I started this project with a much broader scope in mind, but in the end I learned how to scope down ambitions to create a much more (technically) feasible map.
Style
In the beginning of the project I wanted to add sci-fi elements to a scottish highlands backdropped home. With the time allotted, I scoped down this into just focusing on the modern house architecture.
Instead of being inspired by Sanctum 2, I decided to take a more practical approach to my model building, and took the advice of my capstone director to reference my work on houzz. This proved to stir much more ideas, and I felt I was getting much better results this way.
Time Management
With the original schedule being completely obliterated by downscoping, I initially felt a little lost, because I didn't have that strict schedule that I had before. Before long I was able to make better improvements to the uses of my time, and this ultimately led to better work. I already viewed this project as a way for me to improve my skills with Zbrush, 3ds Max, Maya, and the Quixel Suite. I was also able to use a few of the assets available in UE4 to complete the project. It really helped me to acquire much better time management skills.
Learning the Software
The part of this project that really stumped me was the fact that I was learning new software along the way. (Which I don't recommend on a time-crunch). This hindered my ability to build new "quality" content at a reasonable pace. Although I wouldn't trade the experience I gained (especially with Zbrush and 3ds Max) for anything. Everyone has to cope with the fact that you're always learning no matter what.
Scoping
It was really hard for me to let go of creating the large scale terrain to the detail that I wished, but now I know what kind of environment that I'll be working on next. I found myself enjoying the creation of assets like rocks, and foliage. These were implemented, but some of them weren't quality enough for me to put into the level. Scoping was hard for me, because of my perfectionism. I always have a grand vision in mind, and I never really want to let go of it. This brings time management issues into play, and ultimately hurts my work. But, I feel like I scoped appropriately with my circumstances.
Overall Thoughts
I think that the work that I ended up accomplishing is a feat for myself as an individual, because I really didn't have much experience with the software like Unreal Engine 4 to begin with. The entire point of this project was to see how far I could push my own skills to another level. I feel as if I've definitely accomplished that. I don't consider the parts I wasn't able to scope into my project as failures, but as realistic changes to a map. Most of all, I think that the content that I've created has helped me in many ways to affect my style, approach, workflow, and time management during the course of the semester.
