This episode is basically a production diary where I talk about my journey with Unreal Engine. The main focus is on shifting from just learning forever to actually finishing projects. I want to create a space to share insights that might click with you if you're on a similar path—dealing with that mix of excitement and those moments where you just feel discouraged.

Over the last two years, I've hit a lot of walls working on different things, which often left me feeling disappointed because I didn't finish them. In this episode, I talk about why I’m optimizing my workflow and the new tech investments I’ve made to level up, especially for cinematics. I also really want to invite you to connect and collaborate so we can build a community of people who are passionate about mastering Unreal.

I’m taking a deep dive into the creative process here, sharing my personal experiences and thoughts on how I learn. It’s an informal, introspective look at my time with the software. I want to bring you into my world, which can feel a bit isolating, but I’m really looking for that connection with like-minded creators.

I talk about the emotional ups and downs—the thrill and the despair—that come with this kind of work. I also get into the technical struggles, like hardware limits and figuring out advanced stuff like Metahumans. Moving from a MacBook to a proper PC setup was a huge milestone for me to improve my work and finally get those polished results. It’s all about moving away from just experimenting and actually completing meaningful projects.

I’m encouraging you to reach out because I bought a face capture rig recently, which is a real step toward my cinematic goals, and I want to share that. I wrap things up by emphasizing how important shared experiences are and the potential of mastering Unreal. I want to break out of the solitary creative bubble. I hope this story not only informs you but inspires you to start your own journey of discovery and creation.

Takeaways:

• The podcast serves as a personal diary where I share my experiences with Unreal Engine.
• I aim to regularly update listeners about my projects and discovered tutorials related to Unreal Engine.
• The journey of learning often involves both enthusiasm and discouragement, which I have experienced firsthand.
• I have transitioned to using a PC for Unreal Engine, seeking to enhance my creative output significantly.
• My commitment to complete projects stems from a desire to share my work and possibly monetize it.
• I have invested in equipment for face capture to enhance my filmmaking capabilities using Unreal Engine.

contact me at: cmonkxxx@gmail.com

Everyone knows it’s easy to start a project, but getting back to it when the excitement fades? That’s where the real struggle is. In this episode, I’m looking at how hard it is to maintain momentum—whether it’s podcasting or working in Unreal Engine—and how easily we get distracted by "shiny object syndrome," playing with Metahumans instead of actually building the world.

I also break down how I navigated this year’s Black Friday sales. I’ve realized that my materialism has shifted; I don't want physical objects anymore, I want digital ones. I want the satisfaction of owning 3D scans and building a virtual library, even if I never use half of it. I finally dipped into my wishlist to buy the Scans Factory Rome Italian Town pack. After using the Matrix City Sample for so long, I realized I needed to get away from that cold, cruel New York vibe and find something cozier—inspired by those beautiful Mediterranean levels in Hitman.

But building this movie brought me to a frustrating roadblock: Metahumans don’t have clothes. The new system is great, but unless you want a character in underwear or a sci-fi warrior suit, you’re out of luck. I rant a bit about the state of the marketplace—where a pair of virtual jeans costs €41 (which is what I’d pay for real trousers)—and why I refuse to spend €150 just to dress one background character.

This pushed me to a new solution: I picked up a license for Marvelous Designer. It’s a steep learning curve, but I’m excited to start stitching my own custom assets, even if it means working on a MacBook on the train. I also touch on the "hidden costs" of virtual production, including the "black magic" of Windows Firewalls blocking my new iPhone head rig for facial capture. Finally, to keep myself accountable, I committed to a four-year hosting deal with Hostinger—so now I have no excuse not to share the work I’m creating.

Takeaways:

• It's easy to start a project, but maintaining excitement and commitment is much harder over time.
• Black Friday can be a great opportunity to save money, but it's crucial to avoid impulse buying and stick to a wishlist.
• When creating virtual environments in Unreal Engine, managing asset clutter is essential for maintaining efficiency and creativity.
• The transition from physical to digital assets changes our perception of ownership and necessity, especially in creative projects.
• Investing in quality digital assets can enhance a project significantly, but it requires careful consideration of budget and utility.
• Finding appropriate outfits for digital characters can be surprisingly expensive and time-consuming, highlighting the challenges in digital fashion.

Links referenced in this episode:

• My personal podcast (cMonkX Podcast)
• hostinger.com
• fab.com
• Rome - Italian City - Unreal Engine Asset (Environment from Scans Factory)
• Face Motion Capture Head rig
• Hitman Game
• Unreal Engine :)

Email me at cmonkxxx@gmail.com

Keywords:

podcasting, Unreal Engine, Black Friday deals, digital assets, environment design, metahuman outfits,...

Transitioning from UX Design to 3D Clothing and the Reality of Creative Problem Solving

This episode is a "dump of ideas"—a way to clear my mind as I transition into a new creative field. I’ve spent the last decade in UX design, but I can feel the market changing. Between AI and the "templating" of the web, the space for dedicated UX designers is shrinking, and I’m finding my future in the "massive niche" of virtual fashion for MetaHumans.

The Technical Struggle

I’ve recently invested in Marvelous Designer, a powerful tool for digital outfit design. However, "life got in the way" in the form of overdue tax returns. Interestingly, I’ve been using AI to help me understand and file these forms without an accountant—a reassuring use of technology in a field I find unbearable. On the 3D side, I’ve been wrestling with the workflow between Marvelous Designer and Unreal Engine. It’s not "creative" work—it’s problem-solving—but it’s the price of entry for this playground.

