Projct Proposal
Soft Sand Minimalist Modern Thesis Defense Presentation (4)
When I first proposed the creation of the “Closet” diorama, my goal was to develop a thought-provoking multimedia installation that poignantly highlights the issue of human habitat encroachment on wildlife. Reflecting on the journey from the project proposal to the final product, I find a mix of successes, challenges, and unexpected turns.
Goal Achievement:
The “Closet” diorama is closely aligned with the initially stated outcome. The laser cut was successful despite the extra time spent fixing the fragile parts that kept falling off. I learned about the material characteristics of different types of wood and how each of them can best be incorporated with the laser machine to achieve my visual expectations. The result effectively serves as a powerful commentary on the expanding human footprint and the consequential impact on wildlife habitats. The multimedia elements, including painting the skeletons white in contrast to the blackness in the closet, contribute to the surreal atmosphere, eliciting thoughtful reflections on the themes of overcrowding, resource scarcity, and the pressing need for conservation.
Deadline and Budget:
The project timeline was meticulously managed, and the deadline was successfully met. However, challenges arose in adhering to the budget restrictions. I required additional financial resources to test different types of wood for laser cutting, which I did not expect to have in my initial proposal, leading to a budget overrun. Despite this, the decision was made to prioritize the overall impact of the diorama, emphasizing its potential to evoke emotions and inspire conservation awareness.
Realism of Goals:
The initial goals were realistic in terms of the project’s scope and thematic focus. However, unexpected technical challenges arose during the assembly; the cut pieces were so fragile that they kept falling off and breaking during the process. The decision to adapt to these challenges allowed for a more refined and impactful final product.
Concessions and Exceeding Expectations:
While concessions were made in terms of the budget, the final product exceeded expectations in terms of emotional resonance and public engagement. The immersive nature of the diorama garnered positive feedback from viewers and created heightened awareness of the urgent conservation message. The concessions made in budget planning were deemed acceptable in light of the project’s overall success.
Shifting Goals:
Throughout the project, goals shifted organically in response to unforeseen challenges and creative opportunities. The initial emphasis on multiple materials evolved into a focus on maximizing emotional impact through single-material storytelling. I removed other furniture designed for the room, allowing the audience to focus their eyes on the closet. I also excluded the needle felting part, which I felt wouldn’t complement the wood element and might soften the overall atmosphere, deviating from the intended theme. This adaptive approach ensured that the project remained aligned with its core message while embracing unexpected avenues for expression.
Challenges and Successes:
Technical challenges in integrating the laser-cut components posed significant hurdles during the development phase. Most of the wood available in stores was either too thin, creating significant burn marks, or too thick to cut through. I spent extra days figuring out the materials and additional budget. The wood glue I bought was also too weak and dried too slowly, causing issues during assembly; I switched to hot glue instead. However, these challenges were overcome through several prototypes and a commitment to delivering a high-quality experience. The success of the project lies in its ability to evoke strong emotional responses, sparking conversations about the critical issue of habitat encroachment.
Learning and Future Considerations:
In hindsight, a more comprehensive assessment of potential budget adjustments could have been conducted in the initial planning stages. Additionally, a contingency plan for unexpected technical challenges might have mitigated some of the stress encountered during the multimedia integration phase.
Conclusion:
The “Closet” diorama stands as a testament to the dynamic nature of creative projects. While challenges were present, the final product effectively communicates the intended message, and its success in engaging the audience surpasses initial expectations. The project’s ability to adapt to shifting goals and unforeseen obstacles highlights the importance of flexibility and resilience in the creative process. Looking forward, the lessons learned from this project will inform future endeavors, ensuring a more seamless integration of creativity, realism, and impactful messaging.
Reflecting on the animation shooting process, one glaring challenge that surfaced was the limitation of time allotted for crafting a more expansive setting and a nuanced storyline design. The constraints placed on the timeframe hindered the opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of the narrative, leaving me with a sense of unfulfilled creative potential. A larger setting could have added layers of richness to the visual storytelling, providing a more immersive experience for the audience. Similarly, a more extended timeline would have allowed for a more intricate and well-developed storyline, enabling the exploration of diverse plot elements and character arcs. In future projects, I aim to advocate for a realistic timeline that accommodates the intricacies of storytelling and visual design, fostering a more robust and captivating creative process.