Design Exploration - "Celestial Century"

26/09/2024 - 03/01/2025 | Week 1 - Week 14

Glen Owen | 0354952

Design Exploration | Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media

Taylor's University

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INSTRUCTION

Fig 1.0 MIB

Proposal

Brainstorming

    In this stage, we are to figure out on what kind of aspiration we're having and what kind of project are we to explore. Some choses to deepen their skill within their specialization while others try to step out from their comfort zone and try new things. In my case, I would like to explore on my animation skill by doing Live2D model.

    Before it came to this, I initially had 4 ideas to do:

• Fantasy Art Bible
• 3D Sculptures/Model
• Live2D Model
• Card and Board Games

    To decide which project ideas are suitable, I thought logically on which could enhance my portfolio and also that fits my aspiration. My aspiration was simple as it was only to:

• To design something that reflects my passion for fantasy-themed work
• To merge aesthetic with cultural heritage and technology
• To design something that delights user and make them happy
• To pursue my goal as a concept artist and a world designer

    After I figured my aspiration, it's time for me to look back at my past work to see how's my style going. Below are a compilation of my project when I took my specialization.

Fig 1.1 Past Project Portfolio

    When I looked back at my works, I realized how I seem to obsessed with things that are fantasy/sci-fi/medieval theme so much that I implemented that idea to my work. After I had things written, that's when I came up with the 4 ideas.

        a. Fantasy Art Bible

Fig 1.1.1 Art Bible Reference

    Initially, the idea of making an art bible was my first ideation. It will mainly be a book that has compilation of many character design concept while also environment as well. The book will setup as a world-building project for me in this case. Unfortunately, this idea was scrapped as I found it a bit boring while also not interesting as it's just a sheet of characters. Although the world-building idea still has a potential.

        b. 3D Sculpture/Model

Fig 1.1.2 3D Sculpture/Model Reference

    The idea of making multiple 3D sculptures was the main goal initially because I found that it could enhance my portfolio the biggest. Not only I make the model in ZBrush, I planned to print it out to be an actual model. I had this idea as one of the option after I figure the other ideas that I could come up.

        c. Card and Board Games

Fig 1.1.3 Card and Board Game Reference

    The idea for this one where similar to the art bible but instead make it practical so that it technically have a use. Not only that, people can collect this cards as well for a collection. But since the idea was too simple, I scrapped it.

        d. Live2D Model

Fig 1.1.4 Live2D Model Reference

    The last plan I had in mind was making live2d model. To be honest I didn't think of this idea by myself as it was originally a suggestion from my peers as a joke. When they said about the idea, I then start thinking out of the box. Wouldn't it be funny if I were to make my creation came to life? That idea was then chosen for my project.

    After contemplating on whether I should go for 3D sculpture or live2d model, I end up choosing live2d model with the reason to try something else that I may feel joy while doing it than doing something that I already experienced.

Ideating

    With the brainstorming part is done, it's time to ideate some ideas. I first made a mood board as usual to try visualize what kind of character am I making. While making the character, I simultaneously world-build on what kind of world does this character lives in and what kind of environment is their home.

Fig 1.2 Theme and World-building (Week 2)

    At first I had trouble on which theme I could use as there are a lot of interesting ones while also bum. I asked my lecturer for advice and he said that something about culture is a good one while also a gamble since its also dangerous if its misinterpret. With that in mind, I tried researching in the internet to see what kind of problems is there and thus resulted in Fig 1.2.

Fig 1.3 'Mood Board' (Week 2)

    This was my initial 'mood board' on how I visualize the character later on. When I showed this, I realized that I may have got the wrong idea on what mood boards are as my lecturer told me this is more into inspiration board which is a different thing. He advice me to refine and sort my ideas in a tidy manner which then is called a mood board.

Fig 1.4 Actual Mood Board (Week 3)

    With the actual mood board set up, I then begin sketching up my characters. I will do two characters which is a male and a female. As usual, I will made variation of each design for the two characters.

Fig 1.5 - 1.7 'Astraea' ideation (Week 3)

    Astraea is a female adventurer with a look that blends her humble origins as a low-class individual with her newfound powers. She wears lightweight armor adorned with glowing stones and celestial symbols, retaining some of her old gear for practicality. Her design was mainly Greek-influenced before I start adding some mecha elements into her. From these variations, I chose #3 as the chosen design for Astraea.

Fig 1.8 - 1.10 'Eirikr' ideation (Week 3)

    Eirikr is a dwarf from the Norse pantheon. He's a warrior and an experienced smith as he's a very important individual in his region. Unfortunately as time flows, his comrade slowly dies leaving him alone as he has a curse bearing within him. From these variations, I decided to mix their designs into one where I use the head of #1 while the body of #2.

Fig 1.11 Final Proposal (Week 7)

Prototype

Astraea

        a. Drawing and Separating Process

    With the sketches are done, it's time to draw the models! I draw them in Photoshop with 2K resolution (which I will regret later) since it's always the recommended for my past modules. While drawing, I also asked my peers and friends for tips on how to make a good live2d model. I had my model finished at that time but I then realized the biggest mistake while doing it. I forgot to separate the parts like limbs , which results in me needing to redraw them pieces by pieces. Though I could use cutting method but I'm afraid it would ruin the drawing itself.

