Awakening

Project Concept

One of my biggest passions is music so I wanted to include that in this project. The initial idea for this came very spontaneously while I was playing piano, and I then continued to brainstorm and develop ideas for it. In this project, I aim to capture the transformative power of music through a 3D environment that serves as both a visual and auditory experience. The scene will encapsulate the healing, uplifting and inspirational qualities of music. It will be presented as a cinematic video, merging my passion for music with 3D art in a fusion of storytelling and aesthetics.

The environment will begin dark, moody and foggy, with the remains of an ancient musician’s home, rich with history and mystery. With the musician’s absence the place has become ruins and long forgotten. In the garden, overlooking a lake, will be an old piano - a relic that holds the key to the story’s transformation. The piano will then start playing a song, causing the surrounding environment to come to life. The clouds will part, the sun will come out, and lush plants will start to grow, transforming the scene into a bright, colourful environment.

I am planning on composing an original song for this that will compliment and elevate the visual narrative. The synchronization of music and imagery is crucial; each note must correspond with the visuals of the scene. Additionally, I will animate the piano to play the correct notes of the song as I believe this will help tie the visuals and audio together and create a magical, immersive experience.

The narrative is driven by the emotional journey of rediscovery and rejuvenation. As the piano music plays, the scene awakens from it’s slumber, symbolizing music’s power to uplift and inspire. This transformation is not just visual but emotional, inviting viewers to reflect on the resilience of beauty and the uplifting essence of music. My intent is to create a scene that resonates on a personal and universal level, offering a glimpse
of hope and magic.

In the scene, I am going to show a combination of interior and exterior to help tell the story of who used to live there.

I think there will be quite a few challenges in this project which I will have to solve as there a few parts which I have no experience in. The biggest one I can think of will be animating the piano to play the correct notes and to fit the timing of the music. I also have never animated plants growing so will have to figure out how to do that.

My goals for this project are:
1. Create an environment that feels magical, uplifting and inspirational.
2. Capture the transformative power of music.
3. Create a scene that is rich in details that tell the story of the environment.

Aesthetic Inspiration

The environment is going to have two different looks. One will be dark, desolate, foggy etc. and one will be the complete opposite; bright, magical, colourful etc. I am going to make them contrast as strongly as I can to exaggerate the transformation between the two, visually and audially.

For the visuals, I am taking inspiration from a few different games and films that each have elements which I would like to include in my environment. One game I am using is ‘Dark Souls 3’ due to its unique and haunting visual style. The game features dark, atmospheric settings that evoke a sense of mystery and history, with intricate details that enhance the mood. The use of fog, dramatic lighting, and decaying architecture creates an immersive experience that captivates players. This aesthetic approach resonates with my vision of a forgotten musician's home, allowing me to create a similarly moody and evocative 3D environment that invites exploration and emotional connection.

I am also using ‘The Lord of the Rings’ as inspiration for the visuals in my project, particularly to capture a sense of magic and wonder. The films are renowned for their breath-taking landscapes and rich, immersive environments that convey a feeling of enchantment. I want to incorporate elements like lush greenery, majestic ruins, and ethereal lighting to evoke a magical atmosphere. Just as ‘The Lord of the Rings’ transports viewers to a fantastical world filled with ancient legends, my goal is to create a visually stunning environment that draws people in and sparks their imagination, enhancing the overall narrative of transformation and renewal.

Some of the images I found are from other artists who made incredible environments inspired from these games and films.

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References

These images are to get an idea of what the scene will look like initially. It will be dark, moody and lifeless.

These images show how the scene will look after the transformation – bright, colourful, overgrown, magical etc.

I also got some references for the architecture and interior design. To contrast the deterioration of the buildings, I want them to seem like they were once grand and majestic with large marble pillars and beautiful architecture.

As the project progressed, I continued to find inspiring images that I could use as references. These are some more general images, but I also used image references for more specific parts.

Concept Art

These are a few of my initial sketches that I drew to begin mapping out the scene. They have helped me visualize the overall layout and aesthetics before I dive into the modelling process. By sketching, I can outline the different elements I need to create, which gives me a clearer understanding of how each part will contribute to the final environment. I find that having concept art to refer to significantly helps me stay focused and organized, providing direction as I determine exactly what tasks are required at each stage of production.

Having these sketches will be especially beneficial when I transition to 3D. Instead of facing a blank canvas, I’ll have a solid starting point to draw from, which can help alleviate the challenges of creating something from scratch. This structure and guidance will allow me to approach the 3D modelling with confidence, ensuring that my original vision is accurately translated into the virtual space.

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In my sketches, I employed a technique to convey depth by using darker tones in the foreground and lighter tones in the background. This creates a sense of layering that guides the viewer's eye through the scene, enhancing the overall composition. I started with broad shapes to establish the key forms without diving into minute details. By focusing initially on the silhouettes, lighting, and overall composition, I was able to make large adjustments quickly without the burden of worrying about small details. As I refined the sketches, I gradually added more detail and complexity to the shapes, creating a richer visual narrative while maintaining flexibility in my design. This iterative workflow has made it easier to explore different ideas and directions without being constrained by earlier decisions about finer details.

While I am not sure if I will use all of my sketches in the final project, having multiple options will be advantageous. It opens the door for experimentation and creativity as I move forward, allowing me to select the elements that best fit the vision I ultimately wish to realize. This preparation sets a solid foundation for my project, reinforcing the importance of previsualization in the creative process.

Block Out

Texturing

Lighting

Scene Composition