My 3D Design journey
(began in early 2022) How it started and how is it going
I've been a designer since I can remember. I started out in advertising and print design before making the leap to digital design, web design, and finally UX and UI. It's never easy to switch gears completely, but that's the beauty of this job. It's a never-ending evolution, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I've been trying to learn 3D design for what feels like forever, but finally, it's all coming together. I'm not gonna lie, it wasn't easy. There were times (8) when I did throw in the towel, but this time, for some reason I stuck with it, and now I'm starting to see the fruits of my labor.
3D printing and VR were huge sources of inspiration for me. There's something about the idea of creating objects and environments in virtual space that just really gets me going. It's like I finally found the purpose of designing in 3D.
When the announcement of the Metaverse came out, it was like a light at the end of the tunnel. I finally had a goal to work towards, and it gave me the motivation I needed to keep going. Even when the Metaverse didn't pan out the way we all hoped, I didn't let it stop me. I kept on designing, and now it's become my refuge.
I design every day now, and I can't imagine my life without it. The amazing thing about modern computers and software is that it's made it possible for anyone to become a designer with none or almost no frustration caused by long rendering times. It's an incredible time to be a part of this field, and I can't wait to see where it takes me next.
What am I working on now (December 2022)
I have done my share of usual tutorials (listed here further) and ended up with a bunch of doughnuts, chairs, random rooms and other objects. After learning key principles, I realised that while I am still learning the fundamentals, it is time to do something that I will actually like.
Project: ‘Brooklyn Cigar’ shop from ‘The Smoke’ (1995)
For some reason, I decided to rewatch this classic and it immediately brought me very mellow vibe. Film takes place mostly on the premissed of the tabacco store. Something I really deeply needed. A refuge from busy stresful life. I imagined spending few weeks on that interrior, but now after 2 months I still find myself creating old magazines and cigar boxes.
There's something truly magical about a tobacco store in Brooklyn in the late '90s. Maybe it's the smell of the freshly rolled cigars, or the sound of dice clacking against the counter as a game of craps unfolds in the corner. Whatever it is, it's an experience that's hard to forget.
Back in the day, these tobacco stores were like little oases in the concrete jungle. They were places where people from all walks of life could come together, share a smoke, and just enjoy each other's company. It was a different time, a simpler time, and there was something truly special about it.
These days, of course, things are a lot different. The tobacco stores are fewer and farther between, and the city has changed in ways that are hard to describe. But every now and then, I'll stumble upon one of these old-school establishments, and for a brief moment, I'm transported back to that magical time in Brooklyn. It's a feeling that never gets old.
Interrior of the store is now almost complete and I will share the results soon. My aim is to finish it by the end of this year and move the whole thing to Unreal Engine. Strap my headset (Quest 2) and enjoy the vintage vibe.
“Smoke“ and “Blue in the Face”
If you're in the mood for some classic indie cinema, you can't go wrong with "Smoke" and "Blue in the Face." "Smoke" is a beautiful, meditative film about the interconnected lives of a group of characters in Brooklyn. It's got an all-star cast, including Harvey Keitel, William Hurt, and Forest Whitaker, and it's one of those movies that just sticks with you long after you've watched it.
"Blue in the Face" is a fun, off-the-wall sequel to "Smoke" that takes place in the same Brooklyn neighbourhood. It's a little more lighthearted than its predecessor, but it's just as well-written and well-acted. And with an eclectic cast that includes Madonna, Lou Reed, and Roseanne Barr, you never quite know what to expect.
Overall, both "Smoke" and "Blue in the Face" are must-see films for fans of independent cinema. They're funny, thought-provoking, and beautifully shot, and they showcase the best of what the indie film scene has to offer.
In the next post, I will write about what inspires me and what tutorials I find useful.
Stay tuned!