Proposal form

Pre Production
Practices
Module Title:
Pre-Production Practices
Module Code:
ANIM3013
Student Name:
Karolina Sedilekova
Area of Study
3D modelling (animation)
Title of Project:
3D character modelling
Synopsis:
A 3D model of a character based on an original character that would be set in a retro-futuristic, cyberpunk style game.
Treatment:

Overview
This project aims to look at contemporary practices of CG character design. With this in mind, the two main objectives forming the research in this study. These being:

·        possibilities of ‘character’ in a variety of mediums including; Film, Animation, and Games.

·        Current tools and techniques used in the CG industry to create characters.

The proposal, therefore, centres on understanding the context of character as the pivot for the narrative, and to practice, develop and improve on my current skills. Secondly to facilitate a stronger body of work that can be used to start a career in the CG industry.

Research
The research goals at the outset of this project are to understand:

  • What makes a functional character
  • Why a good character design is important for the narrative
  • Explore and practice processes involved in character design
  • What can be learned from comparing characters from different mediums such as; Film, Games, Animation.

The results from this enquiry will develop the ability to create a visually appealing character that can be relatable to audiences.

In order to achieve these research goals, a variety of resources must be utilised such as
journals and magazines about 3D modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering; books on semiotics and how you can introduce signs into a characters design to introduce and reinforce traits and characteristics; online seminars on the theory behind character generation and creation; video tutorials on websites such as CGCookie/Lynda/Skillshare as well as more informal analysis of methods displayed on artists personal websites and social media channels.

Additionally, in order to develop understanding of lighting and how to construct a scene that aids in characterisation a valuable resource may be looking at Photographers and photography tutorials, magazines and journals relating to their practice. This will develop understanding of how character design and realistic rendering can work together copacetically.

These resources should to improve skills in Maya and also to assist in learning a new program, such as Zbrush, which is recognised to be a widely adopted program in the industry and will, therefore, expand on any pre-existing skills to create characters in a variety of different ways.

Objectives
The practical part of this project is to create an array of designs and a model that explore the concept of characterisation, culminating in designing a comprehensive character and modelling it in either Maya or ZBrush.

The final character should be based on an original character that would be set in a retro-futuristic, cyberpunk style game - in order to understand how best to select a character for adaption several characters should first be identified, then through application of the theory learned from prior research a single character that demonstrates good qualities should be selected to be fully modelled.

The first step to achieving this goal is by identifying and outlining the clearly described aspects of several characters and selecting the most appropriate candidate to apply the characterisation theory learned in the research stage of the project. It will then require designing concepts and character sheets of facial expressions, different poses and action drawings to understand the character better and making sure all details on the character have their purpose and it works a comprehensive whole.
The model will require an attention to detail and photo references to achieve results that are as realistic as possible, and I will be using different programs in order to achieve the different levels of detail and complexity necessary.

The character will be modelled using Maya and ZBrush which are both industry standard programs used by professional artists in the animation and game art industry. Maya will be used for low-poly modelling, ZBrush for high-poly modelling - most likely for small details but also anything research can evidence as justified. The model will be UV mapped and textured with original textures which will be created in Adobe Photoshop or Substance Painter, using different textured brushes, effects and photographs in order to achieve a high level of realism.

Outcomes
The final outcome of the project is to create a 3D model which will clearly reflect a character’s backstory and personality, as well as easily communicate this to an audience through its design and appearance.
The model’s purpose will be for a Game or Animation inspired by source material in the same way as adaptations such as The Witcher, and Metro 2033. The model should showcase the ability to design and create a 3D character to an industry standard using the skills obtained during research and learning part of the project and can be presented in a portfolio that will be seen by potential employers after graduation.

Research Proposition

For my project I plan to explore the possibilities of “character”. It will include a wide research of various questions such as what “character” means, what makes a character important and recognisable, to different approaches to “character” in various narrative fields of the art industry. I will also look into different approaches of character artists to know how to build an engaging character for the audience.

This research will help to understand what makes character functional, why is a good character important for narrative, how to create a working character and comparing characters in different fields of the art industry including film, game, and animation field. This information will be a great help to get the ability to create a visually appealing character that can be relatable to the correct audience.


Week

Date

Activity plan

Tutorials
1
24.9.
Introduction

2
1.10.
Generating ideas for final project, researching methods

3
8.10.
Tutorial with Cathy – project chosen

4
15.10.
Proposal and presentation of the project done

5
22.10.
Presenting my project for classmates

6
29.10.
Researching the question, generating ideas for the character

7
5.11.
Character design sketches

8
12.11.
Test modelling of details

9
19.11.
Finalise character design, writing learning report

10
26.11.
Face expressions, poses, character in action

11
3.12.
Writing learning report, more test modelling

12
10.12
Character turnaround and learning report finished

13
21.12.
Editing details, updating last blog posts, submitting work

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