Week 1 Lab 2 Exercise 4

Process

Week 1 Lab 2 Exercise 4 - Ocean

For this exercise, a step-to-step tutorial video was given to us. At first, I thought that this exercise will be difficult. However, it is quite manageable(:

To create an ocean, we use Dynamics. Choose create ocean and from there, we change things like; the settings, attributes of the ocean and we are done!

When I complete this exercise, I felt a huge achievement as if I had just complete something difficult!(: 

Week 3 Lab 1 Part 2

First we create a polygonal plane on the grid and we drag out a rectangle then we set the parameters. Next, we will import a image to Maya by clicking Assign new material -> Blinn -> File -> click the file icon next to Image Name and select the image we wish to import. If the image is not centered correctly on the plane, normalize the UVs by clicking Edit UVs -> Normalize.

After all the moving of the handle, we create the basic shape of the bucket. CV curve tool was used to trace the shape of the bucket. Then we have to extrude and boolean it, in produce of a hole at two ends of the bucket which the handle will fit into. The last step is Soft selection manipulator to give the handle a more realistic look.

I have to say, this is the hardest exercise that I had done and also took the longest time to complete it. After much trying and consulting my friends, I have finally completed it!

Week 6

In this exercise, we are supposed to create a room to put in all our toys inside. To create the room, we start off with a cube. After setting the dimensions of the cube, we go to Face model and delete off the top, front and left-side of the cube. Then we will add in color for our room by clicking , assign a new material and click on Lambert. 

To make our room more realistic, we also created windows. To create the window, we click on Edit mesh then click on Insert Edgeloop tool. We have to insert sufficient Edgeloops so that we can cut 2 faces on the wall face for 2 windows. Right click and go into Face mode then delete the 2 faces for the windows.

Now of course, with windows, there are definitely have to be something that can be seen outside the windows. So we created, garden scenery as well! First, we create a polygon plane, setting all subdivision to 1 which will have the same size as the wall of the room. Then we rotate it to 90 degree and move the plane at a little distance outside the wall. After with are done with this, we went to search online for the garden image and save the image we want. To put in the image to the plane, we click on assign new material and then click on Lambert. Next, we Extrude the edges of the window to give it a more 3D feel.

The last step will be bringing all the toys into the room and Translate / Rotate / Scale it accordingly. To import the toys we click on File then Import.

Week 5

Process - before putting in the Photoshop image

This exercise make use of Photoshop and Maya. First, we have to create the layout of the ticket booth. Star out with a cube then by the UV mapping to map the faces of the booth. This step is an extremely important step as if we did this step wrongly, we won't be able to complete the ticket booth. Hence, we have to be extra careful with this step and do it correctly.

After we create the layout of the booth, we will save the file and open it at Photoshop. In Photoshop, we just have to make use of our creativity to design our ticket booth. We can color it and also insert image in the ticket booth.

When we are done with the design of the ticket booth, we save it as a JPEG file then we will go back to Maya. In Maya, we will open the file that we had in Photoshop by right click and choose Assign New Material then click on Lambert and select the JPEG file from the folder. After this step, the design we did in Photoshop will just appear on the ticket booth and we are done!

This exercise is fun and interesting, as we get to do something different. Other than working on Maya, we can also have fun and design our ticket booth in Photoshop.

Week 3 Lab 1 Part 1

Phone Wire

First, we set off a straight line by using the CV Curve Tool then we create circles by clicking on NURBS Primitive and click on Circle. Select all and click on Surfaces and then click on Extrude. It will then appear as a tube. We then move out the tube out of the straight line then scale, change the rotation where the tube now will be more twisted and curved. After much scaling, our Phone Wire is done!

For this exercise, we are given a step-by-step video tutorial which is the same teaching style as the Gears exercise we did at Week 2 Lab 2 Part 2. For this exercise as long as we follow all the instructions given, we will be able to complete the phone wire model. To conclude, I find this exercise manageable as to the same reason I gave when we did Week 2 Lab 2 Part 2 exercise,  I am able to keep up with the speed of teaching as I can pause and replay the video if I don't understand a certain part. 

Week 4 - Lab 2 : E-learning

• Does multi-tasking give you a real or false sense of having accomplished something? 

If you can do multi-tasking, definitely you will feel a sense of having accomplished something as it shows that you are able to complete several things in one go. However, in my opinion, being able to complete several things together doesn't means that all of the things you done are in 100% best condition. Maybe you are in a rush to complete all of them so your aim is to just COMPLETE them and might not give it all your best shot. In this way, I rather do things in focus by complete each one of them individually so that I can give 100% concentration to them. By able to complete all of them in my best form, then I will feel a real sense of accomplishment. 

• Is learning 3D and design different from learning programming, or is all learning the same?Why?

All learning is the same as we all have to have the basic learning attitude in order to learn. By saying learning attitude, I mean by focus, positive and determination, of course there is more of it but this 3 attitude are extremely when it comes to learning.

