Final Capstone Reflection Journal Entry
The last requirement of the Capstone Project prior to your Exit Interview is to reflect on the
process by writing a final journal reflection. You must answer ALL the questions below.
Please use PARAGRAPHS IN YOUR WRITING AND INCORPORATE THE FOLLOWING
QUESTIONS AS HEADINGS.
When completed, please upload this document to your website under Capstone Evidence &
Artifacts Page. The title of your post should be “Final Capstone Reflection.”
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The Capstone is a unique and demanding challenge. In completing it, what did you learn
about your subject? Your skill set? Yourself?
In completing this project, I learned about the difficulties, accomplishments and techniques of
3D modeling. Ranging from design principles to software tools, I was able to familiarize myself
with the basic features of Blender. Through trial and error, consistent feedback and research I
was able to learn how to look out for every detail and colour of each model. The tutorials helped
me improve my video editing skills and experience, as well as explaining each step carefully, yet
effectively.
On a personal level, this project helped me through self-discovery and growth. Though I always
knew that art was a passion of mine, I was always filled with constant “what ifs” holding me
back. However, despite the struggles I’ve gone through and the obstacles I’ve had to face, it
helped me ensure that this was the path I wanted to go down. Additionally, it has pushed me out
of my comfort zone, starting a project with a software I was not familiar with at the time.
How is your project relevant to you, the school or the community-at-large?
This project is extremely relevant to me because I’ve been procrastinating on various projects
regarding 3D modeling before the capstone project. This is due to long time-investments, and
efforts I was required to take, and I was constantly busy with my art portfolio, and other school
academics. However, I was able to take this opportunity and pursue a project I was passionate
about.
At the school level, using the knowledge shared through my tutorials, this will be relevant for
students to explore new hobbies and interests. Beginner-level tutorials such as my own will
allow students to open up slowly, and effectively without the pressure of using complicated
computer features.
Currently, it is well known that 3D modelers and animators are heavily overworked within the
industry. Despite the hours they are required to invest in their projects, the field of area is
extremely competitive, keeping all employees on edge. I wish that through these tutorials, people
are acknowledging the efforts and hardships the 3D modeling communities go through in their
process of finishing their projects.
What impact if any did your Capstone project have on yourself, the community, society?
While creating my project, my knowledge in animation and 3D modeling has been greatly
increased. Though I am nowhere close to a professional level, I am proud to say that I am more
confident in tackling 3D software and working with them. Also, I enhanced my creativity and
problem-solving skills as I faced various challenges throughout my project. Regarding my
tutorials, I’ve never personally taught others through the internet and shared my knowledge. But
due to prior knowledge in video editing, I was confident in creating a tutorial I was proud of.
Personally, this project has helped me raise my confidence and overall boost my knowledge in
general modeling arts.
Within the community, I believe that my tutorials can serve as a valuable resource for beginners
in the industry. This way, I provide them with a quick and easy example containing basic
program features. I am also able to inspire others who are interested in this field of study but are
unmotivated or scared to approach them. Additionally, through social media, I can interact with
others and professional 3D modelers by creating connections.
By releasing free, and easily accessible tutorials, people who are currently struggling financially,
or have personal struggles that prevent them from attending school or have not given the
education they deserve, my tutorials will allow them to learn free of charge. Finally, these
tutorials may inspire others to pursue a creative or STEM field, especially in a technology-driven
society.
Thinking about the whole process and your finished product, what are you most proud of?
Throughout my whole process of creating my capstone project, I am most proud of the final
rendered image of my model. This was my first-time tackling 3D modeling and through research
and practice, I believe this may be one of my favourite art pieces I’ve made so far. Creating the
model allowed me to take various challenges, and some were harder than others. However, I was
also able to watch the process of constantly watching a gray screen to a scenery filled with
colours and lighting.
If I had to choose a very specific element I’m extremely proud of, it’d be the texture and
colouring especially the flooring and blanket. During the texture process, I ran into various
difficulties; for example, the file wouldn’t open, or an error would occasionally appear. Despite
this step being one of the easiest when done right, it took me the longest out of all the other steps
(approximately 5-6 hours). Additionally, I was originally not going to apply texture into my
model, due to the ridiculous amount of time required for people just starting out. But I’m so glad
I successfully ended up completing the project with texture, because it adds a lot more detail and
depth compared to without it.
What was a difficulty you encountered and how did you solve the problem?
As mentioned, the texture steps were the most difficult throughout the project. There are two
ways to create texture in blender, one is manually, creating your own texture using various
complicated settings and features. This is usually used by users who are familiar with blenders
and are willing to invest huge amounts of time. The other way is to utilize textures created by
other blender users and adjust them to your liking (such as colours and scale). As a beginner, my
choice was to use pre-made textures and adjust them to my liking. However, there were
limitations going by this path. I had various difficulties with facing unnecessary errors and
complicated settings. But, after watching various YouTube videos and social media such as
“Reddit” who were dealing with similar problems, helped me tackle this obstacle.
What is one thing about your finished project you wish you could change? Why?
One thing about my finished project that I wish I could change is the quality of detail in my
model. While I am still genuinely proud of the work I’ve accomplished, the product is slightly
different from what I originally envisioned. If I had been given more time, I would have allowed
myself to delve deeper into more advanced 3D modeling features and familiarize myself with
advanced techniques. Additionally, I would have been able to improve minor details and enhance
the overall quality. For example, I would have improved my keyboard (details on each key) and
my bed, adding more pillows and stuffed animals.
What advice would you give to a student who will be completing their Capstone Project next
year?
Though it is extremely common for students to repeatedly tell others to “start early”, it is very
important to strictly plan out your schedule. Starting your projects as early as possible gives you
time for corrections and improvements, if needed to make later into the project. This prevents
any unexpected issues or problems that may occur in the future. Additionally, breaking down
tasks allows you to stay organized and stay stress-free.
Another piece of advice is to constantly research and seek support. Whether it is a close friend,
teacher, or a professional mentor, it is extremely important to consistently receive feedback.
Lastly, maintaining motivation is key to completing your capstone project. To prevent
procrastination, choose a project you are extremely curious about or passionate about, which
helps you feel both motivated and accomplished when finished. It is important to keep your end
goal in sight and remind yourself as to why you chose your project.
What specific source from your research helped you the most? (or least?)
Throughout my project, my mentor was the most helpful source. Their excellent guidance helped
me through various obstacles, approaching the project both conveniently and effectively. They
provided me with various technical feedback, such as adjusting certain objects to create accurate
sizes or focusing on specific details. However, she was not hesitant to provide her personal
feedback, such as the light shining through the blinds and the monitor. Through her help, I was
able to take a step further into creating a high-quality work. Additionally, watching other
people’s tutorials (typically on YouTube), provided me with great benefits. By constantly
observing each video, and analyzing how they structure their tutorials, I gained various
knowledge in their teaching methods and styles.
I personally do not think that there were any bad sources, whether it would be just a quick search
on the internet or deep research on academic sources, they were all insightful and helpful either
way.
What is one thing about your approach to your project that you wish you could change? Why?
One thing I would change about my approach to the project would be creating an animation
rather than a series of tutorials. Though tutorials are a valuable tool for education and sharing
knowledge, if I was given more time, I would’ve tackled a more passionate project of creating
3D animation. Creating animations would have given me the opportunity to explore the elements
of storyboarding, storytelling, movement and texture at an intermediate level. As I advance into
higher education in 3D animation next year, this also could’ve been a great way to get familiar
with the animation tools.
