The 3D/AR
Project

The 3D/AR Project allows the designer to transition from traditional 2D design into world of 3D modeling and augmented reality.

Specifically, students will:

  • Design 3D content and models using Illustrator, Dimension or Sketchup.

  • Arrange and export their 3D/AR content using Adobe Aero.

  • Focus on 1 of 3 possible creative directions: lunch truck, streetwear brand, or interactive AR experience (Note: with possible combinations, see “Requirements & Standards” section below.)

As examples of this project, scan each of the 4 QR codes on this page with a mobile device to see the range of AR experiences students have made in the past.

As with all Pro Projects, your Crest Project will be assessed by:

  • Professionalism - Project is done "to spec", follows directions, and fulfills all requirements.

  • Craftsmanship - Project exhibits an admirable application of design principles, an aesthetic style, and use of app workflows.

  • Challenge - There is producible evidence that the final design underwent the entire design process and was significant challenging.

  • Originality - Project content is unique (not copied, derivative, a template, AI generated in part or whole, or a reproduction of a tutorial).

    Note: Images referencing drug use, guns, violence, hate speech, etc. are not permitted.

Resources

Consider creating a streetwear brand starting with this 3D bundle or a lunch truck using this 3D model. You are also welcome to create content from scratch using Illustrator or Sketchup.

If you want to focus more on illustration, modeling and AR interactions, check out these illustrator assets to help you grasp some workflows.


For pattern and UV workflows, try out these assets.

Sound FX

Here are some free, no account needed, and not sketchy resources for sound fx and music:

Adobe Sound FX Libraries
BBC Sound FX Library
Premium Beat Free Sound FX
Free Music Archive
Mix Kit

(Note licensing - accreditation may be required.)

Process

1. Communicate

With the AR project, start by creating a brand - and give yourself a client questionnaire in order to form a clear design brief.

Here are some essential question you need to ask yourself:

  • What is the product?

  • Who is the target audience? Young kids? Teens? Fitness enthusiasts? etc.

  • What is the brand name?

  • Which fonts, color scheme, illustration style, etc. would align best with your given subject matter?

2. Research

Based on your design brief, visit the following websites and conduct related searches for inspiring examples, tutorials, or asset (fonts, color schemes, etc) that you might use:

Google (topic search)
Coolors (color schemes)
Behance (illustration styles and tutorials)
Adobe Fonts (tons of activate-able fonts)
Dafont (tons of downloadable fonts)
Google Fonts (tons of downloadable fonts)

(And any other good logo-based resources you can find.)

You can either download these images or screen grab them (CMD+Opt+4 for Mac).

After you have at least 20 or more assets, copy/paste or drag/drop these assets into an illustrator document (3000px X 3000px). Be sure to save this .ai document as "AR Moodboard".

3. Ideate

Based on your moodboard, grab your sketchbook and draw at least 4 possible layout solutions.

From these initial 4 solutions, selected one. Flip the page over and draw 4 new variations based on the initial solution you selected.

From this second round of 4, pick your top solution.

Before you fully commit, get some feedback from classmates, family, . . . anyone you can. Listen to learn - and be open to suggestions - you might come up with an even better solution with some outside feedback.

4. Formalize

Using your design brief, moodboard, and drawings, start your infographic using Ai and Ps, then possibly Dimension, and then Aero (note: be sure to reference “Specs and Standards” below).

Requirements
and Standards

 

Your project should be focused on 1 of 3 possible options:

  1. Lunch Truck - 5 graphic design elements (signage, logo, etc) and at least 1 pattern or large panel illustration.

  2. Streetwear Brand - 5 models with a shared brand in distinct variations (colors, patterns, illustration, etc.)

  3. Interactive AR - Original artwork (2D illustration made in Ai - or - 3D models made with Ai, Dn, or SketchUp. And at least 5 elements that are animated or interactive.

NOTE: Aero has technical limitations:

  • File Size - 50M max

  • Image Dimensions - 2048px X 2048px max

  • Ps Layers - 6 max

  • Photoshop Requirements - Check these specs.

  • Illustrator Requirements - Check these specs.

  • 3D Textures - no larger than 1024x1024 (256 x256 preferred)

  • 3D Model Polygon Count - 5k preferred, 15k maximum.

Issues and
Guidlines

Here are some common challenges and helpful guidelines for AR designers to consider.

Make sure to create your own 3D content using Illustrator, Dimension or Sketch Up.

Make more than just make a locked, static scene (or one that is interesting only from one perspective). Make the viewer want to move around and consider using animated or interactive elements.

Use either an image anchor or geolocation to place your model in space.

Avoid using your full name on public exporting of your AR model.