Creating the 3D Model

I have started creating a basic model of a Mk2 Escort in 3Ds MAX. This is my progress so far.

The body was created by placing images onto planes in each viewport for the dimensions and to use as templates. Basically I created a box and tweeked the shapes using various different methods.

The body needs a heck of a lot more work and alot more hours spent on it! I need to smooth it slightly and apply materials etc to create the doors and bonnet, boot etc.

It's a work in progress although im quite pleased with how the wheels turned out.

Creating basic visual ideas

Here are 3 site layouts I put together to try and help me decide how my site will look on completion.

I like these designs because they remind me of an old retro tv show and theres also an element of the old Ford Haynes manuals in heres too I think!

Graded Unit2

Brief:

Create a website to demonstrate the stages of restoring a classic car to show winning standard. This site will follow the many stages of two restored vehicles, from where they started to how they are now using Flash galleries.

Tone of Voice:

Friendly, expert and concise. The site should not be too corporate but should also provide a certain amount of professionalism.

Overall Goal:

The website should deliver a friendly atmosphere where it can help to educate car builders in various sections in building a car using reference photos and descriptions. Also a brief description of the tools and materials used will help car builders to decide what tools they will use for their projects.

Target Audience:

Mainly targeted at those who are looking for advice on how to restore a specific classic car. I would put this age range at between 25 and 50 but this can also be targeted to a further and larger audience. The audience wont all necessarily be your typical mechanic or tradesman so design should not be overlooked.

Considered software:

· The use of 3D modelling in the site (AutoDesk 3Ds Max)

· Using Flash to incorporate some interactivity within the site.

· Dreamweaver to tie all of these elements together to make a functioning site.

Deliverables:

Work mounted on a maximum of 4 A2 or A3 boards and digital work.

Digital work will be delivered in Flash and HTML

Deadline:

The development stage to be submitted by the 30^th April.

Planning.....

Brainstorming, Using Mindjet Mind manager I will pick key words from the project and generate mind maps. Also I will create a mock Gantt chart using either Photoshop, Illustrator or Microsoft Excel. A full version will be created at a later date using Microsoft Projects.

To start the research I will look at what is out there that could compare to what I am going to create. I will look at what kind of audience these sites are generally aimed at and see If I might be able to broaden the target audience by incorporating an eye catching design to the site. Look at how these sites are put together and try picturing how I can make my site better.

Start to collect imagery. As the site is all about the restoration of a Ford Escort Mk2, look for images of these cars, look at the colours, the lines and the textures and materials. Any one of these things can come in handy when design ideas for the site are floating about.

Collect a few images connected to the 70s! This is when the car was originally released so it might me good to incorporate a retro feel to the site.

Using the sites I have looked at and the images I have gathered I will draw up some rough sketches of a rough site layout, This can be further produced to a rough Photoshop layout before more final mock up designs are tackled. This can be good to get a feel of how I want my site to look.