During this project, I learned many of the basics and tools involved in designing with MAYA. I learned how to change the texture to wood, gold, etc, and display that in render from various angles. I also learned and tested out many different shaping tools. The basics of this project were easy to understand and follow along but getting more precise details were difficult especially with the sculpting tools. I also did not have access to a mouse since I used my mac laptop. I think my project could definitely be improved and done more quickly if I had a mouse. I think my submission could be improved if I had more knowledge and practice with the different sculpting tools. I also could improve the lighting to make the renders portray greater detail I feel as though the gold gets kind of washed out. I could also play around with changing the colors of the piece to improve the final result. The step-by-step directions for MAYA especially the Lab 6 part were extremely helpful but maybe some more details on the sculpting tools can help improve the project in the future. When looking up various images of chess pieces to inspire me for my project I liked the idea of spikes on the top of the chess piece. My initial sketches and idea were to make an almost king or queen crown shape on the top of my piece. It also looks like it may be able to hold another object in the top now so maybe instead of a chess piece one can use the imagination and maybe see it as a candle or ring/jewlery holder.
