Post #1: DFX 352 Project Proposal

 

    Hello all, I am Stefan Urbanek, a senior undergraduate at Northern Kentucky University. This blog is for documentation purposes of my semester-long project for the DFX (3D-Digital Design & VFX) 352 course I am taking - Project Research Management. I am happy to say I will be providing consistent updates on this journey, beginning with this first post. 

 

DFX 352 Project Proposal

 

- Stefan Urbanek -

 

Problem Statement

     

How can I utilize my knowledge in digital design to create a high-quality 3D-model of a 2005 Porsche Boxster automobile? 

 

1. High-Quality 3D-Model:

• Prototype model of 987.1 Porsche Boxster sculpted in Maxon Zbrush.
• Refined, retopologized in Autodesk Maya.
• UV-unwrapped prototype in Autodesk Maya for texturing
  

 

2. Materials and Textures:

• Utilize Adobe Substance 3D Painter, possibly 3D Designer, to produce realistic materials for the 3D-Model.
• Separate materials for vehicle body panels, wheels, tires, lights, interior/fabrics/emblems, etc.

 

3. Final Renders:

• Full rendered images displaying the high level of detail in model geometry and materials in Autodesk Maya or Blender.
• 'Behind-the-scenes' renders of wireframe model, AO passes, and other renders which give depth to the work and illustrate the creative workflow.

 

4. Documentation through Blog Posts:

• Maintain regularly updated blog posts detailing the project's workflow, creator insights, and progress.
• Documentation of the technical process provided to Professor Ketty.

 

5. Demo Reel and Portfolio Integration, Presentation

• A gallery compilation of the high-quality renders and project progress.
• The gallery will be embedded and featured inside of my portfolio website that showcases my digital and creative work through my college career and beyond to demonstrate my technical and innovative prowess.

 

Project Timeline:

Week Number/Dates	Task to be Completed
W1: Project Kickoff	A1 Pre-Project Planning
W2: Research	Brainstorming
W3: Lab Week	Brainstorming
W4: Lab Week, Blog Week	A2 Project Proposal, Blog Post 1 due Sep. 15.
W5: Check-in Week, Critique	Zbrush basic sculpt, diagram image.
W6: Lab Week	Zbrush enhancing sculpt, interior parts/lights.
W7: Lab Week	Zbrush enhancing interior parts/lights.
W8: Check-in Week, Critique, Blog Week	ZBrush basic wheels/rims, Blog Post 2 due Oct. 13.
W9: Fall Break	N/A
W10: Check-in Week	ZBrush enhancing wheels/rims, retopology begins.
W11: Lab Week	Retopology continues.
W12: Lab Week, Blog Week	UV Unwrap begins, Blog Post 3 due Nov. 10.
W13: Lab Week	UV Unwrap continues.
W14: Lab Week/Thanksgiving Week	Material/texture creation in Adobe Substance begins.
W15: Check-in Week	Enhancing Material/texture creation, Blog Post 4 due Dec. 8.
W16: Optional Final Check-in Week	Final Renders begin, render plates/scenes are created, portfolio integration begins.
W17: Finals Week, Project Due by 12/11, 8:00 AM.	Final renders, high-quality model and materials, and portfolio integration are completed and properly submitted to Professor Ketty.

 

 

DFX 352 Potential Project Outcomes:

• I hope to learn a better understanding of project planning so that I am more prepared for the corporate world.
• I hope to learn a greater understanding of the digital design applications I utilize and my digital design creative workflow.
• I have the goals of becoming more confident in retopology and 3D-Sculpting, as well as more confident in creating original materials for a high-quality 3D-model, and understanding others critique in such a way that I can use it to benefit myself and my work.
• I see this project impacting my education as a designer in a very positive way. Through creating a realistic project timeline with proper expectations, I can gradually enhance the skills I have learned and pick up some new ones. I can gain an understanding of project workflows so that I am better prepared for a full-time job as a designer and creative individual.