3D Visualization CASE STUDY FALL 2025

3D Visual Design and Animation: Paul Garay
Project Title: First Flight: Part 1
Design and Development: https://thepenguinnyc.blog/3d-visualization/
Course: ITECH 210 3D Visualization

RESEARCH: 

I designed the character of Tubby after being inspired by the shapes of HVAC appliances on the roof of a building across the street from my apartment. His design is meant to be completely non-threatening in any way, like the character Wall-e from the 2008 Pixar film (only rounder). My skill level at the time was also a factor in his design.

Once Tubby was created, it just made sense for any scene he was in to be based in space. After some thought, I decided on a launch/flight/chase scene to keep things interesting for myself and the audience.

CHALLENGES:

Some of the challenges I ran into were applying different materials to the same object, models being destroyed while rigging, getting models and cameras to follow paths, and adding sounds and actions. Luckily, I was able to find tutorials on YouTube to help me overcome these issues.

STRATEGY:

I tried to think of a concept that didn’t require a lot of assets or skills that would take too long to acquire. I also limited my assets to what I could find for free online, without any licensing issues. Working with an outer space scene was perfect for these limitations and was helpful in lower render times due to the lower need for light bounces and the ability to use camera culling and distance culling. Limiting characters also helped streamline the story and avoid scope creep.

DESIGN APPROACH:

My goal while developing this project was efficiency. Everything from modeling to animation was meant to get the maximum effect for minimal time and expense (in terms of time and money). Thus, Tubby and Legs (the alien) were constructed from the least amount and lowest complexity of shapes. I made copious use of mirroring and duplicating when creating both characters. Aside from this, I used Blenderkit and Pixabay to find assets to build the environment and enhance the mood. Here is a link to the playlist of tutorials I used.

SUMMARY | RESULTS:

Over the course of the semester, I’ve learned a lot about modeling, rigging, lighting, storyboarding, and animation. I have enjoyed every aspect of working on this project, though I did spend the most time on animation and the related elements. This included rigging, lighting, posing, creating actions, adding music and effects, experimenting with  camera angles and bindings, and using paths. Additionally, substantial time was spent editing clips together in Adobe Premier Pro.

Going forward, I would like to continue making animations with the main character, Tubby. This will help me further develop my skills in all areas mentioned above, in addition to acquiring new skills like combining actions, and adding dialogue. Continuing to work on projects with the same character will also allow me to better develop the character and story and build a larger world.

Prototype: