I was assigned to work with the 2nd year student – Yuehui Chen (Vivian). After I contacted her she responded almost straight away. She introduced me to her Project and sent me her work on it. Our first meeting we had online, we discussed her Film, my skills & strengths, and what I am interested in. After we considered what would be best for both of us, she gave me my task, which was to create a 3D model of a weapon for her. I do not have any experience in modeling, I have only done some of it in the 3D pathway classes but I was extremely eager to practice and learn. I used both Vivian’s character design and some reference images of real weapons to create the Design of the 3D model. I did some research and watched so many tutorials at the start so I can learn the tools and familiarise myself with the industry standard. I wanted to create something that would be useful and helpful for Vivian’s Project and I didn’t want my lack of skills to be the reason for a badly done job. Our second meeting we had in person and Vivian looked at the work I did so far (the base shape of the weapon).
She spotted some mistakes in the mesh and helped me fix them. She also said that the shape looks very good and I can start adding details. Vivian was very helpful to me throughout the whole modeling process. She taught me a lot of tricks when it came to 3D modeling and she shared a lot of her knowledge with me. I learned how to use some modeling tools I have never used before and I also learned in debt about the process of creating 3D content. We met at Uni for 3 days in a row and worked all day closely together; so any time I had a question or needed help – she was more than happy to assist me. I have acquired so much knowledge about 3D from her and I also watched her work on her own projects, which was very beneficial for me. After I added all the details she again went over my work and requested a few changes. When the design was approved then it was time for the UV Mapping of the model: so that on the surface of the model can be applied colours and textures. This step involved cutting the surface faces of the model and arranging them depending on the type of materials that would be used.
Next, there were a few issues when it came to exporting the work from Maya to Substance Painter (where I did the colour/texture). Vivian spent time with me, helping me to fix them and to import everything correctly for the final steps of the process.
I am more than happy with the work I have created and even happier about the opportunity I got to work on something new for me and something I have always wanted to do and learn. I would not have been able to do such a good job without the help of Vivian. She is an amazing teacher and person. She even offered me her help if I ever need it in the future, and I also offered to help her with her Film even after this assignment. Vivian was very happy with the Weapon I made for her Film and she told me that I have done a great job.
For me, the whole experience was beneficial for both sides. I was intimidated at the beginning by the complexity of the task, however, after taking the time to learn and paying attention to all the details, I am proud of the work I made. This was my first time doing 3D modeling and maybe if I was to do it again, I now have more knowledge and will be able to create the mesh even more correctly and clearly. Making sure everything is in the correct shape and order, as on this occasion I did make a few mistakes in that department. But making mistakes is how you learn and I am finishing this assignment with much more knowledge about the 3D world and industry. Also with a new friend – Vivian. Below is the finished work: