As a student at the University of Southern California (USC), I enrolled in two semesters of 3D Modeling & Animation (and one Flash course – remember Flash?) offered by the Information Technology Program (ITP) in the Viterbi School of Engineering. Since we had a change of 3D instructors between semesters, I learned 3ds Max during the first semester and Maya during the second.
Later on, as a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), I contributed my 3D modeling and animation skills as a 3D Artist for the Building Virtual Worlds (BVW) semester as well as the project semesters.
Note: Course names may have changed and/or are no longer being offered
USC ITP-215: 3D Modeling, Animation, Compositing and Special Effects
The Room
We were asked to place objects in a room, texture them, and animate the scene.
I created a scene with typical dining room furniture and items, such as a table, lamps, cups and bowls, and bottles. As the camera moves through the space, items fall and shake as if the room were shaking.
Software Used: Autodesk 3ds Max
Flying Heart
We were asked to model, texture, and animate a character and create an environment.
Using 3ds Max, I modeled, textured, and animated a heart with wings and an arrow. I also modeled and textured the hallway that the animation takes place in.
Software Used: Autodesk 3ds Max
USC ITP-315: 3D Character Animation
Blue Man
We were asked to model, rig, skin, and animate a character and place it within a space where it would complete an animated performance.
Using Maya, I created a blue reflective humanoid figure and placed it in a dome environment with a sky ceiling and grass floor.
Software Used: Autodesk Maya
CMU Entertainment Technology Program
Building Virtual Worlds (BVW)
In BVW, each student is assigned a role for the rest of the semester. These include 3D Modeler, 2D Texture Artist, Sound Designer, and Programmer, and I was assigned the role of 3D Modeler.
For our Round 0 assignment, the 3D Modelers were asked to model and animate two items: a Lunchbox and a Dragon
Lunchbox
Assignment: opening and closing lunchbox with a lid, button, and handle
Dragon
Assignment: a dragon of no more than 1,500 polys and a moving mouth
Additional examples of virtual worlds that I created with my teammates during the BVW semester are available upon request.