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.

Flash banner - Update 2

So, everything is good to go on the client side of things. Although I have been researching a lot on different types of web banner ads, because I'm slightly lost. There seems to be two major categories of banner ads, regular ads and rich media ads. For this assignment we have to create a rich media ad, but there are important elements to bear in mind.

The first element is the file size. I have looked up the regulations for web banner ads, they say that their file size can be no more than 40KB. This left me puzzled as there is no way I am going to be able to create a rich media banner of which includes animation and high quality and keep it below 40KB. By looking at other rich media ads, I can see that they haven't either, but then other ads are under this size. It's something I'm going to have to look into some more.

The next element is the size of the banner itself. I thought I would go for a banner that is a standard box banner type at the size of 300x250px. As a  requirement of the project is that the banner must expand, I thought an expanding size of 600x350px would be a good choice, because if it was any bigger it may take up too much of the screen for those using smaller screens.

I will be posting more updates on my findings and such very soon, in comparison to my other projects at college this one is very short.

Flash Web Banner

My next assignment at college is to find an external client, and create an interactive Flash banner for them. In class we have been taught how to combine Flash with HTML and Javascript so that we can make a drop down sort of banner within a HTML page.

My client is my dads business, Grants Precast. I thought that this would be a good idea as their new site will be being launched around the same time that the banner will be ready, so it can directly link to the site.

I will have to look in to web advertisement banners much more.

I did it.

Again, I must apologise for the time spacing between my posts, between animating and doing the paperwork for the project, it has rarely crossed my mind to update the old blog.

The animation is complete, and after having slight differences from the original animatic, I am quite happy with the result.

You can see the finished thing right here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQ4xaaeXhhM&feature=g-upl&context=G20249a7AUAAAAAAAAAA

As I mentioned earlier, there are some slight differences between the finished project and the original animatic plan. I have changed these for a reason. I felt the final project with have more of an impact on the issue and problems it is trying to convey.

The next few things that I must do to wrap up this animation project is to show this to people, and gain feedback and write up an evaluation.

I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed this project for the simple fact that it was so different to my other college projects. Learning about 2D animation techniques has also meant that I have further knowledge in Flash; there is just so much you can do with it!

All in all, if you fancy a go at learning about 2D animation I really wouldn’t hesitate and go for it.