What I know about modeling...

What I know about modeling is that it’s a very technical, and very creative line of work. It is possible to achieve a good workflow once a clear understanding of the software is established. Initially, learning how to model using Maya was an extremely challenging experience. It was unbearable not knowing what to do early on, but like the instructor said, “it will get easier” and it has, however, it will take lots of practice to achieve professional level modeling skills. Modeling is like drawing from life. You have your reference and you just have to train yourself to model what you see, not what you think you see. Understanding how things operate, and knowing their components is a huge part of it. Modeling is an exercise in utilizing artistry and, logic with a keen eye for detail, and never forget the fundamental laws of what makes a scene look good. The same rules that are applied to photography or paintings can also help to create a great 3d model.  At the end

of the day, it is art so it should appeal to your eyes and your soul at the same time. There is a lot that I don’t know about modeling but I'm still learning and there isn't anything on or off earth I can't get better at if I try hard enough and practice long enough. This accelerated program will supply me with ample opportunities for that.

This is how I think the fine arts competencies relate to modeling.

The fine art competencies relate to modeling in more ways than I had ever expected. For instance, the metal and glass shapes not only showed me about geometry, there were lessons about transparency, and lighting that even up to today were not obvious to me until I revisited these assignments.  Drawing animals and human anatomy taught me about texture and organic lines. Other assignments like the pipeline and the still life taught me a lot about how geometric shapes work together to form recognizable objects when doing block outs in Maya. The list goes on and we are only just scratching the surface.

I still have these questions...

How do I incorporate what I’m learning now in 2D Animation that I can apply to my upcoming 3D Animation classes? How can I achieve the same workflow that while modeling that I experience while drawing character designs? How can I make a 3D character as believable as one drawn by hand? The are a thousand different things that I need to know and hopefully, I will ask the right person the right questions to get the answers that I need.