PreProduction

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10/15/25

This week I've been focused on finding the right models to match my Vanitas reference. It's taken me a bit to find similar, if not matching, free 3D models online. I'm primarily looking on Sketchfab and CGTrader.

Since the project guidelines call for 1920 x 1080, it's been hard trying to layout my composition. My reference is very cluttered and clumped together, and stretching the painting out to fit my resolution makes it look bare. I'm brainstorming ideas right now, but this is what I have assembled so far.

I'm making sure to keep all of the 3D model links so I can cite them at the completion of my project.

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10/08/25

This texturing assignment explores the theme of Vanitas and material storytelling. I am responsible to recreate a classic Vanitas-style painting as a 3D scene. Using my chosen reference image, I will create a clean preproduction scene that reflects appropriate layout, lighting angles, and camera positions. All models have to be well-UVd and arranged to match my reference.

The goal of this assignment is to understand how surface detail, lighting, and composition can communicate a narrative, especially around the theme of Vanitas' time and impermanence.

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Vanitas Still-Life with a Bouquet and a Skull by Adriaen Utrecht

Here is my chosen reference for my Vanitas project. The strong lighting contrast is interesting and plays into themes of death and impermanence. For instance, objects hidden in the shadows are wilting or damaged, symbolizing decay and death. They're subtle and hide behind the objects focused in the light, which represents prosperity. The vague physical indication of a story is the most important part of creating a Vanitas, and I would like to recreate this composition for my project.

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