MAJOR PROJECT / BALI : QUEST FOR HIDDEN SHRINE

22.04.2024 - 12.08.2024 (Week 1 - Week 16)

Muhammad Azka Farezi Septenal / 0351345 / Bachelor of Design (hons) in Creative Media 

Major Project : Bali (Quest for Hidden Shrine)

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INSTRUCTIONS :  

  

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RESEARCH:  

On the first day of Major assignment class, we were briefed about our final assignment as Taylor University students. We were expected to demonstrate our skills and knowledge that we learnt throughout the six semesters to this very final project, which can be done as a group or individual work based on your specialisation. There are some notes and tips from the lecturers that will be crucial and helpful for us while working on the project, which are:

• Consider what you want to become in the future.
• Think about the industry
• Beginning with week 5, the consultation will be conducted online.
• Schedule your own time with your supervisor.
• Supervisors will not follow-up on your progress; you must take the initiative.
• It is not suggested to change the topic during the last week after you have finalised and received clearance for it in week 5.
• Important advice from Mr Kannan: This is a significant project; give your all and labour above your limits.
  

Regarding the topic, we were allowed to create whatever we wanted that reflected our skills, but it had to follow three suggested pathways by the lecturers, which include:

• Dissertation Based Design Project
• Find actual clients
• New Topic :

• Purpose?
• Who benefit from this project
• What problem are you solving?

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PROGRESSION:  

• IDEATION AND PROPOSAL

On the first consultation with mr kannan, I risk my self by came up with a single solid idea that I propose as my topic for the final project that I believed is suitable for my final as a student in my final year. The topic that I chose for this project is :

• Topic : To promote hidden Indonesian cultural in form of Environment art or 3D visualization

Figure 1.0 - Proposal Slides

• MOODBOARD AND THUMBNAIL SKETCHES

  

Figure X.X - World Creation (Moodboard)

  

Figure 2.1 - Garuda Wisnu Kencana as Bali Inspiration (Moodboard)

  

Figure 2.2 - Utilized AI in Ideation Process (Moodboard)

Following Mr Kannan's advice and ideas, I created numerous moodboards and thumbnail sketches for this project. As Mr Kannan's advice also, I attempted to utilize AI for the ideation phase only (not for my final) to assist me as a designer in generating more ideas about the topic that I selected for this project. I also came up with some ideas from artstation and my senior's work to better understand the industry standard for this type of work.

  

Figure 2.3 - Thumbnail Sketches

For the thumbnail sketches, I initially drew four ideas (9,10,12, and 12) and submitted them to Mr Kannan for feedback. After receiving feedback, I began to refine the world concept and ended up with 12 different sketches that I could present to Mr Kannan during my consultation. Finally, Mr Kannan advised me to focus on sketches 2 and 3, and he expected me to begin colouring them.

• CONCEPT ART

Figure 3.1 - Chosen Thumbnail Sketches (2)

As I previously stated, after carefully reviewing my initial set of thumbnail sketches, I decided to continue with sketches 2 and 3 as the foundation for my concept art. These sketches were stood out to me because of its composition and perpsective, which aligned with my concept for the project. 

  

Figure 3.2 - Concept Art (1)

  

Figure 3.3 - Concept Art (2)

I eventually decided on a darker green colour palette for the concept art. I wanted to convey  mysterious and dark vibe that would attract the audience's curiosity, leave people want discover more about it.

• WORLD BUILDING (UNREAL ENGINE)

Figure 4.1 - World Building (First Attempt)

After finishing the initial concept arts for this project, I chose to develop the world in Unreal Engine. I attempted to design something that resembled Bali and eventually opted to create a tropical island that closely resembled Bali. 

On the presentation day, I received some minor feedback from lecturers on my progress with this project. They said it was great, but not enough of Bali. They suggested that it could be due to the vegetation I chose for this island, which does not adequately portray Southeast Asian beaches or even Bali beaches. They are also looking forward to my work and are excited to see how it will appear when I apply the texture later.

  

Figure 4.2 - Key Visual (Second Attempt)

  

Figure 4.3 - Key Visual (Second Attempt)

  

Figure 4.4 - Key Visual (Second Attempt)

  

Figure 4.5 - Key Visual (Second Attempt)

After obtaining comments on the progression presentation, I decided to make a few adjustments to the world I made in Unreal Engine. As Ms Anis mentioned regarding the vegetation, I chose to modify it to make it more tropical and Bali-like. Not only that, but I decided to add some fog to make it more cinematic.

Mr Kannan provided me with feedback on my work. He stated that it appears more believable right now. However, some comments were added within the feedback section. Mr Kannan asked me to polish the texture because it was stretched at the time, and he suggested making it less hazy because we couldn't see the main hero asset well from certain angles.

• 3D SCULPTING AND TEXTURING

Figure 5.1 - First Attempted 3D

For 3D, I chose elements that are extremely familiar and can be easily found when you visit Bali. These components were closely related to Balinese culture and heritage. The elements are Dvarapala, Paduraksa (Balinese Gate), Merajan (Balinese Shrine), Balinese Fence, and Pottery.

  

Figure 5.2 - Paduraksa (Balinese Gate)

  

Figure 5.3 - Merajan (Balinese Small Shrine)

  

Figure 5.4 - Balinese Pot

  

Figure 5.5 - Balinese Fence

For the 3D elements, I used ZBrush for sculpting since I needed a more advanced software that would allow me to sculpt a balinese pattern with many little details that other 3D software couldn't manage.

