Open Brief

Open Brief

Planning


Please use the following to support your planning for the FMP.

You are required to set daily targets and to self-identify what level of support you need from staff. Use the following number system to record this during each teaching day.  Revisit at the end of the session and rescore to record your progress.


1 I need no support
I am absolutely confident with what I need to achieve today.
I feel my work is going from strength to strength.
I have set myself S.M.A.R.T tasks.

2 I am feeling confident with my progress
I have tasks to complete, feel in control but would appreciate you or a fellow students checking that I am going in the right direction.
I need a little bit of re-assurance.

3 I am feeling okay but…
I have set myself tasks but during the latter part of the session would appreciate you checking my progress.
I might need pointing in the right direction/ tutorial/ group crit.
I currently have work to produce but will struggle shortly.

4 I am struggling!
I have a vision but can’t seem to achieve what I want.  I think my work has potential but I can’t see where or what I need to do.
Tutorial Guidance Request.

5 I need help NOW!
I have lost my direction.  I can see no potential in my work, HELP!




































Session

9.00-11.00 a.m

Activity / What you are intending to do - including independent study

 Get brief print off.
·         Create new page for open brief project.
·         Write and introduction to the project, what the project is about and what I may be doing.
·         Create goals that I will work towards as well as put an additional goal to try and push myself out of my comfort zone.

What I will need to do it - including access to workshops

 Blog open
·         Information typed into blog

11.30-13.00

Activity / What you are intending to do - including independent study


What I will need to do it - including access to workshops

14.00-15.30

Activity / What you are intending to do - including independent study

Do rough sketches based of ideas I want to do (5 different ideas) then narrow down to 2 or 3 ideas.
·         Ask others what they would like to see modelled into future games from different target audiences.

What I will need to do it - including access to workshops

   Pen and paper.
·         Different peoples opinions as to what they would like to see

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Introduction

This project is to encourage me as a learning student to set goals to achieve and do everything independently. This allows skills to develop like organising and planning and to open up the mind with creative ideas of any choice whether it be environment, assets or characters.

Goals that need to be achieved

  • To create a different concepts and log it down to show the progress to my final piece.
  • Do a project proposal and the outcome I want to achieve.
  • To research about my idea.
  •  To model my idea.
  • To UV and texture my model.
  • To render my model ready for exhibition.
  • To create a concept piece presentable for exhibition.
  • To reference any research using the Harvard system.
  • To write an evaluation at the end.

Mind map


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Five things I would like to consider

  1. Motorised Vehicles - Vintage/Classic cars
  2. Mythical Creatures - Dragon
  3. Mythical Creature - Fairy
  4. Environmental Asset - Reptile Vivarium
  5. Asset - Musical Instrument - Electric Guitar

Reason Why I would like to consider these ideas

1

Because I have always admire the colours and shapes of vintage classic cars due to how much more unique they are when it comes to the shape of the vehicle and even the difference with the dials in the dash and how the engine is built differently with no electronic components.

2

Having an obsession with mythical creatures due to into the pagan Wicca ways. Around that is mystical creatures like dragons who would be magnificent creatures if in the real world and would be very historical with their resemblance to dinosaurs with the difference that they most commonly in games breathe fire or/and other elements

3

Reason being the same as above and because fairies are pretty innocent little creatures of the night.

4

I am very much into animals and reptiles especially, reptiles have a very different way of living due to not being able to regulate their own body temperature and rely on it's environment for a heat source. Reptiles are also fascinating with the colours they can come in and to how long a snake can go without eating. A vivarium lit up in a game could tell a lot about a character or could be used in animal related games. A vivarium can be very detailed with the substrate that would layer the bottom, to the hide and the shape of the hide, to the rocky shaped water bowl and then any branches or fake foliage that may be placed in the vivarium itself.

5

A musical instrument like an electric guitar can say so much about a person by the way it is played, to the design and any carvings that may be in it. Music is very therapeutic and this one some what stems from an ambition to eventually learn to play electric guitar.

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Research Ideas

Mythical Creature - Dragon drawings 

Done previously before this project which also shows the evolution of my drawings

I like the simplicity of this drawing, it is not too detailed and very child friendly with keeping it simple with a young baby dragon with soft features.

This image was done from the imagination, this image depicts a dragon with slightly more human elements half human, half dragon with the posture of the dragon and with the abs of a human. This dragon also has a very proud stature which is an idea I can take forward when producing my final pieces.


The image above was not only done from imagination but it also shows my interest in dragons. These two dragons are flying next to each other holding each others hand. I placed the female symbol on each of their necks to represent the LGBT community and create a indirect message that love can be found in many different ways.

Conclusion on Dragons

This is an area I will strongly consider, from a young age I have always shown an interest and when I look back over these drawings I did in the past has re-ignited my imagination and desire to use this as a final piece idea in my project. For me this is a strong candidate due to not only my interest in reptiles but although mysterious and mythical creatures and beings.


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Transport Museum - Coventry

My choice for visiting is partually due to my interest in vintage cars, the shape variation and different features like how some of the cars are started is so much different to today. I find some of the different models very much visually appealing to the eye which inspired my idea to consider vintage cars for this project, plus there are a fair few people who also share an interest in vintage cars too.

Vintage cars
Images sourced by taking pictures when visiting

THe purpose of doing this is to see which model I like the look of and what I may want to explore more into before I go and develop into further ideas to make a later decision on which avenue I choose to go down for my final piece.

Triumph - Potential idea to model

The car that interests me the most is a triumph that is cut in half to show the car panels and the engine inside with the chasey from Coventry Transport Museum. The reason as to why I might like to model this is due to the simplicity of the cars shape but the detail needed to show the engine which gives it more complexity and has potential to challenge me but also improve and develop skills.

