This project isn't too technical in terms of assets as most of them are from an asset pack. However, there are a few details I want to highlight. I did use some interesting techniques to get the sort of atmosphere I wanted.
The camera uses a fisheye lens cropped in a bit. This gives the dreamlike swirls you see on the edges of the frame and is all an in-camera effect, even if the camera is a virtual one.
The rope is actually made up of individual geometry strands, which allows me to fray the end where it's broken and makes the realism of the scene much better. The knots were referenced from real ones and would actually hold if tied in real life.
inline_Image[Rope.jpg|Detailed Rope Geometry and Knots]
I think this piece is frustrating for me—it is my most liked artwork on my ArtStation, and I dont think its up to the level of my other work that I put many more hours into. I guess the main reason is the mood it conveys. I'm not sure exactly what people think when they see it, but I think the broken swing does add to the sunny melancholy atmosphere. I think most people see something nostalgic perhaps? Or something lost. Especially since I titled it "Years Ago."
But my original intentions with the piece were more from creating art from a situation which I was not happy with. A person who I didn't know making homophobic comments about me when I was just sitting alone in a park. I didn't respond at the time, but I think making this was my way of doing that in a way. The swing representing them gone.
I do think art can convey multiple complex meanings at once, because the artwork definitely did evolve as I made it. It can convey both nostalgia and discomfort at the same time.
