on iphones cost 99p or so; this probably is worrying for the leading games consoles because cheaper games with just as much entertaining potential win over games that cost 10 times more.
MICRO-TRANSACTIONS
All products are going to get better over time because people demand it but then people also settle for the cheaper option because it has everything they need and don’t need something that has more than what they need which also costs more.
NEW SENSORS
New sensor = new game
– Tilting
– Touch
– Motion
Nintendo found not enough people are playing games, asking people “How come you don’t play games?”, people would reply saying “Console pads used to have simple buttons and now there’s too many buttons and it has become confusing.” Comparing a console pads and a tv/dvd remote (which has a lot more buttons), it’s clear that it’s not the number of buttons that is the issue, it is simultaneous ambidextrous control (having to use both hand at once to do different things and that is difficult for a lot of people). Nintendo then came up with a motion sensor, which is not for full body motions – just to be used by one hand hence the reduction of the amount of button on a pad to make it easier to use.
NEW SCREENS
Screens are getting cheaper – screens in people pockets (phones), television, computer monitors, ipad, ipod, mp3 player etc.
The Hype Curve – all technologies follow this curve
Graph of visibility:
– Basic technology trigger
– Peak of expectations
– Criticism
– Enlightenment
– Plateau of productivity
India – tablet computer for $35 = screens are going to get cheaper.
REM-TERTAINMENT
– Dreams are immersive
– Can dreams be controlled?
– Lucid dreams
Advergaming
– You can’t take any add and inject it into any game.
– Games are sometimes based around products. Most products are about sugar.
– Virtual economies are very powerful. There are codes on slurpies that give you Farm cash for Farmville.
– Advertising people are very sneaky.
– TV commercials went from 13%-36%
– Logo on the corner of the screen is burning it into your brain
BEAUTY
– Telephones were ugly and now mobiles (telephones) are beautiful.
– Beautiful (architecture) buildings
– Everything is getting better (trend)
Book: Rational optimist
TELEVISION
3D TV – could get boring
CUSTOMISING
– Big change in video games – making your own character (customise your character)
– Customization is in almost everything – face on sweets
– Lego board games, build the board different every time
EYE/FACE TRACKING
– Cameras detect faces (squares)
– Track facial expressions and map it onto your avatar
– Recognizr (telling people apart)
CURIOSITY GAP
– Curious people have an infinite amount of information.
– Excitement about one topic and getting better at it.
– Curiosity should be what education should provide then children would want to learn more about what they are curious about and get better at it.
SOCIAL NETWORKING
Social networking (e.g. facebook) is popular because it connects you to the real world.
TRANSMEDIA WORLDS
– People want their fantasy worlds to feel real
– How to get to worlds through different media
– 360 deals (music, concert, merchandises, games etc)
SPEECH RECOGNITION
– Is very slowly creeping up
– Silent films – films that could talk – games – being real emotion into gaming experience (not yet succeeded)
– Talk ( attack those orces) whilst driving a car
GEO-TRACKING
I’m not a nerd I’m an imaginer – people that are very into the fantasy world. There are also people (mundanes) that cannot comprehend with the fantasy world and it is alien to them. The imagineers own the gameplay but the mundanes own real life sport. Geo-track people by bringing the gaming elements into real life sport – weapon can track how fast, how hard and gain points. People can make theme parks that are more immersive.
SHARING
– Music
– Messages
– Ideas
– Information
– Wikipedia (crowning achievement of humanity or the worst encyclopaedia ever)
– Little big planet can share levels
CLOUD GAMING
– OnLive (sharing options new realm of sharing)
You can play a game on a device that doesn’t have a graphics card which is connected to a wireless graphics card within reasonable distance. There are arguments that this is not going to work… Just like how people would want crisp graphics with the game connected directly with the graphics cards not by network. This is similar to internet connection – stronger signal by being connected directly to the modem/hub rather than having a wireless connection. It is like having wine in a box but some people want it in a bottle. People with less money would settle for a beer, just like that people with less money will settle for games such as Tetris or Bejeweled and would not feel the need for high end machines with graphics cards.
QUANTITATIVE DESIGN
Pulling data off players live; Studying numbers and analysing how people are playing and tuning based on how many people are using a weapon more rather than using gut feel – Zynga.
Great businesses find concrete numbers to judge them by.
EXTRINSIC REWARDS
– Perks and rewards out of ordinary things
– Christopher Alexandra – 15 principles (structure of architecture)
– If you bribe someone to do something they end up hating it (gold star at school…)
– Needs to be engaging
– Effortless
– Uncheatable
– Not embarrassing (coupon at the restaurant)
WHOLE LIFE TRACKING
– Tacking every movement
– 4 sides (persuaders (don’t care about how they make money), fulfillers (satisfy people), artist (need to get the art out for no apparent reason, humanitarians (make people’s lives better)
Gaming Addiction: Sometimes it ruins people’s lives, game designers are blamed for making a game addictive because it is too good but it is like saying the obesity problem is the bakers fault because they make their cakes so very tastey and they should stop – not realistic.
Long-Term Games: Multipler games – World of Warcraft.
Scale of Inustry: 40+ hours have been put into playing games; People earn money for playing video games.
Success of Online Gaming: So much to do; Goals (achievable and tangible); help people with missions to level up.
Alternative to advertising: Games they want you to play that you might not want to play yourself, they figure out what kinds of games to get you to play to buy their product.
Impact on Politics: Games making you understand complex systems (which books aren’t good for).
Book: Ender’s Game (predicts IM, Blogging, Pranking desktops like Fraping on Facebook.
http://fora.tv/2010/07/27/Jesse_Schell_Visions_of_the_Gamepocalypse#fullprogram
Anju Miah 