Week 1 Independent Study

Initial Object Research & Design Work

This week you are to begin your initial research into your Object/Artefact design. For next week's class, you will be expected to present your initial research that will inform your preparatory object design sketches to the rest of the group for tutor and peer feedback. This work should be uploaded to a blog created specifically for this module. Please bring the blog link next week so that your work can be added to this module blog. Remember to create regular blog posts to document your process and progress on this module.

Immediate Priorities, Independent Study (homework) and Deadlines

Begin your Object/Artefact Research and do some initial sketches for an informal show & tell next week.

If you are new to Maya get to grips with the tutorials, especially interface navigation, project creation, polygonal modelling tools. N.B. Your deadline for final character designs is Week 4

Your Blog
Set up your blog which you will use to document and reflect on your learning in this module (learning journal).

Write your first entry for week one with the images you have drawn, as described above.

Write a short introduction to your blog of around 250 words. This should be an introduction to writing reflectively rather than descriptively. It is, therefore, a personal account of your learning experience. What do you hope to achieve in this module? How are you feeling about learning to model? How have you found your first attempt with the software? Why did you choose to draw your object the way you did?

Week 1 Independent Study Checklist

1. Begin Maya Training as directed in class on Lynda.com. Focus your training on Learning how to Create and Set a Maya Project and Basic Polygonal Modeling. (at least 3 hours)
2. Begin to collect images and reference material (research) into the type of Object/Artefact you want to build and create sketches of your initial ideas (at least 3 hours).
3. Create a blog and add your research and initial object designs and annotate with reflective comments and insights. (30 - 45 mins)
4. Download a student copy of Autodesk Maya 2018 for your personal machine (if you have one).

Total homework time at least 7 hrs

Active learning

Active Learning
The type of study you are currently engaged with on this module is called Active Learning.

Research shows that Active Learning is much better recalled, enjoyed and understood by students.

The Active methods used in this module and needed to complete the Assessment Task require that you make your own meaning of what you are learning from your research and the video training from Lynda.com.

During the process of making sense of the Lynda Maya training videos and attempting to translate what you have learned to your own designs...

...neural connections are physically made in the brain, the process we call learning. Passive Methods alone such as listening do not require us to make these neural connections or conceptualizations.

I hope this makes it clear why you are engaging in managing your own learning via Lynda and of doing this work for yourselves (with support from your peers and tutor in class). 

Making mistakes is part of this process and this is how we grow and progress.
I cannot stress enough that this process will require multiple attempts to build your model!

"What I hear, I forget; What I see, I remember; What I do, I understand.” – Old Chinese proverb sometimes attributed to Confucius Active learning engages the whole person, not just the intellectual mind. When people try to do things and fail or succeed, emotions are triggered, and these have a significant effect on how we remember.  So Now is the time to get actively involved and not just passively watch the Lynda tutorials!!

Intro to Module

What is expected of you

At least 10 hours of study time.

3 in class and 7 independent study.

This module uses a Flipped classroom approach.

You will be doing the ZBrush training using lynda.com and Autodesk Academy as part of your independent study time using the campus machines in the DAC or in Pierson or on your own computers. Using video training in this way allows you to control your own leaning, and go at your own pace and pause and rewind the content.

In class, you will be working on your projects and building and texturing your models with support from me. If you do not do the training each week you will not have the skills to be able to build your model. It is as simple as that!

My Role

Is as a facilitator, to point you in the right direction, offer advice, feedback and help you when you are stuck with creative and technical support.

Reasons for this

By taking this approach you get to work at your own pace and if you get stuck on a tutorial at home I can help you in the next class session. With software training, you learn by doing. You will need to look at the training videos over and over until the skills become automatic. Repeatedly practice the modeling and sculpting tools you will need to model your character and continue this process in class with support from me. With time and effort, you will begin to adapt what you have learned from your online training to your own model build. This approach promotes Active Learning.

Independent Flexible Learners and Industry

Although it doesn’t seem like it right now, you will be entering your 3^rd year before you know it!

In your 3^rd year, you will be expected to work more independently most of the time. This class is set up you help you prepare for the level of independent learning and study that will be expected of you in your Final year.

E.G. Ex students Rajnita and Alex job interview at Off the Fence in Bristol and Sony Image Works Vancouver.

Industry wants people who know how to access knowledge and learning to, “…to figure it out…”

Knowing how to use ZBrush could make you highly employable.

Attendance

85% of students who fail modules have a poor attendance record.

What you need to bring

Always bring a pad and pen to make notes with.

Bring headphones or earbuds so that you can access Lynda training while working on your model if necessary.

Wacom Tablets

If you don’t have your own tablet, then you will need to book one out for this class when you begin to create your Textures in Photoshop. It’s probably a very good idea to do this a month in advance/at a time.

If you don’t have access to a tablet it will make this module difficult to complete.

You are responsible for this!!

This module is Hard work!

Maya can be challenging to learn. However, you get to design and build in 3D cool digital probs for a world from your own imagination! What better way is there to spend a Monday Morning!!

Welcome!

This site supports the module ANIM1005: Fundamentals of Modelling for Game Art and Animation at the University of Worcester.

Taught by Jaime Pardo, who you can contact via email at j.pardo@worc.ak.uk. Jaime is a senior university lecturer for the Animation course. You will find him in Jenny Lind office JL2022, when he is not teaching.

This module seeks to introduce learners to the basic principles and techniques of 3d modelling, from concept to finished render. Please consult the module guide for further information to support your studies.

Please consult timetables via the online portal for up to date information on room numbers for all modules.