Callum Wood

Immersive Tech​

IMM200

ADOBE SUBSTANCE 3D STAGER.

This screenshot shows my first experience with Adobe Stager, a tool for making and showing 3D scenes that look like real photographs. In our lesson, we learned how to add text, bring in assets, shape objects, and set up a whole scene.

For this project, I chose a bag as my main item. The goal was to make a simple 3D model look like a high-quality photo. I started by bringing the bag model into Adobe Stager and worked on making it look better. Choosing the right materials was very important. I picked textures that made the bag look like it was made of real leather, which made it look more authentic.

Lighting is very important in 3D rendering because it affects how materials look and sets the mood of the scene. I tried different lighting setups until I found one that showed off the bag’s best features. I placed the lights in a way that the bag stood out and soft shadows added depth to the scene.

Setting up the camera was also crucial. I adjusted the camera angle and settings to show the bag in the best way, similar to how professional photos are taken. This angle showed off the detailed textures of the materials and the layout of the scene well.

I chose a background that matched the bag and helped make the setting look real. I picked a simple texture that kept the focus on the bag but also blended well with the rest of the scene. Paying close attention to the background helped make everything look good together.

Through this project, I improved my skills in:

  • Bringing in and adjusting 3D assets to place them right in the scene.
  • Choosing and applying materials that look like real textures and reflect light properly.
  • Setting up lights to make the scene look real, focusing on getting the shadows and highlights right.
  • Choosing the best camera angles and settings to make it look like a professional photo.
  • Putting together different elements in a way that makes the final scene look real and appealing.

Conclusion:
This project in Adobe Stager helped me get better at technical skills in 3D rendering and also at making things look good visually. It showed me how important details are, from choosing materials to setting up lighting, in making a simple 3D model into a stunning digital picture.

SKYBOX.

In this part of our demonstration, we explored the capabilities of Skybox AI by Blockade Labs, an innovative tool designed for generating images from textual prompts. This AI-driven platform enables users to create visually appealing and contextually appropriate images effortlessly.

For my project, I used a series of simple prompts to guide the AI in generating images that complemented our main subject. This exercise was instrumental in understanding how AI can be utilized to enhance visual storytelling and add depth to digital presentations. The process involved specifying details and elements that I wanted the AI to include, thereby tailoring the outcomes to fit the thematic needs of our project.

SPLINE.

In this session, we delved into the fundamentals of 3D modelling using Spline, focusing on creating a human figure from basic geometric shapes. Under the guidance of our tutor, Paul, we learned to manipulate simple forms like cubes, transforming them into more complex 3D models through the addition of loop cuts to create polygons, which were then extruded to add depth and detail.

After modelling, Paul showed us how to export our models. We then imported them into Mixamo, a service that allows for automatic rigging and animating of 3D characters, bringing our creations to life with realistic movements. This step was crucial in understanding the full workflow of 3D character creation—from conception and modelling in Spline to animation in Mixamo.

AERO.

This screenshot introduces the basics of Adobe Aero, a powerful tool for creating virtual reality (VR) experiences. In our class, we focused on understanding the foundational aspects such as creating text, using objects and shapes, and integrating these elements to build potential VR projects.

During the tutorial, we explored how to add text to a VR scene. This skill is essential for guiding users through a VR experience by providing interactive instructions or information directly within the virtual environment.

We also learned about using different objects and shapes to craft the layout of a VR scene. This included experimenting with how these elements could be positioned and manipulated to create engaging and interactive spaces, which could be explored in a real-world application.

An exciting part of the session was discovering how to import 3D assets from Adobe Illustrator into Adobe Aero. This process allows for the seamless integration of custom designs and complex shapes created in Illustrator, enhancing the depth and detail of the VR scene.

Additionally, we discussed the potential for making these 3D assets interactive within the VR environment. This would involve setting up triggers and actions in Aero, so users can interact with the assets through their devices, adding a layer of engagement and interactivity.

AFTER EFFECTS.

This screenshot highlights our learning experience with Adobe After Effects, where we focused on manipulating imported footage to create dynamic video content. Our session began with footage provided by Paul, which served as the base for our exploration into the capabilities of After Effects.

We started by learning how to add text and shapes to our footage. This foundational skill is crucial for enhancing videos with informational or stylistic elements. We then delved into the use of key tools like opacity, scale, and rotation. These tools allowed us to alter the visual elements dynamically, giving us the freedom to customize the footage extensively.

A significant part of our learning was understanding how to animate these changes using keyframes. Keyframes are essential in After Effects as they define the start and end points of any transition, allowing us to create smooth animations by altering the properties of objects over time.

Additionally, we explored how to export our edited footage into a 360-degree format. This skill is particularly valuable for creating immersive video experiences that can be viewed on VR headsets or other 360-degree platforms.

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