Overall view of the car

View of the front and engine.

The back end of the vehicle and closer visualy on the axel and wheel.

Close up view of the seating.

More in depth pivture of the wheel showing more detail if modelled.

Engine bay.


Conclusion on cars

I do very much like the visual aspects of a car and I do feel like this could be an interesting project if I choose to go with this later down the line due to the shapes, differences in they wheels and even the size or roofs, even the colours of these vintage cars has me somewhat interested so I feel this area may be considered once all areas have been looked at.




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Dragons

What drawn me to dragons is generally the visual strength and fearlessness. The different body shapes and colour variations. Dragons to me are like larger versions of reptiles and with simular sizes and apperance to some dinosaurs which I find appealing and facinating. To me I feel this is a strong candidate.

Images sourced online

Links:

Rachael. (2017) Dragon Lovers [Online} http://www.blog-city.info/en/dragon.php

Weneedfun. (2017) Black Dragon Wallpaper [Online] https://weneedfun.com/black-dragon-wallpaper/

The,mascot,design,gallery. (2017) The Mascot Design Gallery [Online} http://www.mascotdesigngallery.com/fire-dragon-mascot/

What drew me to this secondary source image is the posture and colouration of the dragon, the shape if fairly simple but with some elements of detail to show the positioning of the eyes and the bones between each flap of skin in the wings.

I like this image because the dragon has a sense of strong masculinity about it, they facial expression to me suggests what i would presume to be a he due to the more squared shapes I can identify in it to be friendly with a slight cheeky element. This is always an idea I can use instead of portraying something which could appear aggressive.

This image has me with the surprised yet slightly scared expression on what appears to be a young dragons face as it helplessly sits there. This dragon to me reprisents innocence and childlike. I could gain inspiration from this in a sense of making my final piece more child like and friendly to a younger audience.

fantasy, this style has always drawn my attention, normally due to the depth of colour used and detailing. in this art style dragons can be portrayed in many ways. This dragon specifically has gained my attention due to being one of my favourite colours in it, but also the essence of strength, power and owning the sky's. concurring any obstical or threat in it's way. .


Conclusion on Dragons

This has re-ignited my imagination and desire to use this as a final piece idea in my project. For me this is a strong candidate due to not only my interest in reptiles but although mysterious and mythical creatures and beings. The colours that can be used and many ways they can be potrayed, creatively for me this feels like a very dtrong avenue.


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Fairies

Images sourced online

Link:

The,mascot,design,gallery. (2017) The Mascot Design Gallery [Online} http://www.mascotdesigngallery.com/fire-dragon-mascot/

Indullgy.com. (2017) Pinterest [Online] https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/292241463303768267/

Manu. (2017) Poems for Kids [Online] http://poemsforkids.org/5-excellent-fairy-poems-for-kids/




This image has captured my eye just by the calming yet welcoming colours, I love the detailing yet simpliciting of this image. I feel soothed and calm just looking at this. This could be influential in giving an idea to create something peaceful and welcoming.


Thinking to the elements, this fairy gained my attention by the fact the fairy looks like it could control the water element, despite it's simplicity I like the idea of this image and the curiosity the fairy is showing in their expression.

Conclusion on faries

When researching, most of the images I could not access the website for on the colleges computer due to sites like deviant art being blocked. This is a major setback as most sites I have tried to access in the ones I was interested happened to be blocked. I am still very much interested in fairy's and try to find out some information behind them in wicca. If my interest continues after that point I will go about trying to access some primary resources to take pictures of to use as references for if I do go along with creating a fairy as my final piece. 

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Vivarium

What Inspired me to look at vivariums is my current interest in reptile keeping as I keep my own reptiles. Vivariums are all equally different from the substrate (bark) used, to the decor (plants and other ornate features) to the different places for the to hide and the different sized and pretension of food and water bowls. 

Images sourced online

Link:



Reptile centre. (2017) Vivexotic [Online] https://www.reptilecentre.com/vivexotic-reptihome-vivarium-&-cabinet--extra-large-maxi-oak_p28162773.htm#.Wp5nmmrFKUk


THis image is useful as it helps show give and idea to size and shape of the overall outside of a vivarium. I wouldn,t consider having this as an angle to paint though so this idea for a painting would be discontinued.

This image gives a different variation in layout as to how a vivarium can be presented and ideas can be forged a creatively placed with ideas from this image with plants, hide, branches and bowls.

This is useful if I want to add a bit more to modelling as it gives that bit extra to add to bulk up the size of the model but I wouln,t consider painting this as an image as it doesn't give an in depth insight into the vivarium behind the glass.

Conclusion on vivariums.

Just from this research on this section I feel disinterested with consider this as I don't feel any desire to create this. The images don't inspire me to paint or model, it only inspires me to want to build up my own collection of reptiles later down the line.

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Electric Guitars

Images sourced from personal items



This image was sourced from being my own property, looking at this image I a lack of nterest continuing to research this as creatively it doesn't capture my attention or inspire me at a single glance I don't feel inspired to use this an idea to do this as a final piece so this idea will be discontinued.


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So far

In this project I feel like I am currently on track and well organised for time, I have looked at the different avenues and when I started to look into them I started to get a better understanding of what I felt more comfortable with doing for a final piece with what has inspired me and with what has given me double thoughts.


Next step - Plan

Activity
Narrowing it down to two and doing some background research into them online to then report my findings onto my blog.



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Narrowing it down...

