I experienced first hand what it feels like when a mountain gorilla bears down on you. I almost passed out as this black back got up and started walking directly towards me, there was no where to quickly turn in the thick undergrowth and I almost fell backwards, as he brushed by me. I still remember my knees feeling weak and could hardly hold the camera steady afterwords. I shot the video during my visit to Bwindi Impenetrable forest in Uganda.
It was taken on my trekking trip to gather reference footage for the Galiwango 3D Animated Mountain Gorilla Conservation Film (http://www.galiwango.com) ~ A special thanks to Steven (UWA Driver), who drove me all the way to Bwindi and joined me on the trek, and our main tracker, Sgt. Major Benjamin B. Thanks to UWA for sponsoring the unforgettable experience.
This is a quick time lapse video showing how I created this 3D Concept Sculpt using Dynamesh in Zbrush 4R5. I have always enjoyed modeling in previous versions of zbrush, but I must say that this recent update has really made the process even more exciting.
Dynamesh, in my opinion, gets me closer to the feeling of freedom I get when working with real clay. I use the quick shortcut of holding down the SHIFT key and Dragging in an empty space away from the model, to polish up the mesh when it gets stretched from all the clay additions.
My tools of choice include the following brushes: Clay, ClayBuildup, MaskPen, Move, Polish, TrimAdaptive, and TrimDynamic. I mix the brushes as I work, but using Claybuildup as the primary tool, and the smooth brush to refine areas that get a little gnarly.
I really love the TrimAdaptive and the TrimDynamic brushes. Those two make it so easy to add nice edges, especially for hard surface modeling.
Here is to Wishing you all Dear Friends, a Merry Christmas!!! If you should happen to hear that Tune, “Santa Baby…” Tuck this on to the end, “Santa Baby, a Cordless Mouse for Christmas Too!!” ~ Feel free to Share with your family and friends ~ I Wish you you all a Blessed and Prosperous 2013. Dare to dream Big!
Here is the Wireframe of the Scene in 3DS Max. I used the 2013 Version, with Mental Ray for rendering.
One of my favorite Art Topics while attending Boarding school back in Uganda, at Kings College Budo and Makerere College School, was “Imaginative Composition”, I loved the challenge each subject presented ~ this sketch is a throw back to those days.
Below is a sketch I drew to flesh out the idea. I look forward to the day we don’t ever have to deal with cables.
This is a recent, Rapid turn around, 3D cinematic I created for Mixamo Inc (www.mixamo.com), a Motion Capture Studio based in San Francisco, and Autodesk (http://usa.autodesk.com). The workflow includes use of the Autodesk animation Store, which is built into 3DS Max 2013, and motion builder. Mixamo needed a demo of the workflow on how an independent film could use their store, and so they approached me to create the cinematic. I enjoyed every moment of it and truly treasure the partnership and working relationship I have developed with their Motion Capture team, with Nateon Ajelo as the Motion capture Director.
Below is a Video interview of the process I went through to create the Cinematic.
Here is the Final Render. For rendering I used the Nitrous, the Realtime Renderer built into 3DS Max, and an invaluable tool called Power Preview ~ incredibly the renders took 30 seconds per frame.
To learn More about our the Autodesk Animation Store visit: autodesk.mixamo.com. Check out Mixamo’s 3D characters, and find out how to upload your own, learn about about rigging or animating using one of our thousands of motions on www.mixamo.com
Here are some wireframe screen grabs from Motionbuilder.
I tweaked my back and my sweetheart sequestered me to laying down, my 6yr old little angel jumped on the bed and said lets draw. This sketch I drew is a result of that session. She and her brother are absolutely loving Iron man, so naturally she asked for an Iron Man concept 🙂 ~ inspiration comes in many forms, doesn’t it 🙂
A 3D Animated Children’s TV Series, entitled “A Seed for Nkoza and Nankya” is an Education through Entertainment concept: Join Nkozessa Zange and Nankya on their Quest to go School and learn all they can about protecting their small village and the challenges of living in the shadow of the Big city which is expanding rapidly and threatening their culture and the well being of the wildlife living in the surrounding forest:
The Children’s Animated TV series will be airing on WBS TV on Saturday Mornings between 9:45am and 9:55am, with a repeat on Sunday Mornings between 9:15am and 9:25am.
Counting Down to Promo
October 9th ~ Celebrating Uganda’s 51st Independence Day
Nankya writing in her Diary, counting down to the day her Big brother returns from the Big City with new tales ~ She loves mukene cooked in ground nut sauce.. Diary Entry Number 24 ~ a big thank you to all the New Friends and Fans.
Working hard to bring you the first Episode of Nkoza and Nankya. It has been a very interesting journey, one that hasn’t been without challenges, but all in all, I push forward. I truly appreciate all the kind words and support from friends and Fans. Thank you!!
Behind the Scenes Update: The Village where Nkoza and Nankya’s Grandfather lives.
Behind the Scenes Update: The evolution of Nkoza, this is close to the finished feel and look, I am animating him, with some room for tweaks.
