enter the wired

Final Outcome

2009-06-02T13:25:00.000+08:00

Interaction Board

2009-06-02T13:20:00.002+08:00

Presentation 3: Interaction

2009-05-18T13:58:00.004+08:00

Due to some issues, I'm lack behind my friends a lot. So far, most interactions are just basics which you click on it, it will animate.

Presentation 2: Textures

2009-05-18T13:49:00.004+08:00

Lack of updates and lazy to do so. These are a screenshots of my 3D models with bakes textures. Basically it should look the same as this when render in real-time engine.

1st Presentation

2009-02-26T07:59:00.004+08:00

Well, it's going to be our 1st presentation. Basically I just compiled the whole thing into 1 3Dmax file, which cost around 90k polygons (tris).

2nd Progress Check

2009-02-20T19:41:00.000+08:00

2nd progress check. Lazy to elaborate. Just my avatar and another remaining scene.

New Semester: 1st Progress

2009-02-17T20:56:00.000+08:00

Yup, the new sem starts. Here's the progress of my 1st week of trimester 3. Trying to finish up the remaining scenes of my FYP. Theoratically, this is the final scene where we can see human remains being keep inside the "pods".

Final Sketchbook

2009-01-11T00:25:00.000+08:00

My sketchbook to end my 2nd semester. It's pretty much the same as the sketches that I previously posted, only thing is that I made it slightly more presentable. Since I was actually rushing to complete it and submit, it's a bit messy.

Lecturers seemed to accept it, considering I made it a bit more presentable. Even if they don't, I won't be redoing it. Printing this "thing" cost me a hundred bucks and no, I'm not gonna spend another single penny on it. I understand the so-call investment, but there's a boundary for it. Though I need to redo the "packaging" for my CD. Well, it won't cost me much, I think.

For the sketch book, I wanted to portray "sketches" for the sketches, that's why I used a paper texture for the background. While the few final render images I used the cyberpunk-rust-metal texture. Actually, for the background, I wanted to do the effect of paper gradually changing to metal, but due to the reason I need to rush for submission... well, you know...

Few Other Scenes

2009-01-10T05:13:00.000+08:00

These are my rendered results of few other scenes. These are all I can do. I Manage to model 3 scenes altogether and fully textured 2. I tried modelled as low poly as I could, but the polys are still high, consider I haven't actually optimise it, such as deleting faces and subdiving it.

Nothing much to describe, this is all I can do.

First Scene

2009-01-01T04:03:00.000+08:00

Completed first scene... in a week. Lecturers told me to try doing a scene only then strike a deal with them, for the final outcome during end of this sem. Like I said completing the whole thing is pretty much I-M-P-O-S-S-I-B-L-E.

This scene took me around a week (slightly less than that). The models seems simple, but there are times where I add the details and it doesn't look like, Which I pretty need to redesign some props. Nonetheless, the textures takes up quite some time as well. Easy to apply, but takes a lot of time. I need to select polys, apply texture, apply UVW, collapse it, select poly again, and repeat the process over and over again. Not to forget I need to edit the textures in photoshop, to make it seamless or match the colours, even making it contrasting (adjustments and so on).

Well, another week to go, good luck.. to me.

Third Stage?

2008-12-26T21:59:00.000+08:00

Well, the sem is coming to an end. After consultations, my lecturers expect me to complete all my modeling and simple texturing for the end of this sem, which to me is impossible. My scene deals with a lot of details in terms of modeling and texturing, completing the whole thing is pretty much impossible. Though to them, what they want is sort of "prototype" during the end.

I can't promise anything, just try my best to complete what I could. This is a stage where I don't have as much passion as doing concept arts and drawing, but still kind of fond of it. And it seems this is the only thing I'm better with compare all my other skills. Hope everything goes well.

Digital Rendered Environment

2008-12-25T12:25:00.000+08:00

Hmmm... Another ditigally painted sketch. This time is one of the environment I did. Well, most of the textures should be brownish since it's rust that you are looking at. Though the lighting would be greenish blue, to create a cool yet creepy kind of mood.

Time is limited, I'm only able to render one scene, though frankly, I haven't really decide how the other scenes should look like... in colour. Anyway, most of the scenes should have the same mood, since the theme is "cyberpunk", LOL.

Door... Animation?

2008-12-25T06:39:00.000+08:00

Didn't do much sketches for the animation that I'm going to do. But here it is, just some simple sketches of how my door would animate. Though I may be the only one that understands my own sketches XD.

Environment Design

2008-12-25T06:32:00.000+08:00

Here are the sketches of more finalise design for my environment, though most of it lack of details. Again and again, I'm not good in drawing, but I really like to do it, that's why I'm willing to spend a lot fo time doing more quality work than quantity. The deatils of my props I left it to my props design section. For environment, I just visualise how it would look like and the composition of stuff within it.

It's never easy to draw perspective drawing, especially for curvy space. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it very much.