Dragon's and fairy's capture my attention due to being non-existent which to me adds more interest as these creatures could hold so much mystery. They are also something that is related to Wicca and paganism which I also find fascinating and somewhat peaceful.

Wicca, Paganism


What two things am I more drawn too?

The reason I asked myself this question is to decide what I am more pulled towards. Currently I am pulled towards mythical creatures like the dragon and fairy which are currently in competition with each other. This is because little is known about their background and why they are important to Wicca and paganism. This curiosity is going to lead me to my next step. To research more about the background history and influence they still have today.


History of Fairies and the relationship to Wicca;

Information source: Alana. (2017) askAlana [Online] http://www.askalana.com/fg/wicca-faeries.html

Wicca is practised by people who identify as Pagan, practitioners of Wicca celebrate each new season as acknowledgement for plantation that grew due to rainfall that gave nutrition to the soil.

Fairy or in Wicca 'faery' is a magical being that a witch or warlock would want to gain the trust of and befriend which can become of very useful to the practitioner as faeries can aid in spells. Faeries will not bother to aid in love or prosperity spells as they are made of pure energy and believe that materialistic things are of no true importance to life. The spells faeries will aid in is to do with the Earth and health. If someone is ill or plants are dying, faeries are more likely to help with the spell as it is seen as something more beneficial and significant, especially if they trust you and get a sugary snack out of it.


History of Dragons in Wicca

Information Source: Dreamers,Wicca. (2018) Draconian Wicca [Online] http://330531682655333130.weebly.com/draconian-wicca/draconian-wicca-dragon-magick

Draconian Wicca; a practice that is not often found amongst Wicca. The magick is symbolised and energised by Dragons. It is not known as a traditional form of Wicca, whilst still part of Wicca it is not for everyone who must be very much self disciplined in order to manifest changes to their lives and the world they wish to live in.

The Dragon represents Balance and Wisdom, while those who practice Draconian Magick, Dragons are held as in the highest of Deities whilst in tradiotional Wicca Dragons are not thought of in that way.
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Draconian Wicca requires up most honesty with others and ones self as working with dragons can be rewarding but is hard to accomplish the results wanted.

To become a part of Dragon magick there is an uncomfortable part is to look at ones inner self without ignoring parts of themselves they would rather pay no attention to. Once one has explored their whole true inner self and accepted that whole hearted is then the way towards magickal power and wisdom. 


Within Draconian Wicca their are:


  • The Grey Witch

  • The Goddess and God

  • Red Goddess Dragon

  • The God Dragon


  • The Dragon Guardians and Guides


Conclusion on this informative reaseach

I have decided to go with the dragons as dragonian magik from what I researched if not for the faint hearted, this got me thinking of creating a game idea for my project proposal as I could use this newly found knowledge potentially to my advantage as dragons are recognised as strong and powerful creates in both good and bad. Draconian magik is for those who a self disciplined which I feel my dragon should be and the fact that this magik style is also to change the environment around which has also drawn me to doing a dragon as this I could use as an idea into my Project proposal.


What's next? - Plan

The plan now is to create my project proposal, it will contain three stages. A review where I discuss some of what I will be doing and what I may learn or develop. The project concept which is where I discuss the idea behind my final pieces and the part of the story line. Then the evaluation on how I will go through my work and how it will be developed.

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Project Proposal


Review

This year I have honed in and developed further my MAYA modelling skills and practising more efficient ways to model. I will continue to use what I learnt the previous year before. This year I have continued with life drawings and referred to some previous drawings I did before college to view my progress. I am going to continue to use the Golden spiral rule for my 2D concept to help create the structure of my concept piece. I will continue to use skills I have learnt and developed within MAYA to model and UV a model. Something else that I have managed to cover learning is rigging.
With all my previous knowledge and new knowledge and skills I intend to develop a 2D concept using Photoshop practising different techniques to create the different shades and tones that will create my intended image of a dragon. Also I will be using MAYA to model a dragon, art style currently undecided. Something I would like to add to my wish list of something to try achieve if there is enough time is to rig the model by putting together a skeleton inside it to then control the limbs to make it move.


Project Concept

This project I intend to Model and create a 2D concept of a dragon. The reason for this is it is a more organic shape that is out of my comfort zone and I wish to challenge my current limits within this project. I also aim to create a full texture map of the model which will further add to the detailing of the model bringing it more to life. With the aim to try as a bonus target if time allows it is to rig the model to bring it fully to life.
The backstory for this project will be a fantasy style game with hopefully some realistic elements. The dragon can be captured and tamed with the aid of Draconian magick that witches or warlocks have to use which will later help them travel to far away mythical lands that can’t otherwise be reached without the power of the Deity power of the Dragon. The Draconian Magick will be used throughout the game to accomplish saving others and changing the world for the better good, to restore peace to the world.

What I intend to do to achieve the birth of the dragon is to research different art styles of dragons to interpret into my own and help balance out the bodily proportions. I will also be looking at the scales on reptiles to help design the skin on the dragon as well as looking at miniature figurines to more closely look at the way the scales are portrayed on them to help replicate on my model that will be created in MAYA and concept piece created in Photoshop. Once the model is detailed well, a texture will be applied to show off all the features and bring more life to the model.


Evaluation

During my work I will analyse my work and review different steps to see what may not be going so well and what I can do to improve the final outcome. I will also ask for others opinions inside the studio as well as Pagans associates I have that will help further the development within the model and concept piece.
Decision progress and progression will be logged throughout this project and feedback will be applied to my blog to help review any errors or problematic encounters I may come across and how they can be resolved.

To help manage this project I am considering a checklist to check what progression has been made and what will need to be done next.