Behind the Scenes Update: Working on a some background Music for the TV Series, some Village scenes will feature Kadongo Kamu tracks composed by Yours Truly 🙂
Music Grind Update: Kadongo Kamu Test
Behind the Scenes Update: The Animation Trenches, this is where the rubber meets the road, giving personality to Nankya and Nkoza, and bringing them to life.
Hardware Improvisation: I have had to pop out my Home Made, head mounted Camera Rig to capture some reference facial animations for the Cartoon Characters. This has been a very interesting journey and a fun process. I have upgraded the Camera Rig to have some lights for the face ~ Check out how I made it here: (http://www.galiwango.com/2012/11/05/custom-head-mounted-camera-rig-for-facial-performance-capture/ ),
Nankya Lighting UPDATE: Nankya is proud of her Bitutwas, (Bantu Knots).
Nankya Lighting UPDATE: A render of Nankya chatting with Jjaja in their home.
Animation UPDATE: Here is the First Video Render of Nankya’s Introduction
February Update: Sub-surface Scatering Final Texture and Lights for Nankya, Nkoza’s little Sister.
February Update: Early Rendering, and Texturing tests for Nankya, Nkoza’s little Sister. Body textures and a dress
February Update: Some more character sketches for a future episode ~ Scifi Related.
3D Character line up, concepts in Zbrush ~ background characters for the TV series, this is one of the old guys from the village, he lives by a road that Nkoza and Nankya often use on their way to the bus stop. I don’t have a name for him yet, so you are welcome to chime in.
This was the first sketch I drew as a brain storming piece to get some of the thoughts swirling around in my head onto paper. My hope is that this series provides both entertainment and education to kids in Africa and around the world.
Here are some concept drawings depicting the setting of the TV series.
And this was the day we signed the Contract at WBS TV with Managing Director Lydia Ndagire. I am working on the website for the TV series, Scripts and storyboards. My goal is to show the process from the beginning, with the hope of inspiring my fellow Ugandans so they too can bring their stories to life. So I hope we all can enjoy this ride together 🙂 Thanks to WBS TV for this opportunity. Together we can make a difference 🙂
Say hello to the Team behind the upcoming Children’s TV series, “A Seed for Nkoza and Nankya” ~ in the Middle is Reeta Jethwa, the Producer of Kids Corner 2 and chidlren’s programming on WBS TV, and to the left of her is Sophia Matovu, the Deputy Head of Production at WBS TV. This is the team I will be working closely with in bringing Nkoza and Nankya to life. Truly Excited!!!
This blew my mind. I came across this announcement while surfing the web for recent CG industry updates. Ever since I was a kid, playing with clay and creating objects from scratch has always been a fascination. The challenge has always been that, I would create these nice clay and wood sculptures but I couldn’t replicate them. They were creations of a kind, which in itself adds value and uniqueness. However there were times when I wished I could create more than one, because my young brother and sisters always seemed to want to play with the things I created, and I desperately wanted to share, but I only had one of each creation.
Now imagine the possibilities that this new Printer offers to us the consumers, and especially those interested in making some cash from their 3D models and sculptures!! The possibilities are mind blowing. This, in my opinion, is going to open up a mini industry of sorts to every 3D Modeler and Sculptor who ever wanted to replicate their creations. I for one can’t wait for the day I can afford one of these puppies and take it to the races!!
I will be able to create cool 3D models and have the gleeful thought of “Man, now I can have people touch and feel my creations with their own hands” From miniature film sets, to product demonstrations and even gifts for Birthdays, Christmas and events!!”
Check out the full Release Below:
A Whole New MakerBot: Introducing Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer: Retail Price ~ $2199.00
MakerBot® Industries introduces the MakerBot® Replicator™ 2 Desktop 3D Printer, the company’s easiest, fastest, and most affordable tool yet for making professional-quality models. Designed for the desktop of an engineer, researcher, creative professional, or anyone who loves to make things, the MakerBot Replicator 2 features 100-micron layer resolution, setting a new standard in professional looking models and true-to-life replicas. In addition, the MakerBot Replicator 2 enables users to make big objects, up to 410 cubic inches in volume (11.2″ L x 6.0″ W x 6.1″ H).
Today we reached new heights. If you didn’t catch our livestream, MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis ran down a series of announcements, and we’ll do our best to highlight all of them on the blog. In the meantime, tweet your questions to @makerbot, email us at tips@makerbot.com, and leave all your comments and thoughts here on the blog.
We launched the original Replicator at CES this year, and since then we’ve been listening to the feedback of our incredible community. We’ve watched this community grow to include moms and dads, teachers, artists, and an exploding number of bold professionals. We’ve always been blown away by our users, but this latter group sparked new inspiration. We saw what the professionals were doing and set out to make a machine for their needs. It’s not a surprise that our own army of engineers understand these needs pretty well.
The Replicator 2 introduces the world of prosumer 3D printing. We made it stronger, faster, and finer than the original Replicator, and we optimized it to work with MakerBot PLA Filament. We also blew up the build volume without making the machine itself any bigger. The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer is, as the name suggests, a desktop machine, not a it-needs-its-own-room machine. It’s going to fit nicely where you need it and look amazing while it works.
But what’s under the hood?
