End of the Year Reflection

End of the Year Reflection

Throughout the course of this year I have learned how to better use the 3D modeling software Maya. In Maya I've learned how to use different tools to make the modeling process easier and I have also learned how to paint weights onto a rigged model. Learning how to new tools(like the bridge tool and the insert edge loop tool) have made the modeling process easyier for me. And learning how to paint weights is important because someone has to paint weights before moving the joints on a characters skeleton. If this is not done then areas of the model would be moving when they are not meant to.

I learned how to do this by watching online tutorials and also by just practicing with the program. First I started by looking up some tutorials on the Internet. These tutorials gave me a starting point. With the basic knowledge I learned from the tutorials I simply began modeling by myself and practiced regularly. In addition to this I also sought help from my instructor and my peers when I faced a problem that I was having trouble with.

I chose to focus on 3D modeling this year because I wish to become a game designer one day and 3D animation is an essential part of that field. Learning how to create 3D models and animating them now will save a lot of time and frustration later. In addition if I can teach myself how to improve in Maya then I can use the same methods to improve my skills in many other programs. The strategy that I used this year can apply to many different programs.

As I previously stated, I have improved greatly in modeling 3D characters. I have a solid understanding of how to construct a model or environment. But my skills in 2D animation have not improved this year. This is mostly because I have not done any projects that involves 2D animation. I am much more comfortable using 3D programs such as Maya than I am with 2D programs such as Aftereffects.

As I said before I would like to one day create video games. Based on what I've done this year I think I would enjoy creating character models for games the most. Although having an understanding of how the model will move is an important part of creating the model. Next year I hope to further improve my skills in 3D modeling and animation. Although I also hope to get back into 2D animation and review the basics of that style.

If I could go back and change anything I would most likely do a little bit more 2D animation. I would do this just so I wouldn't become so rusty. I do not regret focusing on 3D because I feel like that will be most useful to me in the future. But I would still like to have an understanding of 2D animation just so I can do it in my pass time.

This year I have improved my skills in creating 3D models. I know that this improvement will help me in the future, especially since I plan on going into the game design industry. But I have also become rusty in regards to 2D animation. Next year I plan to reintroduce myself into 2D animation while still continuing to enhance my skills in 3D animation.