Computer-Aided Design

In this exercise, I used GIMP to combine images through selections, layers, and masking logic. The objective was to reveal a second image only inside a selected region and improve the final visual integration.

Workflow

1. Importing the image: I imported the PNG image GIMP_logo.png into the workspace as the base image of the composition.
2. Selecting the target region: I used the Free Select Tool (lasso tool) to manually select a specific area where the second image would be displayed.
3. Creating a new layer: I created a new layer and inserted another image to place it over the original composition.
4. Using masking logic: The selected region defined the visible area for the inserted image, producing a masking effect.
5. Improving appearance: I changed the blending mode to Multiply so both images would merge in a more natural way.

Image sources:
Image 1: https://share.google/ccq1ST2bMRzPmYQn2
Image 2: https://share.google/JlkLrq3csZwL0JvhI

In this exercise, I used Adobe Photoshop to apply a texture or graphic onto a selected object using selections, duplicated layers, clipping masks, and blending modes.

Workflow

1. Importing the image: I opened the base image in Photoshop.
2. Selecting the t-shirt: I used the Object Selection Tool and changed the mode to Lasso. Then I manually selected the t-shirt area.
3. Duplicating the selection: With the selection active, I created two separate layers containing only the selected garment.
4. Importing the texture: I inserted the new image that would be applied to the t-shirt.
5. Creating a clipping mask: I restricted the texture so it would only be visible inside the shirt area.
6. Applying blending mode: I changed the blending mode to Linear Burn to preserve the folds and shadows of the fabric.

Image sources:
Image 1 (young man with white shirt): AI-generated image created with ChatGPT using a hyper-realistic prompt.
Image 2: https://share.google/LhJSqjTlQgzAHayTo

In this exercise, I used Inkscape to vectorize a raster image and compare different tracing results before preparing a contour-oriented version.

Workflow

1. Importing the image: I imported the original raster image into Inkscape.
2. First vectorization: I used Trace Bitmap with a black threshold result. The parameters were brightness threshold = 0.7 and smoothing = 1.
3. Second vectorization: I repeated the process in black and white mode, obtaining more visible details.
4. Contour preparation: Finally, I adjusted the image to show a white fill and black contour.

Image source:
Institutional image obtained from the UPS collaborator repository.

In this exercise, I used Adobe Illustrator to vectorize a raster image with Image Trace, refine the result, and create a mirrored composition.

Workflow

1. Importing the image: I placed the raster image in the Illustrator workspace.
2. Image trace: I first applied the default Image Trace result.
3. Changing properties: In the properties panel, I changed the preset to Low Fidelity Photo.
4. Expanding the result: I expanded the trace to convert it into editable vector shapes.
5. Ungrouping and cleanup: I ungrouped the result and deleted the unnecessary regions.
6. Smoothing the contours: I used the smooth tool to improve edge quality.
7. Creating symmetry: I duplicated the image and mirrored one copy to face the other.

Image source:
https://share.google/S6xfog6F2lsn4DVd5

In this exercise, I used Autodesk Inventor to design a 3D train model, directly related to my final project concept.

Workflow

1. Sketch creation: I started with a sketch using rectangles, circles, lines, and curves.
2. Geometry modification: I refined the sketch using trim, mirror, loft, symmetry, copy, and move.
3. Creating 3D volumes: I used Extrude from the beginning to generate the main volumes.
4. Importing external geometry: I imported a DXF file through the CAD import option.
5. Additional extrusions: I continued applying extrusion to complete the model.

In this exercise, I used SolidWorks to create two parts and then assemble them into a complete system.

Workflow

1. Sketch creation: I used circles, arcs, rectangles, and construction lines.
2. Sketch refinement: I applied mirror, move, trim, and symmetry.
3. Solid creation: I used positive extrusion and negative extrusion to add and remove material.
4. Part generation: I created two separate part files.
5. Assembly: Finally, I created an assembly to show how the parts fit together.

6.1 DALL·E

I used DALL·E to create hyper-realistic concept images of a wooden toy train placed in a warm educational environment.

Prompt used

A hyper-realistic scene of a wooden toy train with a modular wooden track placed at the center of a cozy, modern children's playroom. The train and tracks are made of natural light wood with visible grain, smooth CNC-like finishes, and subtle handcrafted details. The train includes a small locomotive and simple wooden wagons.
In the background, there are wooden educational toys inspired by Montessori and Waldorf styles, including a Pikler triangle, a wooden climbing arch, and a geodesic wooden dome. These elements feature soft pastel colors, arranged in a gentle rainbow gradient.
The train track forms a small loop on a clean wooden floor, positioned as the focal point of the composition. The environment is minimal, warm, and inviting, with natural soft lighting coming from a window, creating realistic shadows and highlights.
The scene should feel like a high-end product photography mixed with lifestyle interior design, with a Scandinavian aesthetic. Ultra-detailed textures, realistic wood imperfections, soft depth of field, 50mm lens, cinematic composition, 8k resolution, no visible electronics, clean and harmonious composition.

6.2 ChatGPT Image Generation

I also used ChatGPT image generation to create a hyper-realistic modular wooden robot with subtle electronic details.

Prompt used

A hyper-realistic wooden modular toy robot designed for assembly, placed in a warm and cozy children's playroom. The robot is made primarily of natural light wood, with visible grain, smooth CNC-like finishes, and precise handcrafted joints. The design is playful yet engineered, with articulated parts that suggest it can be assembled and disassembled. Subtle electronic elements are integrated into the design, such as small embedded LEDs, minimal circuit details, and tiny connectors, carefully exposed in certain areas without breaking the clean wooden aesthetic. The electronics should look intentional and well-integrated, not messy or overly visible. The environment is a soft, pastel-toned playroom inspired by Montessori and Waldorf styles, with warm neutral colors, wooden furniture, and gentle natural lighting. The robot is placed at the center as the main focus, sitting on a clean wooden floor or table. Soft shadows, shallow depth of field, cinematic composition, 50mm lens, ultra-detailed textures, realistic wood imperfections, soft reflections, Scandinavian design aesthetic, 8k resolution, product photography style, highly realistic, clean and harmonious scene.