For colouring and texturing, I first intend to use "marketplace" on Unreal Engine to reduce my workload and increase the convenience of this type of work within 14 weeks. However, I am not satisfied with the quality, so I decided to download and study Adobe Substance Painter for the texturing and colouring sections.

• 3D FIGURE AND TERARRIUM

Figure 6.1 - 3D Printing Dvarapala

Although Mr Kannan advised me to focus more on world building and 3D, I feel compelled to accomplish more for my final project. So, after brainstorming and thinking about output ideas, I decided to take a risk and create 3D printing.

As you can see from the image above, I chose to print my main hero asset (dvarapala) to display at my final year exhibition. The printing did not include the texture I created previously, so I had to colour it myself with acrylic and glass paint.

Figure 6.2 - Painted 3D Dvarapala

And here is the latest result of the 3D printed dvarapala; I also added the rocky cliff background at the back to make it look even more like what I created in Unreal Engine. I also added mosses to make it look more like a statue. Because it was my first attempt colouring 3D printed goods with acrylic, the colours came out darker than I expected.

• FINAL

 

Figure 7.1 - Final (1)

 

Figure 7.2 - Final (2)

 

Figure 7.3 - Final (3)

 

Figure 7.4 - Final (4)

 

Figure 7.5 - Final (5)

Figure 7.6 - Final (PDF)

Figure 7.7 - Final 3D Turnaround (Dvarapala)

Figure 7.8 - Final 3D Turnaround (Balinese Fence)

Figure 7.9 - Final 3D Turnaround (Balinese Pot)

Figure 7.10 - Final 3D Turnaround (Merajan)

Figure 7.11 - Final 3D Turnaround (Paduraksa)

Figure 7.12 - Artbook

Figure 7.13 - Postcard

Figure 7.14 - Terrarium 

 

Figure 7.15 - Art Book

Figure 7.16 - Art Book (PDF)

Copy of Bali: Quest for the Hidden Shrine by Azka Farezi Septenal

 

Figure 7.17 - Final Presentation

• EXHIBITION DAY

Figure 8.1 - Setting Up my Booth

When I get at the exhibition, I quickly set up my booth by setting up a Terrarium (containing sand, plants, and rocks) in the centre of my booth because it is the main focus of my project. Aside from the terrarium, I also display all of the collaterals that I developed, such as an art book and postcards.

Figure 8.2 - Mr.Kannan Checking out my Booth

Mr Kannan visited my stand on the same day as the expo. I was quite excited when I saw Mr Kannan and can't wait to see his reaction and thoughts on my work. I was scared my work would not be sufficient or fulfil his expectations. Fortunately, he was pleased with the results. He thought it was extremely wonderful, and I did an excellent job:))

He also asked about my future careers plans. I told that it would be amazing if I can actually becoming 3D artist but he said and advised me to become 3D Environment artist, which is great and what I always wanted!!.

A few people from game companies also visited our expo, and they came to my booth!! They said they are looking for new entry-level environment artists, and we chatted for a long time about my project there. It was wonderful that they were interested in my work, and I hope to be selected as one of their 3D Environment Artists.

Once again, thank you to everyone who got involved in the exhibition and the main project; see you on top and always remember me!!

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REFLECTION :  

• Experience :

Although this project could seem to be terrifying and intimidating, I've been having fun and feeling encouraged throughout the semester. One thing that keeps me going is Mr Kannan's regular encouragement and feedback, which inspires me to make him proud. I attempted to push myself beyond my comfort zone by creating something risky and unusual to me. Although it is exhausting, I am relieved because I have discovered that I am capable of doing something if I give it my all.

This project also taught me many new things. From becoming the marketing leader for the design portfolio, where my leadership skills were tested, to creating something that I'd never done before, such as making 3D models with the Unreal Engine and 3D printing for my project. This project also allows me to finally present something to Mr Kannan that I am proud of, as well as something that represents my self or identity.

• About 3D :

3D was both enjoyable and dreadful for me. Personally, I consider it a huge accomplishment to have created and completed my final project in 3D. Although it was something I was proud of, it appears that I will need to replace my laptop as soon as possible if I want to stay involved to this industry. Thanks to Mr Kannan's advise to use the Unreal Engine, I now know another unexplored strength that I'd like to explore more.

This project has helped me figure out what I want to be. I may not be the best illustrator or character designer out there, but I am confident that I will improve significantly in the future when it comes to 3D. Thank you, Mr Kannan, for constantly motivating me to push myself beyond my limits, despite the fact that my laptop is not powerful enough for this type of project. Look at me now, I can do this project without even realising it.

• Final word :

Finally, I'd like to thank Mr Kannan for never tiring of motivating me to achieve something I've always been terrified of and showing me that if I give it my all, I can do it. Thank you to the other instructors that helped us complete our time at Taylor's University.

I'd want to express my gratitude to my friends (Luisa, Michelle, Esther, Abigail, Devina, and Cecilia) for their emotional support and for listening to all of my fears about this last project. Also, my family has never stopped encouraging me to complete my university education.

And this is it, this the time, it's time for me to go further...... Azka signing out....