During our narrative unit, we learned how to use motion captures to animate our 3D models. We used the sources Mixamo and the Rokoko’s Motion Library to bring our characters to life. We also learned how to lip sync our models to an audio. Here are some of the things we created.
3D Weapon Design
The Golden Lion is a giant hammer weapon with a lion etched on the front of it that is currently possessed by the garden gnome loving Darwin. This was one of the first items I created in Maya, and I found it very enjoyable to learn. We also used this piece to experiment with in Zbrush, and learned about all of the different brushes it had to offer. I wish I had emphasized the lion more since it’s supposed to be the centerpiece of my weapon. I really enjoyed learning about the symmetry tool and figuring out how to use Zbrush.
3D Environment Modeling
For this piece we were asked to create a model of a Greek temple by using an image as a reference. This taught us how to use the different perspectives Maya had to offer. We also learned how to use the extrude tool to create all of the different bumps and edges. I am really proud of how detailed my piece turned out. I wish I had added more to the surrounding of the temple like some trees or grass.
3D Character Bio
Darwin is a dwarf living in the northern forests. After a trip to the human realm, he became obsessed with garden gnomes and started to dress in a likeness to them. Darwin is now on a quest to collect as many gnome tidbits to furnish his tree stump home.
3D Character Animation
During this unit we also made a run, walk, and jump cycle for our characters. We key framed all of the animation meaning that it was all created by hand.
Action Reaction Animation
For this project we used mocaps we found on Mixamo and Rokoko to make a story line featuring our character.
Lip-Sync Animation
In this project we learned how to change the facial expressions on our model and made a lip-sync to an audio of our choice.
Reflection
I really valued all the new knowledge that we learned during this unit especially the lip-syncing project. I also liked learning about motion captures because that made making animations so much easier and is also commonly used by industry professionals.