Online 3D Software: Spline!

 The Task

Today I was introduced to a new free and online 3D software called Spline. The objective was to follow a tutorial video and get to know the software a little bit. The end goal was to create a 3D popsicle, alongside a simple animation and audio implementation. Below is the link to the tutorial video used: Popsicle Tutorial

Developmental Process 

Spline isn’t the first 3D software I’ve used, previously I have dabbled in both Blender and Autodesk Maya. Based on those experiences I can definitely say that Spline has an amazing UI that makes the learning experience for me as a beginner very smooth. Nothing was too complicated and I found no issues whilst following the tutorial.

To start off, just as I would in any other 3D software, I added the front view image and the side view image of the popsicle I meant to recreate. Then I built each section of the popsicle using basic shapes as a base, which were then rounded off at the edges to match the image.

Afterwards, I proceeded with the details of the popsicle. The top block/flavour has a variety of circle and star sprinkles inside. But before adding those, I had to lower the visibility of the block so that the ‘sprinkles’ on the inside could be seen. 

To create the sprinkles themselves, I had to add the circles and stars in several sizes and colours, then individually spread them out following the pattern of the image. For a more natural look, I dispersed the sprinkles from the side view and continued to tilt some of them to replicate what sprinkles would actually look like if you put them into a liquid. 

The third flavour block has triangular sprinkles surrounding it, however I took the creative liberty to do an organic shape in various sizes and shades of purple.

The final details were the highlights and surrounding stars. The highlights were simple rectangular shapes with rounded edges, each with a border in front of it. The method used for the stars was no different to the organic shapes on the third flavour block. However these had an event programmed to them, so that in the final presentation mode, no matter what angle you were to view the popsicle they would continue to face the camera.

To finish off the tutorial, lighting and shows were added alongside an animation that would tilt the popsicle by 10 degrees when clicked on. Not only would the popsicle tilt, but the background music would also pause.

Final Results

In the end, I enjoyed using Spline a lot and I would like to play around with the software more in the future to see what else I can create. What I will say however, is that I did experience one issue regarding a ‘pop’ sound effect that was meant to go off when the popsicle was clicked on. No matter what I tried the sound never went off, later on I will investigate the issue. Other than that, experimenting with 3D software gave me the ideas to try 3D packaging visualisation as a prototype for one of Devon’s biscuit products. 

Popsicle File: https://my.spline.design/icelolly-eddb83e309074825699f660ae0fb8fb8/