In this semester's collaborative work, my group leader and I were mainly responsible for 3D backgrounds, special effects production, and some camera movement. The overall division of labor was clear.
WEEKLY PROCESS
WEEK 2
In this week, I need to use Blender software to create 3D sets based on the assigned content, specifically including: a reading room scene, a room scene, cabinets, tables, tree,traffic lights, streetlights, fire hydrants, and fire trucks.
To better recreate these models, I asked the team leader about the city and era in which the story takes place. I learned that the story is set in modern Manhattan, so I searched for photos of modern Manhattan on the software and used them as models for my model making.
To make the room feel more spacious and interesting, I decided to increase the number of cabinets from one to three.
Fig1.1 Real-world reference,Week 2 (05/02/2026)
Fig1.2 Real-world reference,Week 2 (05/02/2026)
After determining the reference, I imported the images into Blender to create the corresponding model.
Since I'm new to Blender modeling and not very familiar with the software, the fire truck and trees will be completed as soon as possible next week.
WEEK 3
In this week, I completed the modeling of the fire truck and trees according to the group's requirements, enriched the details of the room, and improved the features of some items.
Some of the textures and materials I created didn't capture the characteristics of the objects, lacking key information that would allow people to recognize them at a glance. Therefore, I made some modifications to the textures and materials to make them as close as possible to what people commonly associate with objects.
For some objects, I mainly modified the reflectivity parameters, such as various wooden products. I made their reflectivity less intense, better matching the matte wood texture.
Fig4.1 Material improvement,Week 5 (04/03/2026)
Fig4.2 Material improvement,Week 5 (04/03/2026)
For iron items, I will adjust them to be more reflective.
Fig4.3 Material improvement,Week 5 (04/03/2026)
I will adjust the glass part to make it more transparent, so that there is no frosted texture.
Fig4.4 Material improvement,Week 5 (04/03/2026)
Because the 3D background was too realistic and the 2D graphics were too cartoonish, we were worried that combining the two would result in a jarring effect. So, I started experimenting with changing the textures and materials to make them as cartoonish as possible.
This week, my task was to add lighting and cameras to the existing model, and to render and export the necessary scene backgrounds based on the prepared storyboard.
Fig5.1 Storyboard - Part handled by Shao Han,Week 6 (11/03/2026)
Due to the story's timeline and plot progression, although some scenes on the storyboards are similar, subtle changes in lighting can still be made to adapt to the story's development and atmosphere.
Fig5.2 Lens angle and lighting,Week 6 (11/03/2026)
Fig5.3 Lens angle and lighting,Week 6 (11/03/2026)
Fig5.4 Lens angle and lighting,Week 6 (11/03/2026)
Fig5.5 Lens angle and lighting,Week 6 (11/03/2026)
Fig5.6 Lens angle and lighting,Week 6 (11/03/2026)
Fig5.7 Lens angle and lighting,Week 6 (11/03/2026)
Fig5.8 Lens angle and lighting,Week 6 (11/03/2026)
This week's task was to delve deeper into the storyboard version's rendering, making the overall visuals more atmospheric and story-driven. To concretize the abstract concepts onto the screen, I referenced several images.
Fig6.1 Image Reference,Week 7 (18/03/2026)
Fig6.2 Ambient lighting,Week 7 (18/03/2026)
Fig6.3 Ambient lighting,Week 7 (18/03/2026)
Fig6.4 Ambient lighting,Week 7 (18/03/2026)
Fig6.5 Ambient lighting,Week 7 (18/03/2026)
Fig6.6 Ambient lighting,Week 7 (18/03/2026)
Fig6.7 Ambient lighting,Week 7 (18/03/2026)
Fig6.8 Ambient lighting,Week 7 (18/03/2026)
Fig6.9 Ambient lighting,Week 7 (18/03/2026)
Fig6.10 Ambient lighting,Week 7 (18/03/2026)
Fig6.11 Ambient lighting,Week 7 (18/03/2026)
In addition, I was also responsible for the composition and modification of the activity room this week. The final lighting for this part was assigned to the team leader, so I need to prepare the basic modeling first to ensure the smooth progress of the part the team leader is responsible for.
This week I need to create some background animations and special effects, which is quite a challenge for me, so before the week started, I searched for relevant tutorials on the internet to learn from them.
Because our progress on Major Project 1 has been slow, my primary task this semester is to improve efficiency. I need to use the software more quickly to create the necessary models, which must accurately reflect the modern cityscape of Manhattan to fit the story's context.
WEEK 2
For some models, there were issues with excessively tilted angles or objects floating abnormally in the air, making the image incomplete. These issues need to be resolved before completing the remaining models, and it should also be ensured that the remaining object models do not have these problems.
WEEK 3
There hasn't been much feedback on the 3D model this week, so I need to move on to the next step as soon as possible—providing materials for the objects.
WEEK 4
For the materials and colors of the objects that have already been created, I need to amplify their characteristics. For example, in the current version, the fire hydrant is black, which is not the color that most people are familiar with for fire hydrants, and it may cause viewers to not be able to recognize it at a glance. So I need to modify it in this way.
WEEK 5
Regarding the texture of materials, some objects still need further improvement. Also, the style of the completed storyboard scenes clashes significantly with the 2D rendering style. Changing some rendering methods and environmental atmosphere might better blend the 2D and 3D styles.
WEEK 6
The visual style has improved compared to last week, but the angles of some shots don't match the 2D character angles, resulting in an overall disharmonious effect that I hope can be corrected. The lighting effects in some shots don't align with the story's timeline; the distinction between day and night should be clearer. The remaining dynamic shots need to be completed quickly to allow for future revisions.
WEEK 7
The overall animation effects are acceptable, but the overall narrative style is somewhat dull. Some camera transitions are too abrupt, and the length of certain segments is inconsistent, creating an odd pacing. The special effects could also be improved to reduce flaws. In conclusion, the work is complete, but there is still room for improvement in terms of polish, clarity, and overall animation quality.
REFLECTION
Experiences
In my Major Project 2, I was responsible for 3D environment design, some visual effects, and part of the camera movement. Although I had some prior experience using Blender for camera movement, this was my first time doing 3D modeling and visual effects in Blender.
At the beginning, I struggled with modeling techniques and scene setup. However, through practice, I gradually learned how to build simple environments and adjust lighting. I also experimented with basic visual effects to enhance the atmosphere, and applied my previous knowledge of camera movement to support the storytelling.
Overall, this project was a challenging but meaningful experience, as I had to expand my skills while working in a team.
Observations
I observed that learning new technical skills, such as modeling and visual effects, requires time and continuous practice. Even with some prior experience in Blender, different areas still require separate learning.
I also realized that 3D environment design involves more than modeling, including lighting and composition to support the story. In addition, teamwork and communication are important to ensure all parts are consistent.
Simple camera movement and visual effects can still have a strong impact on the overall visual quality.
Findings
From this project, I learned the importance of expanding my skills beyond my comfort zone. While I already had basic knowledge of camera movement, this experience helped me build new skills in modeling and visual effects.
However, I also realized my limitations. The accuracy of my models and my control over lighting were still not strong enough, which made it difficult to fully achieve the visual result I had in mind. This showed me that I need more practice and a deeper understanding of these areas.
Overall, I understood that learning takes time, and improvement comes step by step. This project strengthened my foundation in Blender and increased my confidence in handling future animation projects.
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