This week we looked into nDisplay, which is used to show video on screens with weird shapes—like anamorphic or curved displays. I’ve always found those kind of visuals cool, so it was nice to understand how they work.
In Unreal Engine, the process is pretty simple. You set up a project with nDisplay support, then import the 3D model of the screen you want to use. After that, you map your video or animation onto the screen so it fits perfectly. If the screen is split into parts, each one gets rendered separately instead of treating it like one flat screen.
Project Progress:
This week, I focused on modeling the words in Maya, which is a key element for my project’s visual language. I began by experimenting with Maya’s modeling tools, particularly Boolean operations, to manipulate the shapes of the words and mold them according to my creative vision. This process has been quite exploratory — I’m testing different ways to integrate text as a three-dimensional, sculptural element rather than just flat typography.
Alongside modeling, I started investigating how words can be animated within the 3D space. This exploration is important because I want the words to do more than just sit statically; they should have life and presence that contributes to the overall atmosphere and storytelling of my project. For instance, I experimented with animations where words float, follow a path, or subtly interact with their environment. This could add a dynamic layer to the composition and deepen the viewer’s engagement.
Conceptually, I’m working toward creating a scene inspired by a chessboard, where the words occupy the squares horizontally. The chessboard metaphor ties into themes of strategy, identity, and interaction, which resonate with the broader narrative I want to explore. I’m considering multiple options for how the words might be presented: as part of the rigid chessboard grid, floating above the board, or perhaps trailing along an invisible path. Each possibility opens different avenues for visual storytelling and movement.
This phase of experimentation is crucial for me to discover what best aligns with the emotional tone and conceptual depth of my project. I’m intentionally keeping the process open-ended, allowing room for iteration and discovery. By trying out new techniques and pushing the boundaries of how text can function in 3D animation, I hope to create a unique interplay between language, form, and motion that supports my thematic focus on identity and perception.
Moving forward, I plan to refine the chosen direction, develop more complex animations, and integrate these word elements cohesively with the other visual components in the environment. I’m excited about the creative possibilities unfolding and the way this experimentation informs both the technical and conceptual growth of my project.