A Day in the Life: Kkandbabyj, An Exploration of Three-Dimensional Design Processes to Convey Character Dynamics

A Day in the Life: Kkandbabyj, An Exploration of Three-Dimensional Design Processes to Convey Character Dynamics is a sixteen-month Master’s Thesis project in which the artist explores the complex processes of 3D modeling and examines how a family of social media influencers’ image can be translated from the real world to 2D design, and result in stylized 3D characters that demonstrate a dynamic story between character models. This paper is designed to introduce readers to the three-dimensional design process and demonstrate one method in which storytelling can be told in a virtual space using a variety of techniques to imply motion with static digital figures. While this paper describes a detailed artistic methodology custom to the author’s workflow and creativity, it will not disclose the specifics of the digital software or tools without relevance to the overall storytelling agenda. The process of this thesis includes an analysis of preproduction, understanding shape language, setting dynamic poses through rigging techniques, creating atmosphere with texture and lighting, and using cinematography in a way that best strengthens the overall story.