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Feedback




List of things to look at and consider





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Daily Targets

9.00-11.00 a.m

Activity / What you are intending to do - including independent study

Look up art styles
·         Medieval art
·         Fantasy art
·         Pop art
·         Contempary art
·         Art nouveau

Look up images to reference to like;
  • Reptiles, to look into detail of the scales and the eyes.
  • Bats to look at the structural shape of the wings
  • Dinosaur skeletons for body structure, body shape ideas and potential structure on bones that may be added to the model that is on my wish list of things to try achieve.

What I will need to do it - including access to workshops

11.30-13.00

Activity / What you are intending to do - including independent study

Upload any research to the blog, Art styles and opinions.

Lunch at 12.00

What I will need to do it - including access to workshops

14.00-15.30

Activity / What you are intending to do - including independent study



What I will need to do it - including access to workshops


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Plan

Activity
To reaseach different sculptures and art styles of dragons to extend my research and add annotations with my opinions and anything that I may have found out about that art piece.

How will this be achieved
Going to online sources and look at different works sourced online and give feedback on each one on my blog


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Art Styles to consider

Looking at art styles to consider will later tell me in the development of my work by influencing how I will produce my work by inspiring something that I may find compelling and visibly pleasing to the eye and what may be desired in a game that would attract a wide audience.

Medieval Art

The reson as to why I looked at this art style is because how dragons was portrayed in medieval days is so much different to how the modern world portrays dragons today. This could be a good idea to use as it has the potential to stand out in today's modern world by bringing back a historical feel to modern games which some gamers who enjoy history and historical art may find appealing and has the potential to attract people who may not of had an interest in this kind of game art style.


What drawn me to this image is how this dragon looks more domestic and in some sense dog like with it short height and similar proportions to a domesticated dog.


WHat drawn me to this is the lack of front legs or arms as some may refer to. The flames from the mouth almost look like a beard which may be a good idea for future for my dragon to add maybe a bit more character. The body shape I feel closely resembles that of a chicken with the clawed feet and shape with just a more slimmer body and a tail coming from the bottom of the dragon.


What attracts me to this I the long body but short height. Close of that to a humans size which is not the stereotypical appearance of a dragons height seen in today modern films or games where the dragon normally towers over humans small stature in comparison.

What attracts me to this is how the dragon almost appears if it is cowering with it,s body posture, being that similar submissive to how a modern dog would pose if being submissive yet fearful. The dragons mouth gaping open could express aggression which could be related to fear. The emotions I feel expressed from this dragon is different in a sense of how dragons today's are portrayed as strong, fearless and with more essence of danger.




Dragon Sculptures

Looking at dragon sculptures will help influence how I wish to present my model and which style that may be appealing for others and which I am drawn to. Different sculptures will broaden how I may present my model with not just style but how I may pose the dragon, but also size and scale as different styles have different lengths and scale. some being slim and long bodied whilst some and short and with a wider width.

In Thailand, Samphran District. This Buddhist Temple is called Wat Samphran that stands 17 stories high that has a dragon wrapped round the temple.
I like this image because of the way the dragon spirals round the building, this could be a future influential idea with how I may later present my dragon.


Italian Sculptor Valeriano Fatica carved a highly detailed Dragons head out of a Watermelon.
I like this image because it has been made with something different, a water melon. The detailing is in my opinion amazing with the scales, eyes, mouth and nostrils that have been carved into the water melon.



Ceramic Artist Johnson Tsang, created this "painful Pot" teapot that is being squeezed by this highly decorative Dragon. The Dragons Head and mouth form the spout that is actually functional.
I like this image as it gives me a visual reference for inside the mouth if I want to add detailing to this level inside the mouth.


This "dangerous Transportation" float was designed by Tiggelaar Hamlet. The float was part of a parade with performers and a marching band. The float was titled 2016's event winner. Photograph taken by John DG Photography.
The reason why I liked this image is because the dragon is portrayed differently, it looks like it has been crossed with a lion that has been selectively bred to create what would be similar to tribal swirls going over the body. With the appearance of this I could always consider maybe creating some kind of hybrid.

Above Sculpute images sourced from: http://www.thisiscolossal.com/?s=dragon


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Ornate Art

Image Sourced http://www.thisiscolossal.com/?s=dragon

This Ornate Dragon was painted with one Giant Brush stroke. This piece originates from a small studio in Nikko, Japan, Kousyuuna Studio. The studio has seen four generations of painters who specially create these dragons in this style. 


Which style attracted me?

Out of what I looked at, I find the ornate styled dragon much more appealing with gives of a vibe of fantasy yet somewhat realism of a Chinese dragon. Visually I am drawn to the detail and brush strokes in how it is created with a singular brush stroke. The detailing is to my opinion immersive as the more I gaze I want to look closer into the image and the some of the vibrancy of the colours.

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Daily Plan

9.00-11.00 a.m

Activity / What you are intending to do - including independent study


 Gather image references of Reptiles.

·         Gather image references of Bats, specifically the wings.

·         Dinosaur skeletons, 4 legged and 2 legged.

·         Gather internet references using the Harvard system to record them.


What I will need to do it - including access to workshops

11.30-13.00

Activity / What you are intending to do - including independent study


Continue with above.

·         Upload images to blog and explain reasoning for the different images references that will later be used when creating a concept piece.

What I will need to do it - including access to workshops

14.00-15.30

Activity / What you are intending to do - including independent study

Continue adding to blog.

