Delving in to the world of 3D modelling

Today at college, we got taught how to use the basic primary sort of interface within 3ds Max, a program to create 3D CGI models, and animations. I have to say, upon opening up the program it all felt a little daunting. This wasn't just because it was a new program, and that I was alien to it, it was because I had never seen a program with this many tools and options. It was a complex web of things I didn't even know existed.

However with the help of my lecturer and trusty laptop, I managed to gain a very basic understanding of the program and proceeded to build this table type object. But as my lecturer put it, 'We have only scratched the surface of this program.'

For my next assignment with this particular lecturer, it will be based around 3D architecture using the program. So in the coming weeks, I will be learning more and more about 3ds Max, scary yet unbelievably exciting.

Flash banner - Update 5

The Flash work is done. It has been emailed to the client for feedback. I should imagine I need to possibly change some things and tweak some elements, so I have left time for this. Most of what I need to do now is involving the production file, getting everything together and such. However I don't think that the file will be as large as my animation project, just because this was a much shorter project, and not as time was needed to complete it.

I feel that I have created banner which ticks all of the boxes of the project. Although it is not too over the top in terms of funky animations and colour schemes, because it is for a building company. That means that it needs to look attractive but still retain professionalism and look modern.

Flash banner - Update 4

After finally getting my head around the design and how to make it work, I'm making relatively quick progress in Flash. It has it's expanding feature as well as a link to their temporary website for now (it will be linked to their proper one when it is up) and an email link.

All there is really left to do is the part that when a user hovers over a thumbnail image it will pop up as a large image, and the rest of the banner will fade slightly into darkness, to bring out the image more. I am fairly confident I can do this as I have made Flash websites before, and this project seems like a sort of mini - site but with more eye catching features.

Flash banner - Update 3

I have got most of the graphics in order. Grants Precast has a temporary site of which they have put up to test some functionality and gain feedback etc. Anyway the main point is that I am allowed to take images from the site to use in the banner which is a great help as I don't have any images currently of Grants Precasts original work.

I feel that a few images, probably three large ones will do to show off their work. Obviously I am going to try and get three of the best images, to make a better impact on potential customers.

Last time I mentioned I was a little lost in terms of the file size of the banner, after a little more research I have come to the conclusion that I will create the banner as I have designed it and just try to keep the file size as minimal as possible.