sidewalk_ends

Welcome to the Final Project!

The first half of this course consisted of step-by-step exercises aimed to give you practice at the technical foundation needed to pursue a 3D Environment Design project. The second half of the course is entirely devoted to the project itself.

This doesn't mean that the technical side of the adventure is over, for you can (and should) be learning new tech with every step you take toward the finish line. It just means that I believe you have enough practice using the step-by-step style of instruction to be able to thrive in the way that all digital artists thrive in the world, by choosing an exciting project, setting aside the time to do it, teaching yourself something new every step of the way, and showing up regularly.

On the course site you'll see two assignments a week, just as before, but most of them are empty (or near empty). If a module is empty, then that is because the title says it all. If a module has a bit of content, that is because there are a few specifications that will help all of us keep pace and learn from each other. You'll know you're done with the target of the module because your work will point toward a finished product that compels the imagination of your viewer. You'll know you're done because you have both lifted your own skill level higher and opened your eyes to the point where you can see how much farther you could go if you had more time.

On a practical note, I would set aside at least 3 hours to complete each assignment. I believe that 3 hours is enough time to improve your skills a bit, to produce some content and to clarify just how quickly 3 hours flies by when you're in the midst of creating art. The tension here is that most professional 3D art takes significantly more time, attention and experience than we can afford in the confines of this class. Please know that I am aware of this tension and sympathetic to it. If, along the way, you feel that your work does not live up to the work of professionals, please take a moment to acknowledge what you're up against. It is no small task. Be kind to yourself. Give your artistic self and your artistic process time to grow. That matters so much more than the product at the end of this.

Along the way I will take 15 minutes at the start of each class to mention as many aspects of Blender and Photoshop as I physically can. There is so much more to these tools than what we will have time to explore this semester. I want you to at least know that it exists. And if a tool I mention solves a creative problem on your project, wonderful!

The rest of each class will be devoted to talking in small groups so that we can all assess progress, adjust goals, answer questions and look forward to the next milestone.

It's an adventure! I'm on it too with my own creative work. And I hope you find it as rewarding as I do when we come to the end of it and look back at where we've come.