I designed this compact mirrorless camera as a KeyShot teaching aid in 2016. Late 2018, I animated this model as a portfolio piece to demonstrate my animation capabilities as I stepped back into the world of freelancing.
As Luxion’s Global Training Specialist, I was fortunate to have trained hundreds of designers. KeyShot allows designers to breathe life into their ideas through photo-realistic rendering. As a trainer, I provided groups with 3D files to practice and learn with while teaching the course.
Each 3D file is optimized to teach specific tools within KeyShot. This compact mirrorless camera is the first product I designed as a KeyShot teaching aid in 2016. In late 2018, I decided to make a product animation using this model for fun.
For each major release of KeyShot, Luxion creates new 3D assets to go with new learning content. For the release of KeyShot 7, I designed and modeled this compact mirrorless camera. The goal was to strike a balance between a technical and relatable product. This project allowed me to focus on refining my top-down modeling skills in Solidworks.
I animated the compact mirrorless camera in KeyShot using my typical approach. Being all about efficiency, I blocked in the major movements of the product. Then, I dialed in the timing of each movement. After I was happy with that, I worked in the little details that make the animation a bit more dynamic.
After determining what render settings would be appropriate, I rendered out frames. The stills that KeyShot produced were then imported into Adobe Premiere Pro. This is my preferred editing software. I tend to do very basic video editing and Premiere has the tools I need. It gives me the ability to add titles, fades, music and control the export and encode process.
The soundtrack to a film sets the tone and can either break or make the film. For this animation, I wanted some epic soundtrack. The TC2 was being treated like a spaceship during the animation, so I thought it would be fun to find someone to collaborate with on the sound. A mutual friend introduced me to Zac Schmidt and Marcus Bagala.
After sending the first edit to Marcus and Zac, Marcus sent back a score. Immediately, I was excited because he seemed to capture the mood perfectly. Next, Zac worked his magic, layering in sound effects and details that helped enhance the movements within the animation.
I’m fortunate to have worked with both Marcus and Zac on this piece because they really brought it to life with with their sound.
Zac Schmidt - Sound Design
Marcus Thorne Bagala - Original Score
Will Gibbons - Modeling, Animating, Rendering & Post Production
