UNREAL ENGINE
May 2024
Mandalorian
As I reflect on my journey from the beginning to now, I am struck by the immense growth and learning that has taken place. Starting out, I had a little understanding of animation and Unreal Engine, but through learning and perseverance, I've acquired a means of new skills and knowledge. One of the most significant challenges I faced early on was grasping the complexities of Unreal Engine principles and techniques. Understanding many new concepts required patience and practice, but with each animation challenge I undertook, I gained a deeper appreciation for the art form and refined my abilities. Navigating Unreal Engine presented its own set of obstacles. From mastering the interface to troubleshooting technical issues, there were many moments of frustration and uncertainty. However, each obstacle I overcame served as a valuable lesson, equipping me with the problem-solving skills necessary to tackle future challenges head-on. Through countless hours of experimentation and exploration, I've gained a comprehensive understanding of Unreal Engine's capabilities, from creating dynamic environments with different modes such as landscape, selection, foliage, and modeling, using the quixel bridge to bring in 3D assets, to implementing complex character animations to adding niagara effects and working with many materials/textures. I've learned to leverage the engine's powerful features to bring my creative visions to life, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in interactive storytelling. But the most valuable insight I've gained throughout this journey is the importance of collaboration and community. Whether seeking guidance from fellow classmates or my professor or sharing my own knowledge and experiences, I've discovered the value of collective learning and support. Being able to reach out to them for help if needed and having so many resources available on Unreal Engine videos, allowed me to find inspiration and encouragement to continue pushing myself creatively and to complete challenges. As I look back on how far I've come, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for the opportunities I've had to learn and grow. While the journey has been challenging at times, it has also been incredibly rewarding, being able to learn more about animation and Unreal Engine and inspiring me to continue pursuing excellence in my craft.


