MartinRissseeuw how to make almost anything

Computer-Aided Design

Task:
Work with different kinds of modelling programs (2D & 3D) to create a model for your final project.

Description:
For my final project I created three models with the use Rhino and Cinema4D. I do feel it takes some more time & work to create the definite model. The models of the lamps are inspired by the Buddhist culture. The lamp will help a person meditate in times of stress by changing its intensity and following the rhythm of the meditating breathing phase.

Explanation:
Rhino, I I created all my models with Rhino, the first model I created started from a sphere object. I used the CageEdit command to create a cage around the object. From this I could create organic shapes with the use of the control points. You can find instructions how to do this in the tutorial list in the footer. The second lamp I created also by using Rhino with the use of cylinders and spheres.

Cinema4D, in Cinema4D I created the visual renders of the models. I wanted a nice way to present my models, so I followed some tutorials on how you setup a studio setting in Cinema4D. You can also find the tutorials in the tutorial list. I also added the Cinema4D files with the studio rig already setup. Also I found a great website with Cinema4D tutorials, you can find it in the tutorial list.

Photoshop, In Cinema4D I created a dark and a light render of my object so I could simulate the breathing of the lamp. I imported these two images in photoshop where I created with the use of the timeline panel an animation between the two images.

Briefly explanation:

  1. Open Photoshop
  2. Load in the two images put them both in a separate layer.
  3. Go to window > Timeline
  4. Create a new layer in the timeline panel with one image layer visible
  5. Create another layer in the timeline panel with the other image layer visible
  6. Go to tweens animation frames in the timeline panel
  7. Play your animation to test it & save a animated gif.


Assignment images:
butterlamp_v1_web butterlamp_v1
This lamp is inspired by meditation stones.
butterlamp_v1_web
This lamp is inspired by the buddist butterlamp.
butterlamp_v1_web
Bamboo inspired lamp, the material will manly be bamboo.
butterlamp_v1_web
Different project idea is to create a speaker cabinet. The cabinet will have the speakers build inside and play through airplay or bluetooth. This is inspired by the cable mess under my television. Maybe I can make a couple of parts in the make something big assignment.

Conclusion:
I really enjoyed working with programs such as Rhino and Cinema4D, they are powerful and let me visualise my ideas. As soon as this programs don't work for me anymore, I will try out other programs but for now I found my tools. For 2D design, I always have used illustrator and I don't see any reason to switch to another software, perhaps Inkscape can be good for different special functions such as the gear maker.