What I will need to do it - including access to workshops


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Discussion 

Target for following week;

To focus on textures by gaining primary research to look at the scales on reptiles, colours, tones and reflective light. List of things to look at below;

List ;

Primary Research
  • Do multiple Frottage pieces
  • Take picture images of reptiles, including my personal reptiles. Upload a minimum of 6 and give annotations on the back ground on each reptile. Origin, which reptile.
  • Look at different patterns/colour, banded, saddles, stripes. morphs, camouflager and colour variation and benefits.
Secondary research
  • Look at the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes (scales and teeth)

Stretch and Challenge
  • To gain close up images of the scales on the reptiles.
  • Look at snake shedding 

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Bats wings

Secondary Source

Image reference which displays the arm structure of a bats wings, highlighting where the fingers and thumb are. This image is also useful as it shows where the skin goes between the different bone structures and gives an idea of the skins texture.


 This image reference gives a more in depth display the arm structure of a bats wings, giving . This image is also useful as it shows where the skin goes between the different bone structures which is insightful as it will help with the development of the wings and how I could interpret it onto my model. Also it gives an insight of the skins texture that I can also consider replicating for the model as well as using the image references I will get from reptiles to help create the scales.


This image will give me a good reference to replicating the wing on a dragon if I decide to give the dragon wings. Giving a good texture idea to consider to make the thin scale skin wing.


This image is also useful for the same reasons as stated above, it gives me a fairly detail reference that I can consider out of the images to interpret into designing the wing, furthering the detail in it as the shape that I will need to consider to create something that looks appropriate on my model as well as concept piece.


This image is useful to me as it shows an X-ray on a bat and more importantly the wing, this gives me a clearer visual on the bones that I will interpret into the wing to start of the basic structure before I focus on creating the skin that goes between that would enable the dragon for flight.


Looking at bat wings is going to be useful to take forward to start constructing wings in my 3D and 2D pieces.so overall this is a great piece of research that will aid in completing my work.


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Plan

Activity

Look into dinosaur skeleton and put onto blog with any references needed
To then get reference images of my own reptiles and place onto blog


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Dinosaur Skeleton

How will a dinosaur skeleton help me in this project?

A skeleton from a dinosaur will be useful as due to all the different species of dinosaur I may be able to find something that will help replicate the bone structure that might of been found in a dragon if one existed. It will also be useful to help me scale the dragon and get the proportions more accurate. 

Where can I search to look at dinosaur skeletons?

Resources:

  • Online sources that can be found through google.

  • Places, such as below;

The Lapworth Museum of Geology.

Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT

The Lapworth Museum has a range of geological collections that contains fossils, rocks, dinosaurs, volcanoes and earthquakes. 
The museum was named after a Charles Lapworth who was the first Professor of Geology based ar Mason College. He was an influential geologist. The museum has an extensive collection of over 250, 000 specimens.

A link below giving a brief description of the dinosaur exhibit.

https://youtu.be/Bx7FZb7r0Fg


Online sources that can be found through google.


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Reptiles

The reason for looking up reptiles is to focus on the texture of the skin by looking at the scales. I can also consider colouration, patterns of different reptiles, or in this case snakes. talk about if they are banded, have saddles. If they are a morph, so was bred to have certain characteristics in the colouration and/or the pattern.

Corn snake images x2

Part of the Rat Snake family the corn snakes characteristics are orange/red colouring which helps them blend into their environment. The snakes in the images below are known as amelistic which refers to their colouring. Corn snakes can be found in multiple shades and tones, some being natural where selective breading was not played a part of like an albino. An example of a corn snake that has been selectively bred is the lavender corn snake. 
The darker markings along the back are referred to as saddles. This is generally because the shape of each marking some what resembles the shape of a horses saddle, ironically the saddle markings are found on the snakes back so this term is quite fitting. 
The texture of this snake is what I can describe as a cold leather with a slight bumpy texture created by the scales on the snake.
Temperament is very docile and is a great starter snake due to it's very laid back nature and lack of threats in the wild.



Albino Californian King snake x2

 This Albino Californian king snake's (Cali King) colour comes from it's genetics that affects the pigmentation of the scales (snakes skin) or the lack of pigmentation. Albinism is where there is a lack of colour pigments in the the scales or skin which creates this very pale colour of a pinkish white is created by the blood vessels under the skin/scales with yellow and red eyes which appear red from the blood vessels the light reflects off. The traditional colouring would be green and black with black/brown eyes.
The markings on a Cali King are called Banded due to the resemblances of two different colour bands going down the body.
The texture of a Cali King is a very more smooth cold leather feel unlike the Corn Snake, until you rub your fingers from the tall up as the roughness of the scales rub against you fingers (I do not recommend to do this (especially too rough) as this can harm the snake by damaging or pulling of one of the scales which can later lead to infection.
The temperament of the Cali Knig can be slightly unpredictable as they can be finicky with handling, but if handed regularly can make for an easy to handle snake.But can be jumpy.





Blue tongued Skink

The Blue tongued Skink has black strips that go along the width of it's body. Mostly brown with a paler underside. They eyes are a hazel with a slit pupil. The texture on the body is very smooth, like a silky leather with ripples from each scale.
Temperament, is easy to handle and very docile.



Royal Python - Morph (Pinstripe)

The Royal Python (Ball Python). A Royal found in the wild is a darker brown with black almost leopard print kind of markings.The colours range vastly from the Selective breeding that gives them different colours and markings, which is how you get a morph. The amount of Morphs I am unsure of, a few to name would be the Orange Ghost which has the same stereotypical markings but is more of a pastel orange colour, which is where the name would derive from. Their is the Spider royal, lemon blast which is bright yellow and then the one in the image bellow; The Pinstripe.
The name explains what the markings would be referred too.
The temperament is very friendly and docile, especially when handled.They are great to keep temperamentally but require slightly more specific living requirements regarding humidity.




