Capstone Reflection

Well, now that capstones are over....what can I really say?

For starters, I feel a bit panicked considering that even the most 'simple' of projects looked great and I wonder how I can measure up to them. What's even worse is the fact that as I am doing my capstone in the SPRING, that means there will be even more students to work with!

But is there anything good I can say about this? Why yes! I got a feel of the atmosphere during capstones and with it, I at least have a better understanding of how things will work. Another thing that made me feel better about Capstone was how much networking was going on; I couldn't turn around without someone talking about getting together for possible projects and other things. In other words, the capstone is more than just some final project, its a chance to get out there and get your worked noticed, something that has been stated since the beginning of this semester in class.

Just walking around and getting to talk about their project was a good experience for me and I'm glad that I came, not just because it was required for us but because I have a better understanding of what I HAVE to do and what I CAN do. I still have some way to go in my own capstone but this event has at least pushed me forward a bit more.

The Capstone Results are in.....

Capstone Interviewee: Christina Dunbar

Project: Twelve/ World Building

Summary: Christina had come up with an interesting world building concept for a story/game she had been working on. While most of the concept work and drawings had been created using both traditional and digital media, the biggest eye catcher was the physical aspect of her project; she had recreated one of the scenes of her story using real objects including a physical map (crafted from watercolor paper and drawn herself), wooden chest and items, and real herbs and plants that were mentioned in her book. The set up alone was the biggest eye catcher of the entire project.

1.       Why did you chose this project as your capstone?

This world building concept, as well as the story, had been a passion and an interest I’ve had since I was a young child.

2.    

   What were some changes you had to make between your original capstone pitch and the final presentation?

There was room changes in the last moments of the capstone that I was not aware of. This meant I had to lug all my items from one place to another and this was not an easy task, especially with the large table I had to use as part of my project.

3.       What is your opinion of the timeline? Was it helpful or a waste of time?

I found it to be helpful but you have to be careful of changes as they can throw you off sometimes.

4.       If you could change anything about your capstone, what would it be?

I wanted to add in more posters and other media to draw attention to the project and show off more of the artwork. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do this because of time issues.

5.       What advice would you give me in planning my capstone?

Overestimate the time and money you will need to complete everything. This way, you will keep on track with the time and overestimating how much things will cost might help you with funds so you won’t find yourself with too little money before everything is due.

~~~

Capstone Interviewee: Kenneth Robert Van Velzen

Project: Unlocked Foods/ 3D Graphic Design

Summary: Kenneth’s project was based on how to utilize certain environmental/production factors in order to produce fresh and healthier food that is not only better for consumption but also doesn’t harm the environment. These concepts, including a fish farm which was connected to a green-house like structure, were all created and models by Velzen himself using Maya

1.       Why did you choose this project for your capstone?

I was combining my interest of 2D and 3D design with my personal business goals.

2.     

  What were some changes you had to make between your original capstone pitch and the final presentation?

I originally wanted to do a video but I felt that it was veering from my original concept and goals at that point. That is when I decided to simply show off my work in both print form as well as display them here in the lab. I feel this way, my ideas are retained better and people have more time to look at my work to understand what I am trying to do.

3.       What is your opinion of the timeline? Was it helpful or a waste of time?

I was worth it. It might have been difficult to work with since plans and things change over time but I’m glad that I was able to keep up with it for the most part.

4.       If you could change anything about your capstone, what would it be?

I would have tried to put in more designs and elements into my project.

5.       What advice would you give me in planning my capstone?

Just plan it and keep to it. Don’t lose focus and keep going.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Capstone Interviewee:  Samantha Tarkington

Project:  The Gem Caller/Comic

Summary:  For her capstone, Samantha created a comic which not only included a final print of her work but also displays of the process of making her comic; concept sketches of the characters, production images, several images of the finished product.

1.       Why did you choose this project for your capstone?

Because I wasn’t confident in the animated version of this which was what I originally planned to present.

2.       What were some of the changes you had to make between your original capstone pitch and the final presentation?

For starters, the comic was only going to be PART of the presentation; you would start by reading the comic then it would go into the animation. When I decided to just do the comic, I had to condense the comic a bit since it started out originally as 21 pages but for the capstone, I cut it down to 14 pages.

3.       What is your opinion of the timeline? Was it helpful or a waste of time?

Just throw it out the window.

4.       If you could change anything about your capstone, what would it be?

I would have added more panels to my comic which in turn would have made the flow the story a lot better in my opinion.

5.       What advice would you give me in planning my capstone?

Don’t choose a story that you’ve been working on for a while. Of course, this is just my advice since some people have been able to present working capstones with a long-running project/idea that they’ve had.