3D modellers working on relatively simple projects apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. From reference material and established designs, they create 3D models using whatever software is applicable to the production.

3D models need to meet technical and design specifications, as well as being efficient, reliable, to scale, and easy to rig and animate.

Modellers need to appreciate what will be required of their models in later stages of production because this can affect the work they produce. Close liaison with other team members is, therefore, important. Even though a senior modeller or technical director supervises the creation of models, people at this level are expected to work autonomously within clear guidelines.

More complex skills associated with 3D digital modelling are covered in:

CUFANM401A Prepare 3D digital models for production.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Clarify work requirements

1. With reference to production documentation, clarify requirements and purpose for 3D digital models

2. In consultation with relevant personnel, clarify work flow sequences to ensure that production schedule deadlines are met

3. Select software that best suits the type of production and delivery platform for which 3D digital models are being created

4. Gather and analyse reference materials to help with visualisation of 3D models

Create 3D digital models

5. Use software features to block out models to determine correct proportions in relation to reference materials

6. Manipulate software features to apply basic lighting and shaders as required

7. Ensure that models' topology allows appropriate deformation, as required

8. Progressively refine and check integrity of models until they meet design requirements

9. Submit models to relevant personnel for comment on whether production requirements have been met and make final adjustments as required

10. Render and output models in required format and submit to relevant personnel by agreed deadlines

11. Make back-up copies of files and complete workplace documentation according to enterprise procedures

Required skills

communication, teamwork and literacy skills sufficient to:

interpret and clarify written or verbal instructions

work as a member of a production team, both independently on assignment and under direction

respond constructively to feedback received from other team members

complete workplace documentation

technical skills sufficient to:

use industry-current software applications to create 3D models to specifications

manage files and directories using standard naming conventions and version control protocols

make back-up copies of files and store appropriately

initiative and creativity in the context of visualising and accurately creating 3D digital models of a range of animate and inanimate objects

self-management and planning skills sufficient to:

prioritise work tasks

meet deadlines

seek expert assistance when problems arise

Required knowledge

roles and responsibilities of project team members in the relevant industry sector

basic understanding of the stages in the production process from initial design through to finished product

issues and challenges that arise in the context of creating 3D digital models

3D digital modelling techniques

strong sense of scale, form, weight and volume

geometry as it applies to the creation of realistic 3D digital models

features of a range of delivery platforms

OHS standards as they relate to working for periods of time on computers

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

creation of 3D digital models that:

demonstrate efficient use of geometry and attention to detail

meet design requirements

collaborative approach to work

ability to meet deadlines.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a selection of industry-current software as listed in the range statement

access to simulated or real production situations that require the creation of 3D digital models

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

evaluation of a range of 3D digital models created by the candidate to determine ability to create models for different kinds of objects

written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUFANM302A Create 3D digital animations

CUVDSP11A Research and apply techniques for illustrative work

CUVVSP16A Research and experiment with techniques to produce drawings.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Production documentation may include:

animatics

brief

storyboard

technical specifications.

Requirements may include:

assets for integration

collaboration with other team members

creative expectations

design specifications

output format

technical specifications

timelines.

Purpose of 3D digital models may be for:

animations

digital simulations, e.g.:

architectural models

e-learning resources

demonstration of processes and procedures.

Relevant personnel may include:

3D designer or concept artist

3D modeller

art director

director

head of department

matte painter

producer

project manager

storyboard artist

supervisor

technical director

other technical/specialist personnel.

Production may include:

animated productions

commercials

digital media products, e.g.:

simulations

games

e-learning resources

virtual worlds/environments

documentaries

feature films

filmed events or performances

music video

short films

television productions.

Software may include:

3D, e.g.:

3D Studio Max

Maya

Softimage

graphics, e.g.:

Photoshop

Illustrator.

Delivery platforms may include:

broadcast television

CD

DVD

film

internet

Kiosk

mobile phone

PDA (personal digital assistant)

other digital devices.

Reference materials may include:

books

concept drawings and designs

direct observation of actions to be simulated in 3D models

real object on which models are to be based

still images

videos.

Progressive refinements may include:

achieving required shape

achieving required topology.

Aspects to be checked for integrity may include:

double faces

isolated vertices

pivot points

resetting transform

scale of models relative to other components in final sequences.

Formats may include:

AVI

IFF

JPEG

MPEG

PNG

Quicktime

Targa

TIFF.

Unit sector

Visual communication - Animation and digital effects

This unit contains employability skills.