But there are two different of learning, one is the theory and the other one is practical. For theory, all we need to do is remember the contents of what we learn but practical is different. Like learning 3D and design, we all have to practice more in order to do well, not by memorizing the instructions will help us in our work. 

• The article states that “Learning is actually a very complex operation for an individual”. Do you agree with this? Do you feel that you approach your learning in the best way – if yes, how, and if no, how can you change your work style?

Yes, I agree to this as many things have to be done when it comes to learning. For example, the condition of your mood, environment, weather etc. Even the smallest things can stop you from learning, maybe the television is playing your favorite movie and you will feel might just stop your work and watch the movie instead. 

So it takes up a lot of effort in learning, you have to be disciplined and focus when it comes to learning and every one have different style of learning. For me, I prefer to do my work by my own, plug in my earpiece and listen to music as I do my work. I won't be interrupted and I can really concentrate on my work. 

• What are your thoughts about the last paragraph in the extract? 

s   I extremely agree the last paragraph in the extract. I think that communication is the most important factor in all kind of things. Without communication, we will fail in a lot of thing. For example, business. In business, communication plays a important factor as the seller have to communicate with the buyer to promote and convince them to buy their products without communication, is hard for both parties, the buyer have to judge by what the see of the product and the seller will have a have time to sell their products.

• Should your lecturers also focus on your work attitude, or just leave you to sink or swim on your own? Why?

     I think that lecturers should also focus on our work attitude as students are still young, sometimes we will be lost track and if the lecturers are there for us, they can guide us to the right direction. As lecturers are mature adult, they understand things better than students hence, they can tell where we lacking of and advise us so that we can improve ourselves better. 

Week 3 Lab 2

Train Track

To do the train track, we have to outline it first. The first step is to create a polygonal plane and after setting the parameters, we hold the right-click option and choose Assign New Material, click on lambert from the menu, next to the color option, click on the file and open the train track image provided from the source image folder. Then, normalize the UVs to centered the image correctly on the plane.

The second step is to outline the train track image by using the polygon tool. Next, extrude and bevel the train track to make it look more 3D. Then by using edge loop tool,  it will divide the train track equally so that we are able to see the lines. This step required techniques more of extrude and bevel.

The last step will be, deformers. By doing this step, I can bend the train track whichever angle I want. 

Washboard

For the washboard, the techniques used are quite similar as to the train track. It is mainly extrude and bevel. One of the step "Extrude the new faces to create the ribs.", remind me of one of the exercises we did previous, which is the Week 2 Lab 2 Part 2 (Gears), where we also have to use the exact technique (extrude). 

The more challenging part of this exercise is to align the parts together. At the start, I faced some problem in doing it, but after I consult my friend, I am able to do it.

I added in colours to the washboard by right click on the washboard then select assign new material and choose lambert then I choose the colours I want. The color I close are close to a washboard as well, to make it more realistic.

Lab session on 6/11/2012

Bowl

Mushroom

In this exercise, we learnt how to use NURBS in Maya. In order to use NURBS in Maya, we have to select Surfaces in the Menu Set and select Surfaces on the shelf.

We used a sphere to form the mushroom,. First, right click the sphere and select control vertex to move and rescale the size of it. We made use of the move and scale tools to get the shape of the mushroom by selecting the relevant vertices. Second, to add colour to the mushroom, click on the RMB and select Add new material, Lambert. 

For the bowl, we used the Curve Tool in NURBS to draw out the shape of the bowl first. Then we Revolve it and make it into the full blown object.

In this exercise we learnt the differences between Polygons and NURBS (Surfaces). The Face option in polygons is the Surface Patch option in NURBS. The Vertex option in polygons is the Control Vertex (CV) option in NURBS. The Edge option in polygons is the Isoparm option in NURBS. We use all three options in polygons while in NURBS, we only use CV option the most.

Week 2 Lab 2 Part 3

Process

Cardboard Box Exercise 1

Cardboard Box Exercise 2

To me, I find this exercise is extremely challenging. I spent a lot of time trying to do this model, as there are a lot of steps are required and is very tedious. At first, I have a hard time understanding the instructions but after a number of times of try and error, I finally got it right!

After setting the dimension, we have to extrude the top center face to create the interior then extrude the perimeter faces to create the box flaps. To make the box flaps to look more realistic, we use a procedure called pick-walking to select the vertices in the flaps for rotating. Then change the location of the pivot point and rotate the flap to an open position. After that, split the sides into several sections to create a bent look to the flaps. Next, add some bends to the flaps to make it look more real and then add complexity and soften the edges using the smooth command.

The last step of the cardboard exercise is to make the cardboard look old, to achieve that we just have to add a wave deformer to simulate age by bending the sides.

Week 2 Lab 2 Part 2

 

Process

Final 

In this exercise, mainly is to select the faces of the gears and extrude them. I learnt a important lesson which is Shift-select. At the start, when we select two groups of faces and then second another group of faces that are not selected in the beginning, afterward, it will be toggled. Which means, selected faces become unselected and unselected faces become selected.