Rendered Props

2008-12-23T18:25:00.000+08:00

Too bad I don't have much time to render every props I drew. This is the best I could do. I rendered which to me, deemed as the most important props of all. Done digitally, in photoshop with graphic tablet.

Props Design

2008-12-22T17:59:00.000+08:00

These are some props design I did, based on tonnes of reference I got. Although it's sci-fi futuristic props, it can be either roundish or geometrical kind of look. I tried approach the latter, which is more of geometrical and boxy, with sharp edges and all. Though the sketches are limited, I've tried my best to draw what I can.

Avatar Design

2008-12-22T12:43:00.000+08:00

Basically this is my avatar design. Nothing much to describe actually. It's half human (flesh) and half machine. I wanted to do a moderate looking person with moderate physique, including the machines part.

Rendered Thumbnails Sketches

2008-12-21T01:34:00.000+08:00

Well, our lecturers encouraged us to render our scketches in marker pen. I did learn how to render in markers, but never actually good at it. Yet, I have a lot (sort of) experience in digital painting. So, I did my thumbnails sketches with "digital rendering" ^_^.

Since it's just initial ideation, I did it in black and white, just to create the spatial sense, toning, and the 3D-ness of the shapes and forms. It's a great practice for speed paint, since I need to do the minimal amount of painting in minimal time (it's just thumbnails).

Done in photoshop with graphic tablet.

Thumbnails Sketches

2008-12-20T17:25:00.000+08:00

The thumbnails sketches of my environment. These are the basic composition and props of how my environment looks like.

Even though it's call "thumbnail", drawing the prespective is hellish. even 1 panel takes me hours to draw it =_=. Like I said, my skills are not good, but I still insist to spend time on it, since this is what I really like to do. I want to improve my skill on drawing perspective and my sense of perspective.

Floor Plan

2008-12-20T03:21:00.000+08:00

The floor plan of my environment. It doesn't follow the traditional way of drawing a floor plan, as my environment is kind of science fiction, I'm not sure how to draw some of the parts.

2nd Stage On!!

2008-12-13T17:15:00.000+08:00

We have reach the 2nd stage of our FYP, which is concept design and sketches. This will be my favourite stage as I'm really into sketching and drawing, though my skills are not so good. You can even describe me as sort of concept-artist-inspired-to-be.

I have gotten a bunch of concept art references, especially from games, hopefully I'm able to do a bunch of nice design. RAWR!!

Sketchbook For Ideation/Proposal 5

2008-12-13T01:33:00.000+08:00

The fifth and final part deals with miscellaneous reference I got. For interaction, I will base mostly on the PC game Dead Space. Basically the game is about first person shooter. But it has interaction with the environment such as triggering some machines to work, accessing holographic windows/interface for interaction, opening doors (duh~) and so on.

Although my application is not a game nor a first person shooter, most of the interactive elements are worth using/refering.

Sketchbook For Ideation/Proposal 4

2008-12-13T01:26:00.000+08:00

This 4th part shows my other main reference which is "Blade Runner". Blade Runner is being acknowledge by critics as the benchmark of cyberpunk films or genre. Most of cyberpunk main themes are included in this film. The story, the visual design, characters and so on match the visionary cyberpunk very well.

Sketchbook For Ideation/Proposal 3

2008-12-13T01:14:00.000+08:00

The 3rd part of my sketch book. Basically, this is the benchmark or references for my future outcome. My first main reference is from The Matrix Trilogy. Frankly, the cultural impact is not much, but this film did influence the future of how movies from Hollywood look like.

Although critics never acknowledge it as a benchmark film for cyberpunk, nonetheless it is a great movie with great design in its own right.

Sketchbook For Ideation/Proposal 2

2008-12-13T01:04:00.000+08:00

This is the second part of my sketchbook, continuing the first

Sketchbook For Ideation/Proposal 1

2008-12-13T00:44:00.000+08:00

This is the first part of my sketchbook which we need to submit during the end of 1st stage, research and proposal. Basically the background is a rusty metal, a texture that is highly used in most cyberpunk most. As for the foreground, is sort of holographic like board with text on it.

Inspirational Quotations

2008-11-15T02:03:00.000+08:00

A list of inspirational quotations from Edison and Einstein. I just picked some of the quotations which make sense or I would say "understandable" to me...

Enjoy.

-Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. (Thomas Alva Edison)

-Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration. (Thomas Alva Edison)

-Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits. (Thomas Alva Edison)

-I am much less interested in what is called God's word than in God's deeds. All bibles are man-made. (Thomas Alva Edison)

-Restlessness is discontent — and discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man — and I will show you a failure. (Thomas Alva Edison)

-I have not failed, I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. (Thomas Alva Edison)

-If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves. (Thomas Alva Edison)

-Hell, there are no rules here — we're trying to accomplish something. (Thomas Alva Edison)

-Just because something doesn't do what you planned it to do doesn't mean it's useless. (Thomas Alva Edison)

-I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. (Albert Einstein)

-I never think of the future. It comes soon enough. (Albert Einstein)

-Falling in love is not at all the most stupid thing that people do — but gravitation cannot be held responsible for it. (Albert Einstein)

-Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly. (Albert Einstein)

-The important thing is not to stop questioning; curiosity has its own reason for existing. (Albert Einstein)

*If a genius is made up of 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration, then I'm not. I'm a man that made up of 100% perspiration :D.

