PSAD: The Moving Image

Maya Animation and Lighting

by ward2021

To conclude the assignment, the final task is to combine all the work I did in tasks 3 and 4 using Maya and Adobe Substance Painter to create a complete scene that includes animation and designed lighting. I must design and create an environment for my space models, set up an animation sequence, and fully render it.

Storyboard

I produced three short storyboards (paths) which display simple animation ideas. I felt it was necessary for the ideas of the animation to be kept simple as the application is relatively challenging to understand and use.

Figure 1: Presented here are three storyboards featuring straightforward paths that illustrate the trajectory and rotation of the space escape pod.

The Scene

To construct the scene, I used a flat plan and utilised tools within the sculpt menu to manipulate it. By tweaking the brush settings, I searched for a suitable option capable of emulating a mountain range. My aim was to recreate the scene depicted in the storyboards.

I extensively explored various light settings and conducted tests to determine the most effective ones for achieving the desired effect. Once I had a general understanding, I proceeded to colour and texture the plane.

Figure 2: Adding a flat plane and adjusting the size and settings.
Figure 3: Exploring the sculpt tools in the mesh tools menu.
Figure 4: adjusting the tool settings.
Figure 5: Top view of the manipulated plane.
Figure 6: Perspective view of the manipulated plane.
Figure 7: front view of the manipulated plane.
Figure 8: Perspective view of the manipulated plane.
Figure 9: Using the Arnold menu to create a skydome light.
Figure 10: Figuring out the settings of the skydome.
Figure 11: Testing different lighting.
Figure 12: Testing different lighting.
Figure 13: Testing different lighting.

After transferring the unwrapped model to Adobe Substance Painter, I applied colour and texture effects to the plane. I opted for the Motar Wall smart material, which successfully achieved the desired appearance. Subsequently, I exported the textures and implemented them into the model in Maya.

Figure 14: Here, I have imported the model from Maya into Painter and proceeded to apply textures and colors in order to achieve the desired effect.

Testing

Once the scene was created and the lighting was tested, it was time to consolidate everything. However, the previously tested lighting might not have been perfectly accurate, so some adjustments were necessary. I utilised the Arnold lighting setting, which allowed me to import an HDRI background image, ultimately bringing all the elements together harmoniously.

Figure 15: In this stage, I have integrated all the components together, including the environment, space escape pod, and lighting. I am currently testing the final lighting arrangements in preparation for rendering.

Final Animation

The final animation consists of more than 300 rendered images, which were subsequently imported into Adobe Premiere Pro to assemble the animation into a cohesive piece.

Figure 16: The final Space Escape Pod animation.

Overall Reflection

Although I may not have future opportunities to work with Maya, I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of working with complex 3D modelling software. There were moments of being overwhelmed and having difficulty grasping the concepts. Still, the trial and error approach has helped me develop some skills I can utilize in the future if needed.

My great interest in space made this task a little more enjoyable, and creating and manipulating the models in a virtual environment was fascinating. Overall, this experience has been an incredible learning journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to explore the possibilities of 3D modelling.

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