Design Exploration: Task 2 and Final
24/10/2024 - 29/12/2024
Name: Joan Chiam Zi Woei
Student ID: 0350211
Design Exploration
Task 2: Project Development
Instructions:
Module Information Booklet
Task 2: Project Development
To begin, I revisited the character design I had created earlier, focusing on refining the details and anatomy. I experimented with poses, imagining how the character might move, stand, or interact with its environment. This stage was all about solidifying the vision and ensuring the design had depth and personality.
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| Fig 1.0 Expression Sketches |
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| Fig 1.1 Posture Sketches |
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| Fig 1.2 Detail on the clothing |
As I wrapped up my sketches, I started visualizing how these poses would inform the sculpting process. I’m paying close attention to aspects like symmetry, flow, and the physical constraints of translating a flat design into a tangible model.
This iterative approach—going from loose sketches to detailed poses—is helping me bridge the gap between 2D art and 3D sculpting. It’s exciting to see my character evolve from a concept on paper to something that will (hopefully!) feel alive in its sculpted form.
Preparing for Sculpting
As I wrapped up my sketches, I started visualizing how these poses would be possible in the sculpting process. I’m paying close attention to aspects like symmetry, flow, and the physical constraints of translating a flat design into a tangible model.
I transitioned into the sculpting phase. My first step was blocking—a technique where I create the character’s basic shapes and proportions using simple geometric forms. This stage was all about getting the overall structure right. Instead of worrying about the fine details, I focused on:
- Establishing the character’s silhouette.
- Ensuring proportions matched the sketches.
- Balancing the model so it looked stable and natural in 3D space.
- Blocking serves as the skeleton of the sculpture, and it’s a critical step to ensure that the final model maintains the essence of the original design.
Blocking serves as the skeleton of the sculpture, and it’s a critical step to ensure that the final model maintains the essence of the original design.
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| Fig 2.0 Blocking Process |
After completing the blocking stage, the next step was to unify the separate blocks into a single cohesive structure. To achieve this, I applied voxel remesh—a tool that merges the individual blocks while maintaining a clean, manageable topology.
The remeshing process allowed me to blend the basic shapes seamlessly, creating a solid foundation for further refinement. This step was crucial for avoiding disjointed elements and ensuring the character felt unified as a whole.
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| Fig 2.1 Remesh Process |
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| Fig 2.2 Hand smoothing process |
With the blocks merged, I began smoothing out the rough edges. Using sculpting tools designed for softening and blending surfaces, I focused on:
Maintaining Proportions: While smoothing, I kept a close eye on the overall balance and proportions of the character to ensure they aligned with my original sketches.
Preserving the Silhouette: I made sure not to lose the sharpness of the silhouette, as it defines the character’s unique shape and personality.
This phase was all about transitioning the model from a rough, geometric look to something more organic and lifelike.
Building Up the Details
Once the model had a smooth base, I moved on to adding secondary features. For example:
- Sculpting basic anatomical details like muscle definition or folds in the clothing.
- Defining prominent features like facial structures or accessories.
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| Fig 3.0 Adding eyelash details |
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| Fig 3.1 Adding Clothing |
After completing the sculpting and detailing, the next exciting step was rigging the character. Rigging involves creating a skeletal structure that allows for movement and posing.
Using a rigging tool, I carefully placed joints and controls to ensure smooth and natural movement. After testing different poses, I settled on one that best captured the essence of the character.
Crafting the Scene
To showcase the character, I decided to create a thematic platform—a book with magical elements. The platform adds context and highlights the character’s story.
I modeled a large, open book as the base, complete with textured pages and intricate engravings. The book symbolizes knowledge and mysticism, aligning with the character’s theme.
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| Fig 4.0 Book Model |
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| Fig 4.1 Rune Circle |
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| Fig 4.2 Wind Element |
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| Fig 4.3 Floating particles |
Final Output
Finally, I set up lighting to highlight both the character and the platform. Soft glows and dramatic shadows helped emphasize the magical atmosphere and brought everything together cohesively.
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| Fig 5.0 Final Output |
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| Fig 5.1 Final Output pt2 |
Fig 5.2 Final Video Output
Link to Final Presentation Slide: Here
Reflection
As I look back on this project, the journey from sketches to a fully realized 3D sculpture has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Sculpting was a new skill for me, and diving into it felt like stepping into uncharted territory.
Learning to sculpt came with its fair share of hurdles. From understanding how to block out a model, to mastering tools like voxel remesh and refining the details, every step required patience and persistence. There were moments when things didn’t work as planned—proportions felt off, details looked out of place, or tools didn’t behave the way I expected.
Despite the challenges, sculpting has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve undertaken. Every hurdle I overcame was a chance to learn and grow, not just as a designer, but as a creator who can bring ideas to life in new ways.
Seeing the character evolve—from rough blocks to a polished, posed model—was incredibly satisfying. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and effort that go into 3D art. I also learned to trust the process, knowing that each stage, no matter how rough, is a stepping stone to something greater.
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