Mechanics

Awaken was produced independently and represents the culmination of six years of self-taught work in Blender. During production, using skills learned solely from YouTube videos, I covered roles typically divided among a full team. Through a constantly evolving workflow, I navigated technical issues without a predefined endpoint. This project totaled over 500 hours and involved modeling more than 50 unique assets, rigging two advanced characters, hand-painting the environment, and much more. Attached is a visual and written breakdown outlining the film’s production pipeline.

3D wireframe model of a cartoon boy character with spiky hair, big eyes, wearing a T-shirt, pants, and shoes.

  • A turnaround of Yung’s 3D character model highlights its precise topology. Topology, or the geometric flow of lines, are critical in the next steps of texturing and rigging.

3D wireframe model of a cute cartoon hamster with large eyes, small nose, he stands upright with outstretched hands.
A dark gray or black textured background.
A 3D wireframe model of a cartoon-like hamster with a tree trunk and branches, with the wireframe displayed on a black background.
3D wireframe model of a symmetrical object with a circular opening in the center, composed of a grid of polygons.
Three-dimensional wireframe model of a neck and shoulders, displayed from the front with a black background.
A dark gray or black screen with no visible objects or text.

  • Yung’s UV maps are unwrapped using seams in the mesh. Proper topology allows seams to remain hidden, resulting in a smooth, textured finish.

3D animated character model of a young boy with black hair and a surprised expression, in a digital modeling wireframe view.

  • Rig test of Yung’s mouth control, supported by precise topology, allows for smooth and clean facial deformations.

3D rendered digital character of a young boy with a worried or distressed expression, with black messy hair, gray shirt, and visible wireframe mesh overlay.

  • Rig test of Yung’s facial poses supported by torso and shoulder movement helps exaggerate emotion.

3D animated character of a young boy with dark hair, thick eyebrows, and a confused or skeptical expression on his face.
3D animated character of a young boy with short black hair, large eyes, wearing a blue shirt, black pants, and brown shoes, standing against a gray background with a surprised or curious expression.
A 3D animated character of a young boy with dark hair, wearing a blue shirt and black pants, holding his hands up in a defensive gesture with a surprised or alarmed expression on his face.

  • Renders showcase one pose focused on facial expression and others on posture.

A large, purple, abstract sculpture resembling a tentacle or organic form with circular, disc-like details on a ceiling.

  • Initial render without lighting.

Close-up view of a purple, glossy, abstract sculpture resembling a seahorse made of circular discs, with a ceiling light in the background.

  • Secondary render introduces lighting and shadows.

Neon art installation of a stylized purple and pink face or head with circular details, illuminated against a dark ceiling, with a ceiling fan nearby.

  • Final render adds 2D strokes and color correction.

A dimly lit, vintage-style kitchen with wooden cabinets, a stove, a refrigerator, and a small dining table with a single chair.

  • Render of a warm-toned kitchen, highlights each model’s hand painted texture. Combined with 2D strokes, the environment feels worn in and brought to life.

A dimly lit kitchen with wooden cabinets, a table with a single chair, a microwave, a plant in a vase, and an oven with a range hood, all depicted in a stylized, sketch-like art style with a bluish hue.

  • Render of a cool-toned kitchen, highlights each model’s hand painted texture. Combined with 2D strokes, the environment feels worn in and brought to life.

A animated boy with messy dark hair and tired expression, sitting in a kitchen with a wooden grid pattern on the wall and kitchen utensils in the background.

  • Still frame from the short film highlights the strong pose and warm color composition.

A purple octopus-shaped cake with pink accents, placed on a clear hexagonal plate. A silver fork is positioned to the right of the plate on a teal surface.

  • Still frame from the short film reveals the tentacle’s strange nature through a cooler toned composition.

A 3D animated character with a boy's face and dark hair, looking surprised at glowing purple and pink magical energy in a kitchen with teal cabinets.

  • Still frame from the short film demonstrates Yung’s contrast in color, compared to the environment.

〈   Statement

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