Conclusion on the topic of Reptiles

This is beneficial to me as it gives me more inspiration with colour and markings that I could replicate or turn into my own. Snakes come in a variety of colours. Some through selective breeding, others through natural evolution as part of a way of blending in with their natural surroundings or as a warning to predators symbolising they're venomous.

I could take inspiration from this with the variety of colours which I could create a mood board of colours to either symbolise emotion, warning colours or if it could be a way to blend into the environment. Markings that I could take inspiration from to create a pattern of markings that go over the body, unlike seen in any of the games I have seen as they are normally two tones with no patterned markings. This could make my work stick out from the stereotypical dragons seen in games and films, making it more unique.

I could also consider morphs, this could be a human breeding to create a stronger, more powerful dragon unlike others seen in the lands; Further adding to the story in the game.

Overall I have gained some ideas I can take forward for to designing my dragon with colour, tones, textures and even morphs.



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Skull

Chinchilla Skull

This is one of my associates deceased pet chinchilla skull. Upon showing me this skull, I asked about taking pictures for this project as I envisioned the potential shape I would like to refer to for the head of my dragon. Taking pictures from different angles would help aid me replicate the shape I would like, which I may adjust later on my model to give it more distinguishable features.

Side Angle

Front Top Angle

Back Top Angle

Underside


Conclusion

This is a great piece which I can use to help influence the shape of the head on the dragon, I could even look at the teeth with I could maybe refer back to later when creating the scales coming off up along the back of the dragon down the spine.

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Conclusion on project so far...

I am currently happy with the research that I have done with some of the pieces of art I have found. Although due to time management I am now behind with my project and with my deadline coming up over the horizon I don't have much time to waste. 

My next step will be to start work on my own pieces, starting of with silhouettes.

Plan

Activity

To start rough silhouettes on Photoshop and record what has been done with images and annotattions

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Rough Colourful Silhouettes 

The silhouettes will be painted on Photoshop using different brushes and even adding layers.

10 Rough pieces

The purpose of doing these colourful silhouettes is for me to see what position I would like for my dragon to be posing in or what angle I prefer most. This helps me choose how to portray and to construct my final concept piece ready for display by narrowing down my choices visually for me to decide by just simply looking at them.


1
This being a front view of a dragon, despite being a very rough image I do somewhat like the angle and the way the neck curves round and the wings spread out. The technique I used was a controlled scribble to then neaten up the outline with an erazer, the technique for the wings was a sponge technique to create the wings texture.



2

This being a view from underneath a soaring dragon. In some sense I like this one as it for me it creates a sense of danger, strength and domination of the sky's but also some element of mystery as the the top side of the dragon can not be seen. The techniques used was a mix between a scruple and a scribble with the wings once again being done with the sponging technique 


3

I don't feel fond of this painting because I feel it looks to simple and similar to many images I have seen previous in my lifetime where you see the whole dragon just standing there. To me I feel this is quite boring and I probably would not want to look at it for long if I consider this as a silhouette. This dragon was done with a felt tip using a scribble technique.


4

I quite like this one as it is a real close up of the dragons face with just the body faintly outlined in the background. This image gives me a sense of curiosity from the dragon, maybe with a slightly cheeky personality. This is something I would like to consider. This was done with felt tip with a very loose scribble technique.


5

The same as painting number 3, I find this silhouette quite boring and I don't feel that I will consider this for future as I feel very dis-interested in this. This was create with chalk with soft strokes to blend the colour together to fill any gaps within the one colour.


6

I feel I would consider this as I quite like the posture of the silhouette, I would could portray this a few ways. The dragon could be posing, showing of it's glorious majestic body and strength. Or I could portray this as a dragon pressing up a window peering in or even as just trying to get close up to an object to get a closer observation. What really draws me to this is that I could portrays so many things and play about with it. This is done with pastels using an in between a scrumple and scribble technique.


7

For me this ariel sillouette is different and somewhat interested, my problem is when I look at this I feel no interest to use this for inspiration for my final concept piece so this silhouette will be discontinued. This was done with chalk with a scribble technique.


8

This sillouette I do somewhat like but won,t use in future as it to me it gives the impression of an aggressive dragon charging towards you ready for attack and would not meet the idea or description in my project proposal so this silhouette will be discontinued. This was done with chalk with a scribble technique.

9
This one I feel is quite playful, I could consider it as an idea but feel it may be hard to develop into what I have in my mind as this dragon looks like a youngster that would not be ready to save a town.This was done with chalk with a scribble technique. 


10

I do like this silhouette as it gives a full frontal and to me depicts great size, I may be able to consider this. I would have to consider trying to make the dragon look less aggressive for my concept piece if I do consider this idea.This was done with a paintbrush that was lightly scribbled over the page with smaller details added in felt tip.



What one do I like and why?

I quite like number size, the reason being is because to me visually it looks like a mature dragon that is curious but means now harm. I also like the scales coming of from the back. I may change the closeness of this idea and angle of the head to look over at something but I feel i could stem of this idea the most due to the scales coming of the back and the element of curiosity.


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Things to consider

Colour Mood Board

The purpose of this was to explore colour and the emotions associated with each colour.
By doing this I can consider different colours in which I will use at a later point to give off a set vibe from the dragon to help the viewers see and feel the temperament of the dragon by using these colours.




Shape

Shapes are important as different shapes will build up the characteristics of the creature, animal or human. These shapes replicate either masculinity, femininity and aggregation or a villain.