WHAT’S NEW
100-micron layer resolution – If you know our machines or 3D printing in general, you understand this advancement. The original Replicator was tuned for a 270-micron layer height. 100 microns is nearly three times finer than before, which means the layers are even harder to see and feel. For those keeping score, 100 microns is also a good bit finer than the output on some much more expensive machines.
Huge 410 cubic inch build volume – MakerBot desktop 3D printers have never had a build volume this big. When we learned more about PLA, which works beautifully with huge builds, we knew we had to increase the build volume. This is 37% larger than the original Replicator. You can make entire projects on one build plate.
Optimized for MakerBot PLA – Polylactic Acid, derived from corn, has been in our repertoire for a little while, but now we’ve discovered its full power. It doesn’t have an odor, it sticks without sliding, and it makes beautiful things. That’s all there is to it.
Sleek, sturdy steel – The powder-coated steel frame of the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer gives it all the strength it needs for high print speeds. Plus it’s resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.
Smart new parts — The acrylic build plate pops out for you to grab things easier, and the bearings are oil-infused so you spend less time on maintenance.
We’re Not Done Yet
Those are the basics of the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer, but keep in mind that a world class 3D printer needs world class software. So our software department’s been pretty busy too. Introducing MakerWare, developed right here at MakerBot by people who know the ins and outs of the desktop 3D printing workflow as well as anyone.
Look how pretty and simple this new application is. Our UX team has tested the patterns of this process to put the controls in all the right places. Now you can open multiple STL or OBJ (yes, OBJ!) files at once, even if they’re totally unrelated. You can scale individual pieces together or separately, and save any number of items together as a THING file, our new file format for projects. The MakerWare interface is coupled with other important bits of software that let your MakerBot behave just like a 2D printer. This means you can set something to print in the background and let it go.
MakerWare also simplifies a lot of the decision making. For example, when it comes to choose print settings, you can select preset printing profiles for High, Medium, or Low quality. Finally, MakerWare includes the new slicing engine Miracle Grue, built by MakerBot software engineers. This algorithm prepares models up to 20 times faster (you read that right: 20X) than Skeinforge. For the super enthusiasts, Miracle Grue also defines a much more efficient toolpath, meaning there are fewer stops and starts in the printing process, which makes for more consistent prints overall.
3D Scene and Composition created with 3DS Max 2013 and Vue xStream 10 ~ Auto Product Demonstration Series. This was rendered using both Vue xstream’s built in Renderer as well as Mental Ray. Average render time was 2:20 Minutes with Depth of Field Enabled. The theme for this render was a Japanese setting, with the sun setting on the right side.
Updated Render (Color)
Previous Version (BW)
Below are some screen grabs of the wireframes inside of 3DS Max 2013.
Here is a Poem I wrote in loving memory of a wonderful Photographer and Champion of the Batwa people in Uganda. Blackie was a dear friend and a great person to work with, he and I shared the same passion of wanting to see the Batwa supported and the mountain gorillas saved from extinction.
He is survived by a loving wife, Dorothy Gonsalves ( https://www.facebook.com/dorothy.n.gonsalves ), who is determined to carry on his legacy of love to our fellow Ugandans. Take a read and please pray for Dorothy as she grieves the loss of her best friend and dear husband.
Our Blackie, From September to September
If I could humbly speak, for the Batwa
Even through the Pain, I would boldly Utter
You Felt Our Anguish and did not Despair
Our Bleak future You set out to Repair
Through Your lens, You Managed to Capture
A Slice of Our Past, that is now a Fracture
Daily You snapped away to Show the World
Our Plight and Need, you Spoke out Loud
But Now you are quietly Gone
Shouldn’t We feel helplessly Alone?
We look to the Trees, as the Wind Blows
Through the August Leaves, Your Laughter Flows
We close Our eyes, and choose to Remember
Your Kindness and Love, that burns like an Ember
Though presently Your Presence might seem so Far
Your Memory in Our Hearts, Will Never be a Blur
For From September to September, We will Seek to See
Our Blackie and Valliant Warrior, You’ll Always Be
Updated with new Renders ~ This is a recent 3D concept vehicle render I did in 3D Max and Vue xStream. The render is a combination of Global Illumination and Ambient Occlusion with an equirectangular map which adds a nice atmospheric touch to the composition. The camera is set to a 100mm lens with lens flare enabled.
Here is another render from a different camera angle. The 360 degree environment map can be seen in the reflection as well as the ground plate reflection.
another render with DOF applied.
This is the wireframe of the render inside of Vue xStream.
and the wireframe of the scene inside of 3DS Max 2013, using the xStream scene loading plugin.
Specializing in Art and Visual Technology | 3D Modeling, Character & Vehicle Animation, Oil & Acrylic Painting, Concept Art and Illustration
It was taken on my trekking trip to gather reference footage for the Galiwango 3D Animated Mountain Gorilla Conservation Film (http://www.galiwango.com) ~ A special thanks to Steven (UWA Driver), who drove me all the way to Bwindi and joined me on the trek, and our main tracker, Sgt. Major Benjamin B. Thanks to UWA for sponsoring the unforgettable experience.