Also sometimes, when we select the blocks at the front, some blocks at the back might be accidentally selected. So we always have to rotate the camera and avoid wrong faces. 

To extrude the faces outwards to create the teeth, we select the faces that we want to extrude then click on edit polygons and extrude face. A extrude manipulator will appears and we will just have to scale it.

For this exercise, a step-by-step video tutorial is given to us. In this video tutorial, instructions are clear, I am able follow the step and complete the gears. I prefer learning in this way because I am able to keep up with the speed of teaching as I can pause and replay the video if I don't understand a certain part. 

Week 2 Lab 1 Part 2

Process

 Final

Exercise 1 - Building Blocks

This exercise is quite simple, as we just have to drag out the shapes we need and scale it then shift and move it around.

In this session, I have a better understanding of how Maya works. For example, I know that in Maya we can also copy and paste an shape by using the Duplicate Special. Also, I was introduced to the Bevel operation in where it causes the edge of the shape to be rounder which give it a more 3D feel.

I also learnt how to use the Split Polygon Tool operation to split the block into two sections. Lastly, I also learnt how to hide objects, by selecting the Difference from the Booleans option.

Process

Final 

 Exercise 2 - Toy Train

The toy train is made up of various types of shapes. There are a lot of moving and scale tools used for this toy train. As we have to move a certain shape into another one and also rotate it to make it look more realistic.

Secondly, there are a few similar shapes so I used the Duplicate Special to duplicate the shape so I don't have to waste my time to create the same shape all over again. The Bevel operation is also used at the edges. Similarly, I also used the boolean commands to cut holes in the train windows.

Also, I have put up some colors for the toy train to make it look attractive. By assign new materials to the shape.

Lastly, the most important point I learnt from this exercise is parenting. By parenting to group the all the shapes together, when I select the a certain shape, the whole toy train will be selected not just a particular shape. This makes it easy when I want to rotate the toy train as I don't have to rotate the shape one by one, I can rotate it as a whole which save a lot of my time and effort.

Week 1: Lab 2 Exercise 3

 Primitive Robot

 Process

The original robot.

The main step of creating the robots is simple, we just have to drag out the shapes we need and scale it then shift and move it around to match with other parts of the body.

As this is my first Maya model, I have a difficult time to create the original robot and it takes me some time to create it. But after I am used to rotate, move and shift the position of the shapes, I saved a lot of time in creating the modified robot! 

MKT-01 Modified robot.

The new name of the modified robot is TSW-07. The TSW-07 was designed to look after elderly at home. It can think, it can help the elderly in their daily life.  TSW-07 has a dream of opening a school to recruit other robots and train them to become a helper for the elderly. The different between the original robot and TSW-07 is, TSW-07 is much bigger in size which means it is more stronger than the original robot. TSW-07 have to be stronger in order to help the elderly. 

TSW-07 companion robot 

TSW-07 companion robot that look like TSW-07. Just a smaller verison of TSW-07, acting like a little brother to TSW-07. 

Week 1: Lab 1 Exercise 3

• Prisons are meant to be scary, powerful looking places, while Toontown is meant for fun and childlike enjoyment – how is this reflected in the lines and angles of the buildings?

The lines and angles of the prisons are mostly in fixed shapes. Despite the prisons and Toontown make use of the same shapes – triangles, square, rectangle, etc, Toontown display it in a much funnier way. Toontown make use of thicker and fatter lines – to make it seems to look like in a fairy-tale world while the prison shapes are all fixed straight which appears to be more boring and strict.

Also, the prisons use the same shapes throughout the building, there are no much different. Where as Toontown use thicker lines and thinner lines in the building which is more interesting and not so dull-looking.  

• How does the sense of scale reflect the different purposes of the prisons and Toontown?

The scale of the prison is large; it reflects of how lonesome the place is where there is large amount of space that enough for individual people to do their own thing. The scale of Toontown is much smaller than the prison; it allows people to all gather together, to appear to be much friendly and lively. 

The scale of the prison is large, but yet, there is still a lot of spaces, there people can all spread out. The scale of the Toontown is small which do not have much empty space, that people have to squeeze together. In another words, it means prison = more space, little people; Toontown = little splace, more people. It is contradicting, as it ought to be more people = more space, little people = smaller place, but it is totally opposite.

With little splace, more people, there is more bonding as people will all squeeze together and just have fun. Whereas more space, little people, everyone will have their own individual space to do their own things which means less interaction with one another.

Week 1: Lab 1 Exercise 2

Week 1 Exercise 2: Sketch a collection of primitive shapes.

By sketching the robot model, we are able to see it more clearly in a 3D form. This will help us in create the robot in Maya as we are able to know which shapes are we going to use to shape it. The exercise help us to learn to think in 3D which will be a great help to us when we are using Maya!