Real Fashion in a Virtual World

I’ve made a conscious choice to avoid Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration because they are currently "polluted by AI." AI designs look feasible but often have construction flaws that make them impossible to recreate in 3D. Instead, I’m using Zalando—a real-world retailer—to study realistic fashion trends and product photography to ensure my digital creations look "down to earth" and feasible.

Building an Evergreen Portfolio

One realization that hit me hard recently is how temporary UX design is. I look at my old portfolio and see projects for high-end clients that no longer exist online because products changed or designs were scraped. Virtual fashion feels different. While software systems change, a well-designed digital collection can be "evergreen"—timeless designs that remain universal even if the format needs to be converted later.

I’m heading off on a two-week holiday soon, but I’m taking my laptop to commit to these MetaHuman animations and outfits. I’m done reflecting on the UX designer I "used to be"; it’s time to focus on the 3D designer I’m becoming.

Creative process of asset generation and the journey of learning new tools, specifically in the realm of 3D design with Unreal Engine and Marvelous Designer. We discuss how, despite being away from our powerful workstations, we can still make significant strides using just a MacBook and a bit of determination. I’ve taken the plunge into creating shoe assets by 3D scanning real shoes, which turned out to be a game-changer in my workflow. We also touch on the importance of keeping our knowledge organized and accessible, especially as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of 3D design. Join me as I share my experiences, lessons learned, and the exciting developments that lie ahead for our budding community of creators. Embarking on a creative journey this year, we delve into the world of 3D design and the tools that facilitate our artistic visions. In this episode, I reflect on my recent endeavors, particularly my experiences with Unreal Engine and Marvelous Designer while traveling. I had the chance to immerse myself in tutorials with just my MacBook, which felt like a refreshing change. As I navigated through the intricacies of garment design, I realized that every step I took added another layer to my understanding, albeit with a humorous acknowledgment of my ongoing learning curve. One of the key themes we discuss is the challenge of retaining knowledge in an ever-evolving technological landscape. I’ve adopted a method of organizing my learning through Google Docs, which has proven to be invaluable in keeping my thoughts and resources structured. This episode highlights not just my personal projects, but also my plans to launch a blog that will document my creative process and serve as a platform for sharing tutorials and insights with others in the community. The vision is to create a space where we can learn from each other, exchange ideas, and grow as creators. We share some laughs as I recount the amusing process of creating 3D assets by scanning real shoes I ordered online. This quirky method has opened up a new avenue for my projects, making the process both enjoyable and innovative. The episode wraps up with a call for community engagement, inviting listeners to connect and share their experiences. It's about embracing the creative chaos and finding joy in the journey, all while recognizing that we are all in this together, navigating the complexities of our craft.

Takeaways:

1. This year, I'm excited to explore new tools and software that will enhance my 3D skills.
2. Traveling recently allowed me to focus on learning, using only my MacBook for tutorials.
3. Creating a Google Doc with organized tabs has significantly helped me retain my acquired knowledge.
4. I plan to launch a personal blog to share my projects and favorite tutorials with the community.
5. Working on garments in 3D can be challenging, but I'm enjoying the learning process despite the hurdles.
6. I've realized that sharing my resources publicly motivates me to be more productive and deliberate.

Email me at:

cmonkxxx@gmail.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Unreal Engine
2. MacBook
3. Marvelous Designer
4. Zalando

Creativity has its peaks and valleys, and in this episode, I reflect on the ebb and flow of my own creative journey. I've wandered through various artistic fields, and while I often find joy in creating, there's an underlying concern about whether we ever truly reach our peak or if it all just tapers off. I share my experiences in diverse creative disciplines, from print design to 3D modeling, and how the thrill of creation sometimes feels overshadowed by the fear of stagnation. As I document my work and explore new tools, I realize the importance of creating not just for others but for myself, to keep that creative juice flowing. Join me as we unpack the complexities of creativity, the fear of fading, and the question of whether we can sustain our artistic high points over time. Creative journeys often feel like a rollercoaster, don't they? Reflecting on my own path, I’ve dabbled in various creative fields over the years, from print design to UI/UX, and now, I’m neck-deep in 3D design. It’s fascinating how our creative inclinations evolve; I’ve come to realize that the joy I derive from creating often outweighs the pressures of professional validation. However, there’s a lingering question that keeps me up at night: is there a peak in our creativity? I’ve documented my work over the years, and while I see progress, I can’t shake off the feeling that maybe I’ve already hit my creative peak. The struggle between maintaining creativity and the fear of stagnation is a common thread among artists. I discuss how societal expectations can sometimes overshadow our creative expressions, leading us to create for others rather than ourselves. It’s an invitation for all of us to reflect on our creative outputs and the motivations behind them. Are we creating for the love of it, or are we chasing after fleeting trends?

Takeaways:

1. Creativity is a journey that can ebb and flow, and it's essential to keep exploring new avenues.
2. Even if we reach a peak in our creative output, there's always room for growth and reinvention.
3. The quality of our creative work often reflects our personal experiences and emotions at the time.
4. It's crucial to be creative for ourselves, not just for others, to maintain our passion and drive.

Email me at:

cmonkxxx@gmail.com