  • Square - The square is seen as a masculine shape due to its bold edges and sturdy appearance in shape that looks like it can support the weight of things around it.

  • Circle - The circle is seen as feminine due to it's round and soft edges, femininity is also seen as the mother or bearer of children so characters seen with a more rounder shape are seen as caring and soft to touch.

  • Triangle - The triangle is seen as the villain due to it's pointy shape, points on objects tend to hurt so this instils the essence of fear onto others.

How will this help me?

Looking at clours and shape will help portray to the audience different traits about the dragons nature and personality. I am hoping that considering this I will be able to develop something that is portrayed well by others in terms of what the dragons purpose is.

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Plan

Activity

To find some reference images of a 3D model.
To place the reference images on blog and annotate
To start modelling

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End of section - Behind schedule
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Artist 3D models


What drew me to this image is how strong the dragon looks with broad shoulders and strong neck. I like the spines down the back as visually it gives it more edge I find. I like the appearance at the tips of the tail.




The posture on this dragon instantly caught my attention, it looks proud, strong and ready to face and conqur obsticles in the way of it's path which I feel is somewhat suitable for what I intend to try and do. I also like the appearance of the spines coming out the tip of the wings.



MAYA Modelling


Using a Polygonal cylinder I selected a face on the side after rotating the cylinder and extruded the sides to start creating the length pf the body, scaling each face to create the shape of the body. Currently the shape doesn't look very smooth with some ripples which will later be smoothed out to create a more stream line shape.





Just continuing from last, I extruded some more faces to create the majority of the length of the tall. 
After Adding more length to the tail and neck. I selected the rings are re-scaled them to attempt to gain a better smooth stream lined body. So far I can see slight improvements in which I will continue to adjust throughout the modelling of this dragon.




Continuing on from last. I have created a basic leg shape using a polygonal cylinder, then to change to selecting the vertex to adjust the shape to create a more oval shape going down the leg. before selecting the whole bottom faces and extruding from them using the move tool and occasionally the scale tool to create different diameters when going down the leg. once I created one leg, I duplicated it and then re scaled different parts of the leg selecting the edge tool and then re-scaling them to create a thicker upper leg. TO create the wing, a polygonal cylinder was used again and extruded out on the one side by selecting the faces. Re-scaling the faces every so often to create the joints between each hollow bone in the wing. Once I had the main bone done I selected the edges down one side and extruded out to create the skin coming from the wing. Once I extruded to a length I was fairly happy with I then went to select different vertex to create a bit more shape to the wing so it wasn't to straight as this wouldn't look to right as the skin curves round from each bones to bone in the wing.



Selecting the faces at the bottom of the leg, I extruded out once more. This is to was to start making a foot. I then slected some of the faces that would be facing forward in the direction of the leg to create the majority of the foot before making the toes. This was once again achieved through extruding the faces on the newly shaped polygonal cylinder.


Evaluating this model

Overall it is not the most aesthetically pleasing model I have created, there was elements I struggled with and I tried to experiment with creating what I had envisioned in my mind. Although I was close to creating the generic shapes I wanted and some of the features I wanted to include I did not manage to achieve this due to not scheduling time well and a lack of research looking at organic models and how others may have tried to go about modelling a dragon. Doing that research would of been more beneficial as the model would of came further along and be much more detailed and potentially textured. 

What I have learned from this is it is good to work from the imagination but to also look at how others would go about creating an organic shape, specifically a dragon if I found someone who has previosly produced dragons. I have also thought it may be could to also try reach out to others who model as a way to find out some tips on how they would bring out different features.


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Photoshop Painting


Painted using a normal brush. The main body was done on one layer with both wings on separate layers and the horns on their own layer. Currently the technique I have been using is quick simple strokes of the brush to just give the shape and fill with colour.
The choices for my colour come from the colour mood board. Green being happiness and luck, this is to symbolise what the dragon will be bringing to the village as well as a sense of calm from the pastel yellow.


Using a darker shade of Green I applied it with Chalk 44 to start replicating the scales. Just gently tapping the wacom tablet with the pen to jest gently dot it over the neck of the body so far. 
Analysing it, I feel this looks of but maybe able to find a better tool to create what I would like to achieve more effectively that looks more visually fitting which I will look into next time maybe.



Continuing from last I finished of the scales with the only difference was adjusting the colour used as it came to the lighter parts of the body. Some shading has now been added to the horns on the head and down the body to add more depth with some rings added using a paler shade to create the segments in the horns on the head. This was done with a paintbrush. The stomach was also with the same tool to add the segments. which was applied with gentle strokes on the wacom tablet.

Creating the background and castle, i created a separate layer for both. to start of the background I used a very light pastel green, with the paint brush I started shading down, as I had the brush on 50% opacity I built up the shades making them darker for the lands that are closer. This allowed me to then focus on each patch and build up depth and shading to add to detail and create more atmosphere to each section. For example the land the dragon appears to be on is full of life with vivid colour. In the distance by the castle it is all grey and dreary. Adding a depressive negative feel to it. The same was done for the sky but in shades of light blue to light greys with the opacity on once again to build up cloud texture and add to the atmosphere by the castle. To add to the texture of grass, using a size one paintbrush and a few different shades of green I just did small strokes of the brush on the wacom tablet to gradually create a close as texture to grass. 

TO create the castle. I used the paintbrush, holding down shift and dragging the pen in the direction I wanted created straight lines. Once the shape I wanted was constructed. It was shaded in. Then the eraser was used to create the little gaps along the wall and up the turrets. The same method was used to create the windows which was done on a separate layer. The castle was shaded in using the same method to create straight lines and then filled in using the brush tool. To create the texture in the wall, I changed to the chalk tool and had it on 1 for size then just gradually doted around to try replicate a stone wall texture.

