HA8 Task 7 - Review

Task 7 - Review
The aim of Unit 66 was to create our own sidekick using Modeler and Layout. I watched a series of Lightwave tutorial videos to learn how to use the software. Using these videos I created a range of different models from a hammer, camera, rifle and a jet pack. This was useful as it gave me the opportunity to learn different modeling techniques such as box modelling, reference modelling, primitive modelling and extrusion modelling. I felt quite confident when using the tutorial videos and found creating the hammer the easiest task and felt this had the best outcome. However when creating the jet pack I came across lots of problems as I didn't have the video to follow step by step.

I created a schedule in Excel which was able to show a breakdown of which tasks I planned to achieve each week. I could then look over this schedule and see if I had managed to meet the targets or not. I think the schedule was good as it helped me to manage my time.

After this I had to start the design process for my sidekick. Firstly I created a mood board which had images taken from the internet of different robots. I found doing a mood board useful as it helped me to generate ideas for my sidekick.

After this I then made a mind map with different ideas for my sidekick. These included defence/offence, entertainment, work and other ideas. I found the mind map helpful because it allowed me to break down my ideas into categories.

I then designed a PowerPoint which was able to show images of the different tasks my robot sidekick could carry out. This was a good way of showing visually what my sidekick would do.

Next I started my design pack. I drew out on grid lined paper three different views of my sidekick (Front, side and back). I then had to transfer this design onto the computer, I achieved this by scanning each image in individually and making them into JPEG's in Photoshop. Having a design pack was helpful because it assisted me in creating my model. I was able to show on paper how I wanted my sidekick to look. 

With my design pack complete it was now time to make the sidekick in Modeler. I experienced some difficulty at the beginning with polygons going inside one another, however with assistance from my tutor I soon solved this issue. I found modeling the simple body parts quite easy such as the head, torso and lower body. However I did struggle when modeling the more difficult body parts such as the eyes, hands and caterpillar track.

After fully completing my model i was then able to transfer it over to Layout. In this program I could then add different surfaces which brought my sidekick to life. I then used the camera in Layout to take some rendered shots of my finished sidekick. I found the layout software quite easy to use when surfacing my completed model.  

Overall my expectations of my sidekick are better than I thought, I am pleased with the outcome and have enjoyed the process of making it.