Research Overview
For my main idea, I plan on recreating my sketches from Procreate, and modelling them in 3D through Blender, ZBrush, etc, before then transferring them to Open Brush to add extra details and parts to finish it. This would result in a memory garden filled with various of my creations, creating a visually impressive or interesting experience to look around. The result would either be an explorable 360 video, or a video showcasing the area and progress. However, all of this is subject to change over the course of the project.
The audience would be various other artists, preferably those who don’t have much experience with the tools and medium. This is to showcase how drawings/sketches, can be used and transformed into complex and impressive 3D models. This would also show that, despite the differences in medium, anything can be created through even the simplest idea. I also hope this inspires confidence in said creators to experiment with something they otherwise wouldn’t have.
When considering accessibility, I would make sure there’s a video of what I make with a 360 camera, as not everyone feels comfortable in VR. Alternatively, I could create a normal video showcasing the creation process of the world and characters, and then present the final product. The one negative is that people won’t get the same immersion that they would from a proper VR headset. However, a video can also include music through editing. All of these factors add up to video being a satisfying format. This will all depend on context and what would be preferred to be made in the creation process.
If I was to focus on VR however, I could create an area people can hang around in and relax. If this was the route I go down, it would be worth looking into some sort of sign or notification telling people to be aware of the amount of time they spend there, or to take a break if they start having a headache. Along with this, I would need to make sure all the colours and lighting aren’t aggressive on the eyes.
There should be no complications with my creation being cultural or ethical, as I plan to keep my drawings unrelated to events that are happening or have happened in the world. I want my piece to inspire and challenge in an artistic and personal way, not in a political or social way. The drawings and models made will stray away from political leaning design choices.
My work is very inspired by multiple different medias and art forms. A lot of my inspirations are in the video game and manga space, leading to my love of character design and illustrations. A current artist that has inspired my art and designs is a manga creator called Kei Urana. She began her series, Gachiakuta, as a hobby and fun project, before, over time, it gained more attention and a fanbase. It now has become big enough to have a team working on it, and an animated show currently releasing. While not 3D, I still believe it has influenced me enough to be mentioned.
These inspirations have led me to create my own characters and worlds in my own personal time. A lot of these drawings could be used towards the project, thanks to them being my own original creations. However, I also believe that having the skill to create something new and linked precisely to this project presents its own unique challenge that I must face. So while there may be some parts influenced or even used from my own work, the overall result will be completely new.
Project Plan
To begin my project, I would look into what similar illustrations and 3D areas exist in the world. This is to see if any match the area and world I would love to create, along with what characters I would sculpt. This could range from Comic and Manga drawings, movie scenes, video game levels, etc.
User Stories
To help with creating models and the world around them, I decided that making a few user stories. This would help when deciding what to aim for and what to create. Along with this, it’d help me keep track of every different aspect to consider. Lastly, I can use them to make sure I don’t get obsessed with a singular idea.
“When it comes to employment, I would hire someone who has versatility”
“As an artist, I’d like to see something creative and imaginative”
“As a viewer, I’d love to see the process so I can make something similar”
“As a 3D modeler, I want to see something unqiue in the field.”
I chose these 4 user stories when deciding which areas to explore. There will be people who watch to enjoy the process, while others may look at it more in a business and technical sense. Including all of these pathways helps me challenge my mindset. It also has the added benefit of making it more varied in the end.
Tools
In terms of software, my sketches and drawings will be created in Procreate. From these drawings, they will be turned into 3D models. The 3d models will be made in ZBrush or Blender, depending on which software provides better options. The objects and areas will most likely be made in Blender as it is more suited for that area of creation. This is thanks to the options given, the animation tools, and the ease of control. ZBrush will be the main tool used to create characters. The sculpting in ZBrush is beginner friendly, resulting in a simpler experience when creating faces and bodies. Once they have been created, they would be ported into Open Brush to add extra details and parts with the brush.
This is the preferred way forward, however it is all subject to change depending on the creation process and the challenges it presents. Nevertheless, I hope to represent each program equally.
Research
When thinking of what to create, I began looking into media that I have a fondness for. The biggest inspiration for what I wish to create was The Fountain of Dreams stage, from fighting game: Super Smash Bros Ultimate. While the game is all about fighting, the stage itself gives a feeling of comfort or wonder that I would love to replicate. This would result in 3D area that’s fun and relaxing. The series itself also has many more areas that could be used as influence for many different models in the process.
When deciding on what to sculpt, I can rely on my wide variety of character designs and drawings, that have been made over many years, to use as a start for my 3D models. Creating these in 3D would be a good showcase of how I am able to visually recreate a 2D drawing as a 3D model. By the end of this, I hope to showcase my own passions along with the journey it took to create these characters.
This part of the project would theoretically be the second longest, as it requires taking into consideration all the factors that need putting into play. Around 1-3 days of work time approximately.
Prototyping
This section would include the creation process of my 3D models. This would include both character models and sections of the world. They then would be shown to multiple people, were they would be subject to change depending on their feedback. From there, I can edit them accordingly until they match the ideas that will be presented.
