![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/4c7b87b6-cef9-4e67-bf9e-0bb52a6b2b87_rw_1920.png?h=6d6a2c675bcea3c6bf209c559c57797f)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/55b8a666-dc50-4111-b4f4-e2c6bc8a49e8_rw_1920.png?h=3cb68d20e8caa24709e4fc29755138db)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/2aa251a9-2bba-4973-96cf-4ecd26ba7d04_rw_1920.png?h=6507c3935512c733fba5cbac6c5e93e4)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/d4a49bae-4985-4df8-bf9f-0b6d8285c1e5_rw_1920.png?h=78622d078ba43b42ed319949dfe70c48)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/8310bacc-b17e-4681-9562-981a797d7432_rw_1920.png?h=2420dc6b7181c430c4db4a5c447f119a)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/42f09d05-2e6b-4db2-bf1b-435f6ba25016_rw_1920.png?h=0c8ff59ede814caa50ad8b5192cacd9d)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/f98759c1-5dea-4270-9813-c8b10f31fa3d_rw_1920.png?h=8a7cf64e52bb7eafbdfd0f66a4eb26ea)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/c169c06d-a8f4-4356-b878-96763f67b33c_rw_1920.png?h=222a876ae958bfe4f897fdb09a259535)
For this project, we were tasked with developing a 3D model of a creature at an aquarium. We explored the range of marine life available, chose a creature we wanted to model, and took notes and sketched small details to build a high-fidelity CAD model. To depict the creature, I chose a layered, balloon-like sculptural aesthetic that allowed me to express my sensitivities and subjectivity in relationship to the reality we observe. I observed all the small details that made this whale so distinctive and amusing, and I used these notes in building this model.
Process
(1) I started by observing the Beluga whale and taking photos, doing sketches, and writing down traits I could consider when building my model.
(2) I learned that by taking photos, I could perceive other qualities such as the reflection of the water on the whale's skin, specific textures on the body, and useful reference for modeling.
(3) I began my model by inserting the images as reference in different views to be able to loft and build the shape of the body, tail, and head.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/3c05c614-4a7a-447e-b1fd-51058513541c_rw_1920.png?h=251116403946524866eb5c380fc47998)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/734645f8-e7be-4b6d-ae16-e7beec3193db_rw_1920.png?h=016afb265e92f46216ffe7219b5a43f5)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/a8aeb199-29e1-457a-8057-538d3c86fcc2_rw_1920.png?h=f8753c1a8ab20d7e812258c9d13aba1b)
(4) I continued modeling and exploring ways parts would intersect, connect, and come together as a whole. The relationships between the parts made me learn about the complex yet simple anatomy of wildlife.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/0eeb12ff-9934-4a4f-a305-ce64175d85fc_rw_1920.png?h=60e0be3f0d2c065bb6a4addd2d97b657)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/79808835-417c-4155-8fc5-344a7b44f04b_rw_1920.png?h=e5b2a9ca054052d25d7c9ec1233213e3)
(5) I kept referencing my sketches and photos to add the details that would ultimately make this model more realistic and express the qualities I was impressed by when I saw the whale in person.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/d162dcac-0d1b-40d6-a38b-f584303ad94f_rw_1920.png?h=b63af8d9fe1311b2c579cfdff25eb943)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/79f4c054-0f35-40ee-9295-900aa448dcb7_rw_1920.png?h=b1e7e4f99d9abffeb01c188089ad1264)
(6) After adding the final touches and polishing the model, I added a metallic material/texture to give it the feel of a metal balloon sculpture.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/82efb9f5-209f-45e3-92e4-90db178864b0_rw_1920.png?h=d64c2cfb5c90456edf377804cbc90741)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/9b34e326-8249-40e2-9981-2dedb2fd18d2_rw_1920.png?h=36d4c59ddf183315a13f4344a3c434ef)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/a911d3b8-e734-4b08-a388-31952779fd63_rw_1920.png?h=e893b3fe8304d965ca6143312030dcad)
(7) Then, I experimented with additional textures and surfaces, such as the reflection of water.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/736b0e2c-15ea-46f5-a668-240d163418f5_rw_1920.png?h=5934a3733da9e16c56bdbe0510052fb5)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/19d445e2-6fe8-4d90-9f90-5faefd0d788a_rw_1920.png?h=a0da34f13b1b90be4ff197b6de4b63cc)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/297a29ec-a4ef-4641-aa80-016d15afb5de/0a2e81ee-8052-4f0c-93e8-bfaa4ea10475_rw_1920.png?h=6d418cbb8b47d486b613fba33ec3cdee)
Lessons:
- CAD modeling using lofts, guide curves, sweep paths, pipes.
- Observing closely and sketching details to better understand the things we are trying to depict in CAD
- Leveraging aesthetics to create narratives around form and structure
- Adding materials and textures to 3D models as a way to explore digital materiality
- Rendering and applying principles of composition to engage audiences