Idea #1: Cryptids in AR
My first idea is based around my love for the bizarre and my desire to understand how Snapchat filters work. My plan is to create 3D models of different cryptids (think bigfoot, mothman, the jersey devil, etc) and render them using AR into a kind of Snapchat filter where you can take pictures with your favorite cryptids. I have had 3D modeling classes before so I know I have the understanding to create the models, while also understanding that this will be a large undertaking to create, rig, texture, and possibly animate multiple creatures. On top of that, AR is not something I have ever worked with before so I know I will have to push myself to learn new technology and implement it with my previous knowledge to create a cohesive project. However, this is an idea that really excites me and I know I would have the motivation to continue work on this for the entirety of the school year.
Idea #2: Museum in VR
This one is a little off the wall – the idea would be to recreate a museum exhibition in VR, so that you could technically walk through the museum without having to be there. Therefore, you could say you’ve been to a museum in London without ever having left the country. As I said before I have experience with 3D modeling, but I think figuring out how to create texture or a kind of “life” to the art that replicates the feeling of seeing artwork in real life would be a challenge. It would also be interesting figuring out what artwork I would put in my virtual museum and which ones would work best in a simulated environment. Furthermore, I have never done anything with VR before so that would be another concept to teach myself, but art (and art accessibility) is something I’m passionate about and know I could spend the time and effort to create.
Idea #3: Animated Ebook
I am a big fan of books, and I think in the age of technology getting younger kids into reading can be harder when they’ve had an iPad since they were a toddler (not to judge whether this is good or bad, simply to say that it’s different now than how it used to be). Therefore, I was thinking of animating the electronic version of a children’s book, or perhaps multiple depending on how much time and effort it takes. Animation isn’t something I’ve really done before, although I have done some pixel animations for a previous game design class. It would definitely be cool to develop an art style that works with children’s books and see it come to life. I think it would be challenging but rewarding to see something like the art from “The Rainbow Fish” or “Goodnight Moon” come to life (not saying that I’m animating other artist’s work, just wanted to give an example of what I want to do).
