I officially finished spring courses last week with an 'Evolution of Medical Illustration' presentation and critique where I presented my artwork to faculty. My evolution presentation was on software use in the biomedical animation industry, and I think it went well. The critique was helpful and I got several ideas and solutions for improving my pieces from this semester. The good thing about digital media (although it's a double-edged sword) is that it is comparatively easy to go back in and correct problems, work up certain areas, and generally polish pieces for my portfolio.
This summer I've got a couple courses: Business Practice and Research Methods. I'll be creating promotional and administrative materials for myself (tearsheets, invoices, business cards, logos, cover letters, CVs - actually just one of each most likely). And I'll be doing background research for my master's research project (MRP), which I will elaborate on in the future.
A lot of my time will also be dedicated to self-directed learning in the software that I will be using for my MRP. Maya, Unity, Photoshop, and maybe some ZBrush just for kicks.
For Maya, I've started modelling a German WWII tank, the Panzer IV (Ausf.F2 to be precise).
For Unity, I've started going through this learning path: http://www.digitaltutors.com/11/learning_path.php?lpid=18
For Photoshop, I'd like to work on a series of sketches and digital paintings to improve my wacom skills and painting technique.
For ZBrush, well I'd like to at least get through this course: http://www.lynda.com/Zbrush-3-tutorials/for-windows-essential-training/642-2.html and then we'll see what happens. Hopefully some quick sculpts on a semi-regular basis to get my hand in.
It's always a risk publishing my goals, especially with so much going on. I know that the reality is that I won't get as far as I want in each of these areas, but maybe with some encouragement from my readers, I'll be able to keep all the balls in the air.
Later,
Stuart
Oooh... it all looks pretty exciting. Is it easy to do articulating models in Maya (that don't use a skeleton)? Or do you have to use a skeleton? I guess I'm imagining the tank being able to do all sorts of cool things.
ReplyDeletePS. Your Map looks awesome... the one with all the visitors to the site on it. Some serious world wide exposure goings on there.
Yeah, it's pretty easy to rig mechanical things, depending on their complexity. It might be interesting to get the tracks working properly though. Maybe use a dynamic sim to get realistic gravity on them.
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