Production breakdown
Research breakdown
I might run into issues such as lack of time to complete an additional product, which is the opening credits, in time.
Before I start creating initial designs for the characters I will make mood boards and then create several designs off them. I’ll choose the design that looks the best and create detailed art. I will then make 3D models of the characters
After conducting research into different subcultures and their fashion and looking at fashion magazines, I have gathered images from the internet and created several mood boards for each character, which will help me make the initial designs.
Making the collages of different pictures off the internet was very fun and experementing with different variations of the outfits.
I made a few concept designs for the characters and their weapons. Each character’s design is based on the research I’ve done into each subculture. I included different variations of hairstyles, outfits and weapons.
Designing how te characters will look is always my favourite part of production, I like protrying the characters’ personality through their designs like through colours and shapes.
These ordinary items transform into weapons. The characters carry these items with them.
I then made 3D models of the weapons in Maya and created textures for them.
- A candy and rainbow themed mallet with spikes for extra damage
- A magic wand that hold a knife inside
- A magic staff in the shape of an Ankh which is the Egyptian symbol for life
One of the most complicated parts was creating the textures for the models. As well as that I had to learn how to use Arnold renderer and it’s materials which I learned through youtube videos.
I created detailed art for each character in their magical girl outfits. I used Paint Tool SAI to create the artwork. I’m not used to drawing detailed art of more than one full body character so it was quite time consuming considering I had to fully shade each one.
To create 3D models I first needed to make a reference sheet with different perspectives of the characters. I decided to make the models of the characters’ casual outfits because it would be the best option since the program I will use has limited customization options.
Based on these concepts I made 3D models using VRoid Studio. This is a free to use software so it has it’s limitations, for example there is not much base clothes choices and body types.
I also finally decided to name the characters. From left to right: Emi, Sayuri and Shiro.
I will also make a version of the models in their school uniforms since their school life is a big part of the story. Each of the characters styles her uniform differently which reflects their personality.
I created and edited a video showcasing the character models. I used MMD to create a simple spinning animation to showcase all angles of the models. I used OBS to capture my screen, then put those screen recordings into Hitfilm Express and put royalty free music over it. I trimmed each clip to show one rotation per character’s outfit.
I used this music for the video: Epidemic Sound. n.d. Under Earth – In The Arms Of Anger (Instrumental Version). [online] Available at: <https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/C876uDQm9k/> [Accessed 30 April 2021].
From the research I did it showed that it is common in magical girl shows to have an animal companion. I did some concept art of the magical creature that gives the characters powers and turns out to be the main villain. This character looks cute and innocent and it would be unexpected for it to be the final villain.
I created a 3D model for the animal in Mudbox. My first attempt wasn’t that good so I decided to find a free model on the internet and adjust it to how I want the character to look like.
I created artwork of the mascot that I will use in the presentation on my itch.io page. I made a small and simple animation of the image floating up and down, but when it came to uploading it as a background on itch.io the file was too big and when compressed it lost it’s original quality. I decided to keep the image stationary instead of a gif.
The characters fight shadow creatures but they later find out that they were once people. Their appearance and the unified name “creatures” dehumanizes them therefore the characters would not feel bad about destroying them.
I’ve been thinking about the name for this story and series and I will settle for either “Magical gals” or “Magical Girl Massacre”. I came up with a logo for my chosen title using a black metal-style font.
I went with “Magical Girl Massacre” since it best fit the story and the horrifying twist.
From the feedback I got, I made an info card for each of the characters that gives a bit of info about them. I created a template in photoshop and then filled it out for each character. I included each character’s signiture to expand more on their personalities.
Since I have enough time left till the due date, I created simple Idle animations of the characters in the pixel art style.
Each characters’ pose and body language reflects their personality. I used Photoshop to create the frame animations. I did this to add more detail and personality to the itch.io page. I also wanted to show how the characteres will look in a different art style.
I created an opening credits scene using free stock footage I found online as well as 3D animations of the characters. First I made a rough storyboard of how I want the opening to look like then created the animations in MMD. I found a song that would fit well but it was too long so I cropped out a portion of it and made it fit the time limit
Game Design journal 