3D modeling- Final project

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Week 15 - Week 16


 28September2025-January 4th,2025


QIULIHUA/0365036


Design Research Dissertation / Bachelor of Design (Honours)in Creative Media

3D modeling- Final project

INTRODUCTION

FINAL PROJECT: ORGANIC MODELING (CHARACTER)

  • You are required to produce an organic 3D model of a character from a model sheet. The example pictures shown are just a sample and demo purposes. You may search the image reference and model sheet of your favourite character. 
  • Model the character using polygon tools and techniques based on what you have learnt.
  • Apply the right material and texture to give its appearance. 
  • Apply three points lighting and render.
  • Use Eevee or Cycle rendering for final output. Output size is 1280 x 720 with png format.
  • Upload in your e-portfolio and update the link on TIMES platform as submission.


For this project, I plan to create the main character from my favorite "My Neighbor Totoro" movie. First, I found Totoro's three-view drawings online, which will greatly help me with the subsequent character modeling.

1.0 Reference 

I changed the small white Totoro on the head of the original Totoro reference image to a small leaf, because I wanted to create a Totoro holding a large leaf while standing on a rock. For this purpose, I later used a flat surface to create the large leaf.

1.1 process


However, I felt that the Totoro image was too monotonous at the moment and failed to highlight the adorable characteristics of the animal, so I added a particle system from Blender and started adjusting the relevant data.

1.2Totoro - Particle Attribute Parameters

I selected the hair option in the particle system and adjusted the number in the emission settings. I wanted the Totoro effect to have a fluffy feel, so I adjusted the number parameter to 1322.

1.3Totoro - Add particle properties

Then I wanted to create a lawn under Totoro's feet, so I first created a plane, then used the particle system, selected fur, set the number to 3000, and found a lawn texture online, and changed the view display to render.


Fig 1.4 Added lawn


However, I felt the scene was too empty, so I decided to add stones around Totoro. Instead of using conventional modeling methods, I created an object texture mode to simulate the shape of the stones.

Fig 1.5 added Stones

I also created flowers and petals around the image to make it richer. I wanted to emphasize the nighttime feel, so I created a black background and used a top light to add a front light.

Fig 1.6 final project

The teacher gave feedback on my model. The Totoro and flower models looked great, but I needed to change the background to a sky, and the green leaf Totoro was holding was too blurry and needed to be clearer. The large rock Totoro was standing on should ideally have a brownish hue. This would increase the contrast of the character. I revised the project based on the teacher's feedback.

First, I found a sky background, and to better highlight the leaf in Totoro's hand, I modified the leaf's model, making it look more vibrant.

Fig 1.7 change process

Then I changed the stone under Totoro's feet to brown. Later I found that because the previous flowers were too pale, the light would make their colors even paler, so I increased the saturation of the flowers.


Fig 1.8 change process 


Final  project：


Final render solid without wireframe.


Final render solid with wireframe.

FEEDBACK

week 13

General Feedback: My teacher thinks that some parts of my project 3 need improvement.

Specific Feedback:The Totoro and flower models looked great, but I needed to change the background to a sky, and the green leaf Totoro was holding was too blurry and needed to be clearer. The large rock Totoro was standing on should ideally have a brownish hue. This would increase the contrast of the character. I revised the project based on the teacher's feedback.

REFLECTION

In this final 3D modeling project, I chose to create an organic model of the character based on the protagonist of the movie *My Neighbor Totoro*. This process not only allowed me to apply the basic modeling techniques I learned in Blender, but also strengthened my understanding of the overall presentation and detail control of my work.

Through this 3D modeling project, I gradually realized that successful character representation depends not only on accurate structural references, but also on a comprehensive grasp of the character's temperament and visual appeal. From three-view modeling to the application of particle systems for hair, I realized that the choice of technology itself is part of the design expression. Simultaneously, in the process of scene construction and material adjustment, I learned to enhance the integrity of the image through layers, details, and spatial relationships. The teacher's feedback further reinforced my understanding of the synergistic effects of lighting, background, and materials, making me realize that excellent 3D works require a balance between model, environment, and rendering. These experiences not only improved my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of overall visual design thinking.

Overall, this final project was an important opportunity to combine classroom theory with practice. It not only improved my proficiency in modeling techniques and rendering workflows, but also taught me how to accept feedback and iterate effectively to continuously optimize the quality of my work. These experiences laid a solid foundation for my future development in the field of 3D design.



































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