W.I.P. 3D Design and Illustration Competition Entry

I'm super excited to share that I'm participating in the 3D Design and Illustration Competition and Exhibition organized by the Digital Fashion Network. Let me take you through my process and progress so far.

First rendering Competition entry

The Project

The Digital Fashion Network is hosting a 3D Design and Illustration Competition for undergraduate fashion and textile students worldwide.

To enter, I'll need to create a 120-second video showcasing my 3D design, virtual runway, or exhibition using industry-standard 3D CAD software. Entries will be judged based on aesthetic and technical values, including virtual clothing design, avatar design, material simulation, and video editing.

I decided to create a dress and cape ensemble, starting by developing these pieces in Vstitcher. This application is a 3D garment visualization software which I've taught myself last summer. Here's how it all came together:

1. Concept and Inspiration:

Departing from my latest pattern class assignment where I had to recreate a coat of my choosing, always aiming for something unique and complex, I chose to recreate a stunning cape designed by the legendary couturier Charles James (shown here).

Long Front Cape 1944, Charles James

2. Pattern Development:

I scanned the pattern pieces at home and then traced them in Adobe Illustrator. Once I had my digital patterns ready, I imported them into Vstitcher. Once simulated for the first time on the avatar, the front panel seemed too long, therefore I shortened it. Afterwards I added darts and worked out the front fold's placement to ensure it would stay in place during animation.

Scan and tracing of patterns in Adobe Illustrator

3. Final Touches:

Trying to replicate the elastic band in the back of the original design by Charles James was a challenge. Therefore, to add structure and style, I decided to include a belt to cinch the waist which still ensured the same A line silhouette.

Front view digital design

Back view digital design

Learning Blender on the Fly

With the garment designs nearing completion, my next big task is to create a scene and animation in Blender. This is my first time using this other software, so it’s been a sharp learning curve. Here’s what I’ve tackled so far:

- Basic Tutorials: started with basic tutorials to get familiar with Blender’s interface and essential functions.

- Scene Creation: currently designing the scene that will showcase my garment. This includes setting up lighting, background elements, and considering how the dress and cape will move within this environment.

- Animation: Animating the garment is the final hurdle. Ensuring the cape moves naturally and the folds stay in place as planned is crucial.

Challenges and Triumphs

Balancing this project with exams has been tough, but it's also been incredibly rewarding. Here are a few key takeaways from my journey:

-Problem-Solving: From adjusting pattern pieces to learning new software, every step has involved creative problem-solving.

- Learning New Skills: Diving into Blender and improving my skills in Adobe Illustrator and Vstitcher has been daunting but exciting. It's pushing me to expand my skill set in ways I hadn't anticipated.

Final Thoughts

As the deadline approaches, I’m working through the last stages of this project with a mix of excitement and determination. Participating in the 3D Design and Illustration Competition is proving to be a fantastic opportunity to apply what I've learned and to explore new technologies. Regardless of the outcome, this experience is revealing to be incredibly enriching.

Stay tuned for updates, and wish me luck as I tackle these final steps!