Advanced Modeling & Animation - Final Project

 

Advanced Modeling & Animation - Final Project

In this final assignment, we are required to create a loop animation using the rigging and animation techniques we have learned previously. For this project, I want to make a carousel at a funfair that keeps spinning in an interactive environment to achieve the loop animation. I started with my storyboard. Since it is just a loop animation, it will not be more than 10 seconds long and will loop seamlessly. Before I started making my animation using Blender, I first created a rough sketch and gathered references for the visual design of my carousel. Below is my prior work.

Figure 1.1 Concept sketch & Storyboard

After that, I started building the model of the elements I wanted. I mainly used sculpting for my model, as it allows for smooth and rounded edges that match my design concept, which is cute and minimalist. Additionally, I applied pastel colors to my model to create a playful look. Below is the outcome of the first draft of my model.

Figure 1.2 Model

Figure 1.3 Overview of Model

After finishing my initial modeling, I began animating the main element, the carousel. To make the horses spin consistently with the center pole, I added a plain axis and parented it to the horses, ensuring they wouldn't spin out of orbit. Additionally, I added a bone to the flag and animated it to create a natural waving motion. To make the background more engaging, I included balloons that float from bottom to top and animated the clouds and bushes to sway from time to time, preventing the surroundings from looking dull.

Figure 1.4 Bone

Figure 1.5 Plain axes

Figure 1.6 Keyframes

Below is the first draft of my animation. Although the modeling is quite simple, the animation runs smoothly, and the loop effect is achieved by ensuring the last frame and the first frame are the same.

Figure 1.7 First try

After consulting with Mr. Yusri, the loop animation is what he wanted. However, there are some areas of improvement that can be made to enhance the loop animation even further.

• Add background music and sound effect to make the animation interesting
• Add more details on the modeling
• Make the scene background to be more creative

After learning this, I added more details to the carousel. I initially tried to add even more details, but it ended up looking too complicated, so I removed some to maintain its simplicity. Then, I added more elements to the background to prevent it from looking too plain. I also adjusted the camera angle to make everything look balanced.

Figure 1.8 Enhancement

After I was satisfied with this second outcome, I rendered the animation. Then, I made some edits to the animation's filter and added soft music box music as the background music. Below is the final outcome of my looping animation.

Figure 1.9 Final looping animation

Reflection

Throughout this assignment, I learned how to build content and create a looping animation. The content is important as the loop should be logical. Remembering that I had a carousel model from my first assignment, I decided to reuse and further enhance it to create a fantasy-themed looping animation.

One shortcoming in my process was that I didn't have a clear plan for how the overall model should look, resulting in a first outcome that did not meet my expectations. It made me realize that there was still much room for improvement. With this understanding, I added more elements to the background and details to the carousel. To achieve a delicate look, I also had to avoid making the model too complicated, as this would make the carousel less prominent.

In the end, I was quite satisfied with the final render. Despite the slightly low quality, everything looked fine to me. After adding a filter and background music, I am happy with the outcome.