Van Life
For my virtual environments course I utilized 3D modelling software and Unreal Engine 5 to create
an idealized van home.
Concept:
I have grown up traveling and learning to prioritize experience over material. Because of this, the popular van life trend has intrigued me as something I would like in my life. Since this is not a possibility as of now, I decided to create a dream like van home as my virtual environment. I want this environment to give its audience a feeling of comfort in the solitude of traveling. I compiled a set of photos to give myself a better idea of what I want my environment to be working towards. These consisted of real life inspiration, other concept art, props I wanted to include, and lighting and mood references.
Creation
Since the modular set of my environment was quite simple, I decided to create my own using Maya. Once I created my modular set I imported it into Unreal Engine 5 to assemble my environment. I outlined how my environment would look by grey-boxing it. Slowly assembling my environment and incorporating elements allowed me to reflect on each step in the process and see where my environment needed improvement or to change. I slowly started to add textures and decals every week and watched my environment come to life. Doing this process one step at a time also allowed me to see the personality of the environment develop. Through textures and elements within the environment, I could image the type of person that would live there. The environment started to take a personality of its own.
Stylistic Choices
Lighting:
For lighting I wanted to create a very warm and comforting environment. This environment is meant to be a comforting dream home. I created the lighting to reflect that.
Camera shots:
When assembling my final video production I wanted the shots to feel as if the audience were walking through the home. I wanted them to feel how small living in a van truly is by showing how in just a few shots you can see everything within the home. There is a comfort in the simplicity of van life and the audience can feel that just by walking through it.