Leading lines so far

In the above image, Using rays from the sun I tried to replicate some leading lines towards the castle which is the focal point of this image with the dragons head and neck looking over into that direction to create another leading line to try and draw the audience towards the castle; The destination the dragon will first arrive. The purpose of leading lines is to guide the audience from the dominant form which is the dragon to the focal point (The castle).


Finish Photoshop Painting

The completed concept Piece


Analysis
Overall despite not being in an ornate style I am somewhat glad with what was produced as I feel it looks more friendly and welcoming to younger people and children. The colours are vivid, light and airy with positive feeling vibes coming from the colour of the dragon. The image is simple yet still constructed with a dominant form (being the dragon) with leading lines being directed by the dragons neck and where the face is looking to direct the audience to the focal point (the castle which is the destination the dragon is going to).

I do feel there could of been some more detail added to some of the environment and the dragon just to add more depth and bring out some of the features better, like the castle which almost gets lost in the sky behind it. 


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Final Evaluation

Overall this project started off fairly well and I managed to narrow down my ideas fairly quickly keeping me well in schedule with time keeping, as the pr;oject developed I was happy with the research made as it did help me to start developing ideas within the MAYA and Photoshop software. Creating some basic concept pieces to start exploring my ideas for my 2D concept went fairly well and took roughly an hour and thirty minuets which was quicker than expected within my time schedule. These quick pieces was beneficial with starting and finalising my final 2D concept which went fairly well although not visually being what I had envisioned in my head but still felt fairly comfortable with overall. When going into modelling on MAYA things went down hill as I experienced some problems which affected my time schedule and left my model incomplete, lacking texture and not being rendered. This is a real disappointment for me as I wanted to accomplish this as a goal to prove to myself what I can do. I failed to complete my goal and that has upset me. 

 The problems I  encountered as I started to develop my dragon in MAYA I came across some technical problems with trying to save the main body of the model which ate a good chunk of my time out of my scheduled which left me falling behind. On the third attempt after creating a new file I managed to save the file successfully which solved the problem. I had some difficulties figuring out how I was going to create the wings mostly as I was unsure how to start developing them. I figured once I had done one I would just duplicate the wing to save modelling a wing twice which helped save me some time once I had figured a way to start developing the wing. The legs were a minor problem as I was unsure how I was going to create the basic shape of the leg and kneecaps before trying to add toes. I experimented a little to see what I felt was going to give me the desired results. These was some problems for me and what could of made this easier would of been to do some additional research on reptile lizards legs and feet to help influence my design and development. I feel this lack of research cost me some time.

I have made some costly mistakes affecting my time which overall has disappointing me and to me shows signs of weakness that I will need to work and develop pn in future to perform at maximum efficiency to take full advantage of my time. An additional thing to help me in the future is that I have managed to obtain a laptop for helping develop my work in future from home which will provide me with more available extended time to focus on my work and focus more on detailing and perfecting.





References for secondary sources 

Using the Harvard referencing system.


Coventry Transport Museum
Coventry,Transport,Museum. (2018) About the museum [Online] http://www.transport-museum.com/

Dragon images
Rachael. (2018) Dragon Lovers [Online} http://www.blog-city.info/en/dragon.php

Weneedfun. (2018) Black Dragon Wallpaper [Online] https://weneedfun.com/black-dragon-wallpaper/

Dragons/Fairy
The,mascot,design,gallery. (2018) The Mascot Design Gallery [Online} http://www.mascotdesigngallery.com/fire-dragon-mascot/

Indullgy.com. (2018) Pinterest [Online] https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/292241463303768267/

Manu. (2018) Poems for Kids [Online] http://poemsforkids.org/5-excellent-fairy-poems-for-kids/


Vivariums



Fairy research
Alana. (2018) askAlana [Online] http://www.askalana.com/fg/wicca-faeries.html
Dragon Research


Pentagram
Raise,the,horns. (2018) What exactly is wicca? [Online] http://www.patheos.com/blogs/panmankey/2017/03/what-exactly-is-wicca/

Medieval Art
Beyond,the,point. (2018) the Medieval Dragon [Online} http://www.beyondthepoint.co.uk/property/the-medieval-dragon/

The,British,Library,Board. (2018) The Anatomy of a Dragon [Online] http://blogs.bl.uk/digitisedmanuscripts/2014/04/the-anatomy-of-a-dragon.html

Victoria,Albert,Museum. (2018) Here be Dragons [Online] http://www.vam.ac.uk/blog/national-art-library/here-be-dragons-2

LIVE,Science. (2018) Here Be Dragons [Online] https://www.livescience.com/39465-sea-monsters-on-medieval-maps.html

Dragon Sculptures/ Ornate
Colossal (2018) Dragon [Online] http://www.thisiscolossal.com/?s=dragon

Bats
Live,science. (2018) Robotic Bat Wing Mimics a ‘Spectacular Flyer’ [Online] https://www.livescience.com/28603-bat-wings-biomimetics-nsf-ria.html

Inc, DLTK’s. (2018) Bat Wings [Online] http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/bats/facts2.htm

Fernadez, Carlos. (2018) Chinocracy [Online] http://chinocracy.blogspot.co.uk/2009/06/on-human-wings.html


Salix. (2018) WIKIMEDIA COMMONS [Online] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bat-wing_underside.jpg

Wildcare. (2018) Wildcare [Online] http://wc.convio.net/eNews/October_2009_2.html







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