STOP! Hammer Time!

So over the holidays I was given a project by the University of Hertfordshire to 'Make a name for myself' I was given certain parameters to abide by throughout the project:
-Only make the piece out of card/paper
-Do not paint the card, any lines made must be erased. Though colored card was allowed.
-The completed project must be about 60cm*20cm*20cm
-For ease of transportation it was suggested that the piece folds, dismantles or squishes into a box that is 25cm*25cm*300cm.

After I received this brief I threw out the ideas of making a five foot tall hammer, it just wouldn't fit.
Instead I turned over the page in my sketchbook and planned out the new design.

Being a big fantasy fan I have had allot of hammer, axe and sword designs grace my sights over the years. This project made me dredge many back up from the depths of my memories, from visits to concept art for Warhammer MMORPGs. I then chose to combine two or three of my favorite designs to forge this:

 

 

The Design

After this I drew out, cut, and put together the Hammer I decided to have a beveled edge on one side of the hammer. This then posed a problem. I didn't know what angle to make the lines at to provide the best looking results, that were exactly what I wanted. It was at this point I used a series of Youtube videos (LINK!) to learn how to use the computer software 3DS Max. There is a free student version of the software, which is a brilliant price to pay.

After I played with this and perfectly designed my pieces I transferred the files into Pepakura. Which is another free program that will convert any 3d models into paper templates that can then be printed out. It was with this everything got allot easier.

 Here is the finished product:

One thing I forgot to mention was the 'welding' effect I made to seal gaps. I kept within the guidelines and used card. I boiled and blitzed it with a hand blender to make a paste, the same sort you make when making your own paper (yeah my parents loved me here =p).

This gunk was the applied to the model. I think I will forgo this stage if I ever do this again as it looks a bit weird at points but at least I tried it.

Well all said and done I am pretty proud of this, fingers crossed I kick all of the competitions ass!

Necromancy

This Blog has been dead for a while now... I think it is about time to bring it back from the dead

*Insert dramatic thunderclap and evil laughter*

I have about 10 days left before my move to University and the world of Special Effects. I can't say I am nervous, I think I am pretty excited actually =D I have my own tools now, and can't wait to get out there!

I was set a challenge over the holidays (read that as: they told me to have something prepared a week ago) and I will be posting that up shortly, as soon as I get my Camera back.

See you soon =p

Ice Cream

Forgive me for the overdue post. This is the ice-cream I formed on 3DS Max. I used basic shapes and the Free Form Deformer to make it.
Here it is:

Ermagerd!

Now I have your attention I can begin.

This post is all about me raving about a new material I have discovered that makes smoothing out joints, cracks and holes incredibly easy. When I actually found it my face was probably indistinguishable from the image starting the post.

This substance is really simple to use as well, merely grab a brush and put it on, if you apply it too thick add a little water and spread it around, after a short while it dries out. 

This substance first came in solid form and that in itself it perfect for sculpting and filling in larger holes in a material to cover up joins etc. It even has a slight give meaning that it can be used on things that need to bend or flex slightly. 

Epoxy putty, affectionately known as 'Green Stuff' by the people who use it is the solid version. I use the Tape which comes with a blue hardener side and a yellow side, when mixed together (into a green colour, hence the name) it is fully moldable and sets solid within 24 hours. This can be Purchased through Games Workshop, who are absoloutely extortionate in pricing the stuff 6 inches for just over £6, or you can go to THIS shop and purchase 36 inches (3 feet) for £10 once you have added postage.

I purchased Liquid Green Stuff from Games Workshop (at a slightly extortionate £2.30 but I am sure you can purchase this cheaper online). This stuff is amazing, and was just perfect to fill in the mould lines on my converted Helbrute Model...

3D Modeling

I have recently begun entering the world of 3D Modeling on computers, it has been a big development in my preparation for University as the capabilities to perform 3D modeling is greatly prized in the industry and this should put me ahead of most (if not all) of my classmates.

Starting me in this direction is all own to one person, Dan, he is actually an ex-student of the college who now works in the industry. He showed me the window into the professional standard programs which I always assumed were obscenely expensive (they still are of course) and because of my Student status I got hold of the whole program for free!

I will be posting on the Blog examples of my work as I develop in this new media, starting with the Ice-Cream cone I made this morning, which while not super professional quality it is a start. and I hope to be forging intricate, and almost professional quality material by the time I am moving on to University.

Mechanical Sculpture

I slowly find my work taking a steady path towards kinetic sculpture. These things have always fascinated me and it seems peculiar that I haven't pursued this sooner.


Rolling Ball Sculpture

I find these things fascinating and plan on going to two laces where mechanisms etc are used to stunning effect: The MAD Museum and Snibston Discovery park.

Snow day!

So during the rather amazing snow day I got creative (and tried to bring my brother in on it too).

I set out to build something different, and decided upon a Snow Throne.

I placed a towel upon the seat part to provide protection for the (now smooth) seat.

 This is the 'Throne' as I finished on the first night.

The next day I began on rising the arms and the back of my Throne.

 The proof of approval.

It still needs finishing off (the back needs building higher) but it is comfortable, proving you like the cold...