Portfolio

Introduction

Hi there! Welcome to my Portfolio Website! Here are what I believe to be some of my best works that I’ve created both in and out of Freestyle in these past two years. If you’d like a shorter, less in-depth portfolio summary, watch my quick Animation reel below. However, if you’re interested in learning about some of my larger projects, then scroll down and take a look!

Zenith (3D Video Game)

The project that I’m most proud of at Freestyle is my Senior Zenith Project. This was our final project ever at Freestyle, and we got to choose our own project and self-direct the entire process. I chose to learn how to use the free Unity Engine along with the 3D modeling skills I learned senior year to create a 3D mini game. My game centers around a young astronaut who’s landed on Mars. They explore the terrain around them and discover the history of what occurred in the times before they arrived. Visit my Zenith website for a more in-depth guide to my thought processes and how I created my game!

Although my project wasn’t a full fledged game with objectives, and quests, I’m still proud of what I was able to produce! This project came with lots of obstacles in debugging code, figuring out collider issues, and more, but I’m glad that I was able to push and persevere through them. Game design has always been something I’m passionate about, as it allows me to combine my passion for both art and computer science.

Animated Documentary (Potential)

Another project I’m incredibly proud of is my Documentary Project from junior year – specifically my Animated Documentary, titled “Potential“. My documentary project told the story of my dad, Ray Leihe, and his unique perspective on the career ladder and definitions of success. In my animated documentary, I chose to focus specifically on a past mentor of his, Michael Freeman, that jumpstarted the beginning of his career and continues to have a lasting impression on him and his perspectives about the career ladder. Check out my Documentary Website to see more about my dad’s story, as well as other works I created for the documentary project!

I’m incredibly proud of this project because it allowed me to tell the story of someone that I hold very close to me. I feel like my Animated Documentary is effective not due to the illustrations I created, but because its message and storytelling leaves a lasting and heartfelt impact on viewers. It was a really great experience being able to share the final product with my dad.

Explorations (2D Video Game)

Prior to my Zenith project, I also made a 2D video game for the final project of my junior year! This was also a self-directed project that we got to choose on our own. This project was what launched my passion for game design, as it made me realize that I could combine both my academic and creative side. I used skills from my AP Computer Science class to code a simple adventure game using Java, and then drew game art elements at Freestyle. My story centers around a young boy named Timmy, who yearns to leave his islands to go to outer space. The player completes quests in order to help make his dream a reality! Visit my Explorations Website for a more in-depth look into my inspirations, process, and characters!

Being able to present and finish this project was really awarding, as a lot of thought and detail went into it. I had to make sure all the colors aligned with each other to look cohesive, as well as connect all my code with the boundaries of the illustrated elements. Overall, my Explorations project was my first large, self-directed project, and I’m very proud of how it turned out.

3D Character Design

During our senior year in Animation, we learned how to model and texture 3D models! This was very exciting for me, as I’ve always loved making 3D elements and environments. I chose to create a mouse named Celeste. I was inspired by the cute characters from the 2D-animated French film, Ernest et Celestine.

Overall, I really enjoy the character I made! Although my character’s clothing made rigging and animation a bit difficult, I still like what I was able to create and the color scheme I gave her. If you’re interested in how I animated my model, check out my Narrative II Animation website!

SLAM Magazine

Outside of Freestyle, I was also the Vice President and Head of Design at SLAM Magazine, a completely student-run publication focusing on current social justice issues through creative imagery and writing. Many of the skills I used in SLAM were ones I learned at Freestyle – specifically, how to use Adobe InDesign. As a part of this organization, I’ve created many creative graphic articles that have been published in our 5th and 6th issues. Click on the images below to see a few of the things I designed for SLAM this year. Visit our website here to purchase our magazines and learn more about us!

Issue 5