Environment beginning

These first three show the different bump maps I have been experimenting with to see if I can create the right type of sand along the sea bed.

I think that the subtlety of the last one will work the best especially because I will also have the light from the refraction of the water playing across the bed as well and I don't want it to detract from the viewer's focus on the character.

These two different forms show the work I have been doing on the rock cave that the creature will first appear out of. The left is a harsher version of the right but I think that this suits the character's mechanical nature and will probably continue down this avenue. 

Pistons

These show the pistons of my model. In the end they ended up being more like pivots which expand and contract to allow the outershell to have some structural integrity. 

I think having an interior movement for the exterior gives the character more depth and I hope to highlight this in my animation. 

Rigging

This is my finished rigging, including pistons, outer shell, the chain and the eyes. All of these are controlled in varying amounts with sliders. 

I found the rigging interesting and not too difficult although I haven't yet done any of the paint weights which may alter it slightly.

Storyboard

Turntable animation

Animatic

Movement drawings

This illustrates how the creature will start in a certain position, then stretch itself out, then push it all out, propelling itself forward. This mimics the belaying motion while still seeming as though it can fit into the oceanic environment.

Motion, Material and Meaning

Motion- for my motion I chose a belaying rope. The movement of this is a harsh tug of the object and then readjusting the parts so the movement can be replicated in repetition. For my creature I will have a harsh pull of the materials to push it forward and then movement of the parts to realign to the start.

Material- for my material I will use the umbrella and its many parts. The contrast between the metal and the taut material allows an interesting avenue for me to explore and suits my characters need for slight fluidity to function.

Meaning- A defibrillator- Although my character is unaware of this meaning to begin with, in the narrative one of the natural creatures dies and so he shocks them to bring them back to life, giving him purpose.

Orthographic view

This is my final development for my character. I will have transparent slots where the mechanics can be seen easily. The metal slats show the mechanical nature of the creature while still allowing movement within the animation.