While I’ve utilized a similar “cloned cube” composition in this concept, this is the first time I’ve combined 3D elements with a 2D matte painting backdrop. While neither of these elements was overly elaborate in its complexity, I’m pleased with the resulting composition and color palette. You can see a few final concepts below (incorporated in Adobe InDesign), but head over to Ink to see the original scene along with the remaining stills.
It’s amazing what you can do with such a simple scene such as the one I’ve created here. Again, in these examples it’s about the composition and the “look” rather than a heavy emphasis on the underlying models. I call this series “Lost Souls” as it is about the vast cityscape and the isolation of the individuals who remain here. I always hesitate to alter the name of my creations as I like to stick with the name that I start with.
Interestingly enough, this scene probably would not have worked if I did not include smaller references of the woman within the scene. The key is to utilize familiar elements, such as this person, elsewhere in the scene to suggest a sense of scale.
Can you locate the human in the second piece? If not, check out the original here.
I spent the past few days doing more experimentation with Modo and quickly learned that the latest version includes sample meshes and textures. While I typically don’t like use pre-built elements, they do allow one to focus on the core creative vs. being concerned with every discrete element within the piece.
Fortunately for me, one of the collections contains human figures and busts. I decided to use and replicate a few of these meshes to start moving away from traditional hard-edged designs (buildings, spaces) and towards a design composition that is more personal and “real.”
Coincidentally, this is perhaps one of my first digital designs, if not the first, where people are explicitly included in the scene. Even though these are virtual humans, it is the human element that I think allows for a stronger “connection” to these pieces – at least, that’s how it feels to me. The human element is definitely something you will start to see more of in designs to come.
Below are a few sample renders, but you can see the entire collection here.
In a desire to break out of my typical exercise routine, I joined a basketball tournament at the gym where I am a member (Note: It’s always helpful if you know how to play before you join a tournament :-).
Ironically enough, my new sneakers led me to further explore Nike’s web site, where I was surprised to find videos of the industrial designers who work at Nike. The videos are really interesting because they go into the background behind the shoe, calling attention to the unique design elements that make these shoes truly unique.
Nike Zoom KD III: Leo Chang Discusses the Nike Zoom KD III
Nike Zoom Kobe VI: Eric Avar Discusses the Nike Zoom Kobe VI (The Black Mamba)
Advanced Concept Design, or AcD, is the title surrounding my newest portfolio. The City of Gold series that I created this past weekend was expanded upon and further refined. The result of which is the first entry into the AcD portfolio.
What is interesting is that these designs are all based upon a single rectangle in three dimensions. The simplicity of the model allows for a greater focus in composition, palette exploration and image refinement. I am very pleased with how these ultimately turned out and very encouraged for further work in this space.
Check out the entire collection on Ink.
If you have ever seen any of the Star Wars movies, you’ll see a consistent theme regardless of film: immense and seemingly infinite spaces. In earlier episodes, the Death Star is perhaps the largest “space”, while Coruscant is the equivalent in more recent episodes.
I have always been fascinated with large scale settings such as these. This is perhaps why I have always been fascinated with cities such as Tokyo and other large metropolitan centers. The design and complexity of these areas is nothing short of staggering.
To create a digital matte painting of such a space takes considerable effort and planning. To start an initial exploration process, I created several renderings which I call the “City of Gold.” You can see the entire collection here.
In one of my earlier posts I called attention to a book by Martin Seligman entitled Learned Optimism. In it, the author presents a useful framework for being successful (*) using the following analogy:
“A composer can have all the talent of a Mozart and a passionate desire to succeed, but if he believes he cannot compose music, he will come to nothing. He will not try hard enough. He will give up too soon when the elusive right melody takes too long to materialize. Success requires persistence, the ability to not give up in the face of failure. I believe that optimistic explanatory style is the key to persistence.”
He then goes on to list the three characteristics that determine success:
Of course, this framework is missing the “X” factor; an encapsulation of circumstances and random events that can positively or negatively influence one’s “success” at any given point in time. Independent of this, I’ve found the framework useful enough to incorporate into Immersion:
While the Immersion concept began nearly one year ago, the “mental” underpinnings became clear only recently – and ultimately through Seligman’s unique insight.
(*) – In the spirit of building/maintaining self-esteem, it has been said that one does not strive to be successful – she/he already is successful. However, I believe the framework described above is valid regardless of one’s position.
Right now I’m unsure how many sketches I’ll post on a daily basis, but here are a few from day 1. Prismacolor pencil is, I think, the best way to get some initial ideas on paper; doing a similar exercise in digital just isn’t the same.
As you can see here, I’m leaning towards a vertically-oriented cockpit and am exploring the use of various power / transmission mechanisms. (Click on the images below to enlarge)
(Click on the above image to enlarge)