Fig 2.1. Initial model for Astraea (Week 5)

    Since I had to redraw and separate parts, I took this chance to refine my artwork as well since the initial feels off for some reason.

Fig 2.2 Refined Model with Separation Folder (Week 6)

  

Fig 2.3 - 2.5 Separation Folders (Week 6)

    The amount of layers are horrendous as I learnt that making models for animation is very difficult at first when you don't have basic knowledge on animating. Thus I watched tutorials from Youtube and it made me understand more on what I am doing.

Fig 2.6 Astraea Final Rendered Model (Week 7)

        b. Animating Process

    I used Live 2D Cubism to animate my Live2D model. It's a paid software but thankfully, my friend who is experienced in making Live2D models gave me a pirated version for me to use. 

Fig 3.1 Live2D Cubism (Week 8)

    I was overwhelmed at first as I do not know what's going on. Luckily I found a good tutorial that explains Live2D in a basic manner and I have to thank them as it was very useful for me. I start by grouping certain parameters into their own specific role for example eyes, body, etc.

Fig 3.2 Parameters Group (Week 8)

    Parameters are like the things that user can put timeframes for animation just like how we do in Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effect. Usually if the red dot is moved to the right, the model will go up/right, and if its moved to the left, the model will go down/left.

    Of course as this was my first time, there are a lot of trial and errors I made even when I watched tutorials on how to animate them.

Fig 3.3 Vertices (Week 8)

    Like 3D modeling, when animating 2D models, having a good vertices/topology will rig the character properly. These vertices that are on my model also acts as a mesh in the software as it will be useful because it's responsible in connecting our drawing to be animated in the parameters later.

Fig 3.4 - 3.8 Face Expression Test (Week 9)

    Here are some tests that I made while animating my model. I really struggled when I am trying to rig the head as it's said that the head is always the troublesome one especially the mouth. When rigging the mouth, there are a lot of templates to follow and they will follow and XY table.

 

Fig 3.9 - 3.10 5x5 and 4x4 Mouth Rigging Reference

    Normally, the higher the table the more accurate the movement of the mouth. Since I am still a beginner, I went for a friendly approach and used a 3x3 instead.

Fig 3.11 3X3 Mouth Rigging Reference

    Now that the face is done, it's time to rig the body. In this case, the body's parameter setting has to be -30 to +30 instead of -1 to +1 like the head. Thankfully since the body is symmetrical in a way, the rigging part is easier and less horrendous than the head.

Fig 3.12 Model's vertices (Week 10)

    After giving the proper vertices mesh on the models for the body, I began rigging the part and also add some physics.

Fig 3.13 - 3.16 Body Rig Testing (Week 10)

    As the body is finished, I then export the model for runtime. I exported it and import the model into VTube Studio where I will be using the model I made as an avatar that could be track by tracking my face to make it move.

Fig 3.17 Vtube Studio Testing (Week 11)

Eirikr

        a. Drawing and Separating Process

    After I am done drawing Astraea's model, I went on to continue draw Eirikr. This is the first time I ever draw a dwarf and an individual that is chonky in general. Still, I believe I got this and I finally managed to pull it over. The file separation is somewhat the same as Astraea except that Eirikr has a cape now.

Fig 4.1 Eirikr Final Rendered Model (Week 8)

Fig 4.2 File Separation (Week 8)

        b. Animating Process

     I used Live 2D Cubism to animate my Live2D model. Just like how I do with 'Astraea', I rig Eirikr the same as hers.

Fig 5.1 - 5.4 Face Expression Testings (Week 11)

Fig 5.5 - 5.8 Body Expression Testings (Week 12)

Ruin of Ignis

    After I am done with making the live2D models, I realized that every model has their associated background. So in this case, I made an extra work for my project which is to make a background. It also serves as an environment design study except in this one, I will try to paint it instead of doing the usual outlines stuff like that.

Fig 6.1 Initial Environment Sketch (Week 13)

Fig 6.2 Rendered Environment (Week 13)

    In this environment, it's more of an extension of my previous structure that I made for environment design. Fig 6.2 is more onto the main hall room.

Fig 6.3 Pyramid I made for Environment Design module

    With that being said, I finally give some final touch up while also my watermark since Mr. Asrizal told me to give a brand or somewhat to make it look sell-able.

Fig 6.4 Final Environment Background (Week 13)

Final Presentation

Fig 7.1 Astraea Live2D Model Testing (Week 14)

Fig 7.2 Eirikr Live2D Model Testing (Week 14)

Fig 7.3 Final Presentation (Week 14)

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FEEDBACKS

Week 12

• Give a brand/watermark on the background

Week 9

• Fix the proportion for the male character

Week 2

• Fix the moodboard

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REFLECTION

    Throughout this project, I learnt that learning animation is hard at first for someone who has no experience in animating, let alone a live2d model. Thankfully, as soon as time flows, you start getting to know the UI of the software you're working on, and learnt how to do things properly. Thus making this module a fun module for students who want to explore on their potential.

    I also learnt that in rigging a 2D model is the same as 3D model. Where vertices/meshes and a good topology is very important for a smooth rigging process. This project serves me as an exploration on my animation skill as well. It's really fun when you know something that you're good at another role other than the role you're specialized in.

    With my current knowledge on animating live2d models, I would like to refine it more so that one day I can be a professional live2d model artist and perhaps make more money for myself by starting commission.