Initial Proposal

2008-11-14T01:29:00.000+08:00

I'm lazy to do any modification, so I'll just copy and paste exactly (sort of) from my initial proposal.

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Title

3D Web Library – Traditional Malay Wood Carving

Abstract

The application will be a web 3D library which features detail information and visual about Malay wood carving. It allows the user to experience and understand the difference of design and application in Malay wood carving.

Target Audience

Researchers and developers who are interested in Malay Woodcraft. It can be use to expand the understanding and knowledge of Malay wood carving, as well as using the application as a 3D library.

Goal

The goal of this application is to create bank of collection for Malay wood carving which was known for its fine and detail design. It will provide in-depth information and experience how woodcraft has played its role in traditional Malay houses.

This application allows us to digitally preserve the knowledge and context for the aesthetic value of wood carving which was passed down for many generations. Most documentation of the knowledge is only kept in written and printed form, without detail visuals how it affects the aesthetic value of traditional Malay houses.

The virtual library will enable users to view detail designs and the depth of wood carving in 3D. Users will have the chance to experience the interior lighting and mood in a traditional Malay house, how shadows and light rays react under different circumstances.

A number of virtual libraries have been done over the years, for both educational and entertainment purposes. However, none has done to feature and preserve traditional wood carving. Therefore, this application will explore the new bounds and possibilities for digital preservation of our local tradition and culture.

Objectives

• to allow users immerse into a virtual world with stunning visuals and audio effects
• to allow users customizing a virtual environment with the available library
• to allow users experience both 3D museum and traditional Malay house
• to allow users to gain a wide range of navigation in the virtual world
• to allow users to understand the difference in carving design through words and visual
• to allow users to feel as one who “experience” and one who “controls”
• to allow users to see how wood carving affects light and shadow of the surrounding
• to allow to have as much freedom within the virtual world yet limited scope to keep users on the topic
• to create a fresh experience for users
• to achieve higher replay value for users
• to create practical and ergonomic interface and interaction for users

Description

When the user runs the application, it will proceed to the main menu. The user will be given options to proceed with the application or the help page. In the help page, users will be given a brief instruction about the navigation and interaction in the virtual world.

If proceed to the virtual environment, the user will see the main menu on the right side of the screen. There will be specific menu and controllers appear at the bottom screen for different scene. Yet, the main menu will only have slight changes for different scenes

For the “Void” mode, the wood carving that has been selected will appear on the middle of the screen. User can navigate around such as rotation and zoom in/out with just mouse clicks. In this mode, the main menu has the least controls, such as option for various wood carving design and its colors.

For the “Interior” mode, user will be navigating inside the interior of a traditional Malay house. There will be arrow buttons and sliders on the bottom of the screen for walkthrough navigation and environment parameters. The main menu will retain its previous controls except some controls such as ON/OFF toggle for extra silhouette in the scene.

For “Exterior” mode, user will be navigating outside the Malay house with a simple environment. It will retain most sub controls from “interior” mode, excluding the walkthrough navigation. The main menu will retain most of the controls as well from “Void” mode, by including ON/OFF toggle for the environment surrounding the Malay house.

Interaction Description

• navigation will be fully depending on mouse
• user will be able to toggle ON or OFF the user interface to enhance immersion
• user will be able to switch to interior or exterior scene, or a blank scene
• user will be given choices to select different sets of wood carve design in the UI
• whenever user mouse-over the cursor on customizable spots, the spot will be highlighted as editable section
• when user select a particular wood carve design on the UI, description window will pop-up on the middle of the screen
• users are able to change parameters of the wood carving such as colors and saturation
• users are given the freedom to change different sets of wood carving design for the traditional Malay house
• in the exterior or interior scene, user will be given chance to change the time of the day
• user will be able to navigate around the interior scene with the directional button in the UI
• different background music will be triggered for different scene

First Post

2008-11-12T13:06:00.001+08:00

I'll be keeping the introduction short, since I bet most of you who are coming here pretty much know about me.

This is my 2nd "serious" blog. I was instructed by my lecturers to prepare this blog to document my Final Year Project (FYP) and for them to keep track on our progress. So this blog will be pretty much about boring reports, ranting and bashing about my project and so on.

Anyway, I may copy some content from my primary blog to here sometimes and vice versa. So, if you happen to see identical post, yea, it's because I'm lazy and using some tactics to increase my post. Do head to my primary blog if you have the time XD (Unlimited Artworks).

On a sidenote, it's kinda tough to keep track on my primary blog, so I'm kinda lazy to put effort on this blog. Heck, for the sake of score...