This part would also help decide which programs would be best going forward, and which ones should be dropped in favour of others. The polish of models, compared across the applications, would be the deciding factor. If they matched the quality I want, then progress on those programs would be resumed.
This will most likely take the longest, thanks to the creation process of all the 3D models, and making sure they showcase my skills well. Along with this, it requires the use of all the programs available. A few days to a week will be the timeframe for this section.
Testing
The next phase would begin after gathering opinions and doing the necessary improvements. It would include putting together all the pieces and seeing how they connect together. From here there are two routes I could take. The first option is a video made from recordings would be put together. This would include a start with the creation process, followed by a look of the complete world. The second option is a 360 video made in Blender, letting the viewer be able to look around at their own pace.
Whether a general video or a 360 one, the look around would present the world in its finished state. This would hopefully showcase the beauty and whimsy of what I want to create. Along with this.
This should take a day or two at most, as it is mostly putting all the models together and then recording footage.
Final Polish
After creating either of the videos, this part would include the editing process. The inclusion of music would be added here, along with editing parts together, in different ways depending on the type of video. This would result in multiple drafts of each video before ending on a product. The final polish should remain relatively the same, no matter which route I take. The layout will be the biggest difference.
The music itself could either be royalty free music from the internet, as long as it is referenced and credited, or could be a creation of my own making. This depends entirely on how much time is left by the end, during the final polish.
Overall, I would hope this project showcases my research, my technical know-how, and my creativity in terms of creating the characters and world. Hopefully, this would give everyone watching a nice place to look upon as an end product.
Depending on how well the first draft goes, this could either be the shortest part or potentially one of the longest. One to three days should be all it takes to get it done.
Taskboard
When thinking of ways to keep track of what to do and when, I looked into the Trello taskboards, as I’d been recommended to use it. While a simple solution, I believe having something like this will help me keep on pace and on time.
It was quite easy to sign up and make an account. While the layout was confusing at first, I believe I’ve figured out how to lay it all out. From here it’s a simple task of checking off when I’m doing my work. If I needed more accuracy, there is also the option to connect a calendar. This would be even more useful once past the planning stage of this project.
Concept Storyboard
After giving everything a lot of thought and deciding on what I wanted to make, I drafted up a very rough sketch of what the area would look like from a front view, and behind. Along with this, I drew a very rough idea of what objects could be found around the area. From there, I could then decide on how it would all connect to each other.
This rough sketch gave me the ability to visualise what specifically was needed and what to aim for. It would be a very beautiful and whimsical area, with a few character models around, positioned as statues to match the area. This would help them not stand out too much against the rest of the area. Along with this, the area lends itself to adding more abstract details. This could range from glowing lights to rainbows.
From here, it was time to plan around the two routes this project could take, which both lend themselves to different positives. It is important to consider both of these methods moving forward, as to find what I am comfortable with, and what is necessary.
If I was to create models and items and then port them to Blender, I could more effectively create a 360 camera and make animated events that would happen throughout the course of the video. Along with this, animating most elements would become an easier task, thanks to the timeline and the ease in which you can animate 3D in Blender.
These events range from an object appearing from nowhere. For example: a shooting star from the sky, or a rainbow from behind walls. This could also result in more continuous animated elements, such as a spinning ring around a pillar and a flowing river. These would allow people to find different things upon a rewatch of the area, adding to the whimsy of the overall experience.
The other option is to port all of my models into Open Brush. This would result in a widely different final product. It would remain the same idea, yet be presented differently.
Once in Open Brush, the models would have details expanded upon, or created with the Open Brush tools. Along with this, the Open Brush animation tools, while potentially being messy, could benefit the cheery vibe of the area I create.
The video, instead of being a pre-made video with a timeline like on Blender, would instead be a recording of me walking around the area in Open Brush, looking at the finished area in real time. Along with this, I can also include segments recording the creation process in Open Brush, showing how I was able to create these extra details to bring life to the area. I believe this would showcase my skills and creativity quite well.
I believe pursuing both of these ideas to begin with would be very important. From there, I would decide what showcases my skills and talents best. Along with this, it would convey the feelings I would love to portray. In terms of which one seems better, I am leaning towards Open Brush. It would include a wide variety of applications in the overall project. This would showcase how well I can switch between programs and adapt. Along with that, the brushes and tools available on Open Brush are more aligned with the style I would like to replicate in my creations. However, Blender’s ease of access, and the things you are capable of creating are more varied than Open Brush. Along with that, the 360 video would give the viewer their own unique experience, and control of the area.
Overall, I plan on exploring both options to the best of my ability before deciding on one completely. This will result in a heavier workload. But it would also be a good way of showing my decision processing skills. Even if something in Blender doesn’t get used, it could still be showcased in the final product. The same goes for the Open Brush art. As long as it contributes to the final product, all work is important and necessary.
References
Urana, K (2025), “Gachiakuta” Anime Official site, “GACHIAKUTA” Anime Official Site (Accessed 16/10/2025)
Super Smash Bros Ultimate, 2018, Nintendo Switch [Game], Japan: Nintendo