Assignment #3B: Material Research
For this assignment, I started researching the digital material of 3D modeling software. As someone who wants to make a career in animation 3D modeling has always been a "side-passion" of mine so to speak. I learned the basics of 3D modeling back in high school with a basic software known as Rhino. But I also always wanted to expand my knowledge and learn more advanced and complex software such as Maya and Blender. So I used this assignment as an opportunity to look into the different aspects of 3D modeling as a whole. I first looked at the different parameters --> the code/programming behind a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) program. I then looked at the meaning behind the expansiveness of the tool --> I asked the question "What technological advances allow 3D modeling tools to expand digital creativity? How does it expand digital creativity?". Lastly, I looked at the core purpose of 3D modeling programs --> what occupations do they support, and how has it been a benefitting tool/technology in modern-day advances of creativity.
1. Parameters: Code and Programming
When researching 3D modeling software, I decided to first look into the basic knowledge: What is the definition of 3D modeling software? What types of softwares are out there?
When looking at the basic definition this article said: 

"bring[ing] designs to life in a three-dimensional space through the manipulation of polygons, edges, and vertices in a 3D space."

I found this interesting as I saw this as a connection to my plans for the project. The concept of 'logical preciseness combined with the chaotic fluidity of creative imagination". This had me thinking about how in our imaginations we follow a certain structure, and yet, our minds expand out into multiple realms of thought.

The idea that through geometric shapes, measurements, and structures technology has given us the opportunity to use them to expand our creative-thinking and building.
2. Expansions of 3D Modeling
Upon researching this and the features of 3D modeling I decided to ask my self the following questions: 
i)What does it mean to be expansive? 
ii) What makes 3D modeling expansive?
With that, I found out (in summary) that 3D modeling is software that sets the stage for stimulation or an immersive blueprint of creative designs and images.
This article writes about different features you could find in 3D modeling software that enhance the design and viewing experience of the three-dimensional work. I focused on two that interested me: 

1. Component Library: 
- "In traditional 3D, most designs start with a 'primitive,' which is fundamental geometric shape such as a cube, rectangle, sphere, torus cone, cylinder, or the like...This is all well and good, but aiming for increasingly components with strict parameters can become difficult and time-consuming with this bare-bones approach. With an open-ended component library, you can bring in prefabricated components that match these strict specifications and begin building complex structures with the parameters already in place. This makes things faster and easier and ensures quality and accuracy that would otherwise be had to provide."
- "component libraries also provide additional help with data types. Compared to most standardized 2D formats, 3D model formats are numerous, vastly different, and not standardized. Even within manufacturing - where a similar set of 3D printing or injection molding devices are in use - formats can vary greatly from one device to another. Having an open-ended import/export platform within your program can vastly reduce this issue. In many cases, you can even develop additional ones to meet edge case formats." 

2. Animation: 
- " the 'animation function' set can be invaluable to other fields as well. Designing something with moving parts is much easier to do correctly when you can test actual physics and motion within 3D prototypes before you begin to manufacture it.
3. Purposes
Lastly, I looked at the purposes and the uses for 3D modeling. I looked at what occupations used 3D modeling for their work and how the artist used it creatively to expand to the three-dimensional realm with the advances of technology.
In this article, I found the different occupations that have used 3D modeling and the creative way 3D modeling software has been used.
I focused on the following quotes from the article: 

"3D modelers build 3D characters and environments that are based on the concept art. To create the models' surfaces or skins, they paint and wrap 2D textures on a digital frame. Modelers also create character skeletons, which animators then control."

"The characters and environments 3D modelers create are used for video games and 3D movies as well as images and modeling for websites, graphic designs, animation, film effects, simulations, broadcast design, special effects, characters and props for film, television effects, CD-Rom design, and location-based entertainment. These multi-talented professionals also create images/models for geologists, architects, scientists, engineers, healthcare agencies, and more."
I also found this really cool animation of a spa house design. It was a perfect example of what 3D modeling software can with being so immersive and visually aesthetic.