3D Modeling and Look Development
Entry 6: Feb 4th, 2026
After viewing the first pass of my scene with materials and a rough lighting set-up, I've been able to recognize some areas where I'd like to add more detail or where textures don't hold up. For instance, The slightly irregularity that I added to the long support beams overhead is barely visible and needs to be exaggerated further. The support pillars could also use some irregularity to make them less identical/perfect.​
Updated rafters with subtle irregularity
Updated benches with irregularity
=Furthermore, I received critique during a midterm review session on how flat the floor is and how the transition from floor to wall is too sharp. I plan to add some irregularity to the floor geometry and play with the edge so it isn't so sharp. I was also given the suggestion of adding a carpet underneath the table, which I was interested in trying.
Entry 5: Jan 1st, 2026
All planned 3D modeling was completed and UVed by the end of Fall Quarter 2025, and I worked on finalization of UVs and preparing for texturing during winter break. However, I've needed to create a couple more models that were not planned after further consideration of my lighting. I added mounted torches and candle boats to the scenes so I can have more light sources and increase visual interest. The candle boat shape was created with bezier curve and sweep.
The candleholders that are situated near the throne (which I modeled in November and never blogged, admittedly) were unexpectedly more challenging than I had anticipated. The design I chose would have been more suited for a digital sculpt, but I chose to hand-surface model it to keep more in-style with the rest of my assets and avoid high polycounts on a non-hero asset. I restarted the curved section several times, but was able to get a decent result using the smoothing tool, soft selection, and hand-editing certain edge loops.
Entry 4: Oct 18th, 2025
Over the weekend I tackled the armor stand model. It's one of the more important assets and I wanted to make sure the design reflected the themes/values of this fictional kingdom. I began with developing a style board, then created my own design and a reference sheet of the front and side orthographic views. While drawing the reference sheet, I tried to keep real-life anatomy in mind and used multiple references.
Modeling took several days and was completed via hard surface modeling techniques. I've kept the model on the simpler side and used mirroring to keep it symmetrical (apart from the hands, which needed to interact naturally with the sword and not overlap), but plan to go back and make minor adjustments to add detail and imperfections later on. The short cape was also removed because it didn't look great in 3D.
Furthermore, I've started considering lighting more deeply and decided on window placements within the throne room that will allow me to achieve the values/colors I want. The main window is located behind the throne, to provide backlighting to the throne and cast additional light over the table. I will also be adding small square windows, along the roof, though they will not be visible from most camera angles.
Entry 3: October 8th, 2025
Today was the due date for Midterm progress; I have completed roughly 80% of the modeling and intend to have all models completed by the end of Fall Quarter (Nov 13th). ​​Assets completed recently include the candle chandeliers, throne, table, benches, rafters, and goblets. Most of these assets are relatively simple, as I plan to add the details and engravings via normals or displacement. (depending on how close to the camera the object is)
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Updated Goblet Stem (left) and Chandelier Model (right)
A few days ago, I finalized the design for the throne, which is one of the more important assets. I wanted my design to radiate a sense of power and suggest to the viewer what this King and kingdom is like. The recurring design elements I saw in my references and used in the design include:
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Blocky, wooden legs and arm rests
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Animal or Warrior heads carved into the back support pillars
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Jagged spikes at the top of the seat
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Engravings of patterns or imagery into the throne legs and back
For my throne, I chose an owl as my animal carving to represent wisdom and elegance. Furthermore, owls are well adapted to thrive in cold and mountainous climates, which fits with the intended location of this kingdom. The engravings will include Gaelic designs and carvings of the mountains and fir trees as another nod to the biome and climate of the realm.
Reference Photos for Throne Design
Throne Design and Orthographic Front View Reference (left) -- Throne Model (right)
Entry 2: September 21st, 2025
With layout and blocking nailed down, I've began modeling of smaller assets, starting with the plateware and utensils.
Apart from the throne and armor stands (which I intended to design myself), I am using 1-2 designs/photos found online as references for all asset designs and dimensions. For example, the utensils were modeled off a medieval-inspired utensils set I discovered on Etsy.
Reference Photo
All Tableware Models Together
3D Models
Further progress has been made to the scene blocking. The plates and utensil models have also been referenced into the scene and arranged on the table.
Entry 1: September 14th, 2025
Environment Layout + Development
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After presenting the first draft of my storyboards in Class 1, the two biggest critiques I received were:
1. Make the room layout more interesting than a rectangle
2. Change the shot angles and use less camera pans
Knowing the room layout would affect my shots, I decided to focus on that first.
I researched dimensions for all the room's assets and calculated the estimated room size based on the furniture sizes and how wide I wanted open areas to be. Then, I re-blocked out my scene and made minor adjustments to the room and table size until I achieved a look I liked.
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Currently, I'm working on finalizing designs/references for all
furniture pieces so I can move forward with modeling this week.
