'Stairwell', Roughly Textured - Part 2

So have now roughly textured the environment and this week will focus on going through each texture and making it look as good as possible. With giving myself the deadline of 11th October, I feel I can easily achieve this, with the next 5 days spent on texturing, next week will be for lighting and finalizing the scene (touch-ups).

I haven't had much issues so far. The only one (maybe) being the scale of things. It is very difficult to tell without a character in the scene. I should maybe look at applying one purely for reference. Here is the environment so far...

Roughly Textured

Personal Notes

Completing the glass in the porch windows shall become interesting as I wish to incorporate a line system (checkers) that help accentuate the glass. Adding some dirt and grease marks could also become an interesting approach.

'Stairwell', Modelled - ii

So I have now completed the modelling of my first project. So next comes the real test - Texturing. This has always been a weakness of mine which I feel is due to not fully understanding, ratio's, file sizes etc when it comes to UV Mapping and texturing. The texturing stage for this project is going to take up most time as I will be conducting thorough research into how to make it look as good as possible. This projects aim is to show my general modelling skills but more importantly, my texturing skills (with a little bit of lighting thrown in their). Before I begin the texturing, here is what the scene looks like so far...

Stairwell References

Final Model

Personal Notes

At the moment, it may look a little strange but that is because lighting has not been set up. I will do this last. As for proportion, I think I may have to change a few pieces here and there in order for it to all look closer to scale.

Texturing is goign to require some practice and research. I will carry it out one piece at a time. Most likely the most used pieces first so it quickly comes to life. I am aiming to have this complete by October 12th. That gives me about 20 days to do so. I would prefer more but it is nice to set a target to see where it leads me.

'Stairwell', final piece - i

Quick update as I found a really useful link on UV Mapping:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLhazEa8wmw

This projects main aim is to show and develop skills in Texturing & Lighting. This all begins with UV Mapping, which as always been a grey area... I have known how to and have been able too, but have never been sure if my method has been correct.

This video has helped with that and I am proceeding in a similar fashion.

The production is coming along nicely. Hoping to finish the modelling sometime next week. I have been pleased with the speed of my workflow.

Modelling Final Pieces

Personal Notes

Initally I had issues importing into Unreal Engine 4. With this now fixed, I am going to start importing my pieces into that so that my final piece is in a game engine. At the moment I must export as a 2014/15 export however hopefully with an update in Unreal Engine, this will change to 2016 fbx file.

'Stairwell' Block Out,- Part 1

So I have now completed a quick rough Block Out of the Stairwell. I am very pleased with how quick I managed to make it and already have ideas of how I will produce the final piece! This was done on Autodesk Maya 2011, but my final piece will be completed on Autodesk Maya 2016 - this will be my first ever project on Maya 2016!

'Stairwell' Block Out

I still have yet to decide on whether to import it all into Unreal Engine 4. I am thinking I will as it will keep my knowledge and experience of Unreal Engine 4 up. I also learnt a lot about texturing in it last year so I can apply those skills to this and finish with some nice images.

Stages to Come

1. Model
2. UV Map
3. Texture
4. Light
5. Unreal Engine 4?

The handy thing with this project is that I can easy step out of my flat and 'take a look' if I require some more references or just as a reminder of how it all looks. I also took this video which can help show perspective:

'Simple Beginnings...Stairwell' - Chapter 1

So for my first 'warm-up' project, I have decided to create a 3D representation of the stairwell in my building. My reason for this is it has some interesting lighting and textures which I feel can help me develop my knowledge in skills in texture creation and lighting in an environment.

I have began with taking reference images and sketching out a rough plan of where I want the camera positions to be (to take the final rendered image - total of 8)

'Rough Sketch - Camera Placements'

'Stairwell Images'

Stages to Come

1. Set up Maya (Grid/Scale etc)
2. Rough Block Out
3. Begin Modelling

'Project Aim'

The aim of this project is to warm me up in terms of modelling and to improve my skills in texturing and lighting. I will be using various tutorials to help me improve these skills and apply what I learn to my environment. The reason for picking this environment is because it is small enough for me to quickly create some fantastic models and can then spend more time on the texturing and lighting.

'Possible Outcome'

Another possible outcome for this small project, is to turn it into the famous optical illusion made famous by M. C. Escher...

'Ascending and Descending' by M. C. Escher

I could turn this into a little 'optical illusion' piece to maintain my level design and 'programming' skills. Depending on time, this would be cool to do. Allow someone to just endlessly wander down (or up) this stairwell that I create - special prize for those who reach the top...

'What Lies Ahead' - Prologue

So what I have decided - as a rough plan - is to treat this next year as almost like another academic year, in terms of time. So, I want to get about 2-3 projects completed by Xmas time, and then another 3 projects done by the Summer.

The first project I carry out will be relatively simple, to get me warmed up but after that, I will be looking to create much better pieces finishing with a grand piece at the end (which I kind of already have in mind...)

Whilst doing all this I am also in the process of looking for some sort of internship/work experience to help extend my knowledge of the game industry's work pipeline. As for job hunting, I am keeping my eyes peeled, but will most likely start venturing out into that sector in the new year, once I have gotten a few more projects on my portfolio.

Each of the projects I carry out will look to help me explore and develop different skills, in order to show my varied skills in 3D environment art and modelling.

I will look into keeping a weekly update blog as well as posting as often as required.

Each project will see me researching and practicing certain skills whilst (or before) actually carrying out the project.

This first project will be a small scene that will look to enhance my texturing skills as I believe they are the weakest aspect of my 3D projects. I have already planned what I am going to do...

'Stairwell'

'The Part Between University & My First Job' - The Next Chapter Of My Life

Honours Project - Hotel/Mental Asylum

After graduating University in July (2015) I spent the remainder of the Summer sorting out various things to begin my next chapter of life. I got my CV sorted and created an online portfolio. I began looking for jobs and what they require. With the feeling that I was going to need a bigger portfolio (all I have is my Honours Project) I decided that it was maybe sensible to go back to university to carry out a Masters Degree in Games Development at Abertay.

After being accepted, I decided to relax and enjoy my Summer - much like I would during the Summers of my University days; working full time and getting outside as often as I could. As August and September approached, I started thinking seriously about the decision of going to complete a Masters Degree and whether or not it was such a good idea.

I felt that the main reason for doing this was to keep the same routine I had for the past 20 odd years - studying between September and May, then enjoying a few months of Summer. After seeking advice from as much people as I could and after careful consideration, I decided that my best interest and choice, was to not carry out a Masters Degree.

So where has this left me now? Well I have decided to continue working my part time job at Marks & Spencer. This gives me plenty of time to work hard on my portfolio and continue looking for my first job and begin my career in the computer games industry. I will be looking to gain experience at the same time by applying for internships and participating in game jams - all of which will be mentioned in this blog. The reason for my carrying out a blog, is because last time I did one (for my honours project) it was such a huge success. Initially I was not a fan of blogs but after last year, I have ended up finding them very helpful.

This blog will be all about the work I carry out with regards to building my portfolio and experience in anticipation for finding my first job. I will share this blog with people for those who are interested but it's main purpose is for me, to help me express my thoughts and stages of work throughout this next stage of my life.

For anyone who doesn't know me (I'm guessing most of you) my name is Christy McLaughlin and I have recently graduated at Abertay University with a 2.1 Honours Degree in Computer Arts. I wish to pursue a career in the computer games industry as a 3D environment artist and am now currently building on these skills and enhancing my portfolio.

Links

Portfolio
http://christymclaughlin892.weebly.com

Honours Project Blog
http://christymclaughlin92.blogspot.co.uk