Vehicle and Props Design | Final Project

Gao Yuan Yi 0373945

GCD61804 Vehicle and Props Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Project 1 - Pre Production

Project 2 - Production

Final Project - Post Production and Profiling

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INSTRUCTION

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Project 1 - Pre Production

INSTRUCTION

In this project, we are required to create a suitable vehicle and props design for the world that we have proposed across for character design and anatomy (optional) or we can have it separate. Our vehicle and props should communicate its functionality that reflect the world proposed. Note that for vehicle (man-made mechanical ), we are to choose 1 minimum from any of these types (land, air, water), whilst props are the components suitable to our vehicle where we will be continuously developing till our Final Project. Here we will be showcasing your ideation process as listed below:

• Moodboard and style guide
• Thumbnail Sketches ( 20 drawing in 2 sheets)
• Silhouettes (10 pieces in 1 sheet)
• Rough Value painting (5 chosen from the silhouettes) - 1 sheet
• Design breakdowns - min 1 sheet

PROGRESS

At the beginning of this project, I decided to design a motorcycle because I believed that motorcycles offer great potential for both visual impact and narrative development in anime and animated characters. Unfortunately, I had no prior knowledge of any kind of vehicle props, so I began searching for reference images to better understand the appearance and structure of motorcycles.

Fig.1.1.1 Moodboard

After gaining a general understanding of the appearance and structure of motorcycles, I began to consider the style of the motorcycle I would design. Since I wanted my motorcycle to retain a mechanical and futuristic feel while incorporating a touch of femininity, I thought of an animated show I used to love—The Powerpuff Girls. I was especially fond of the character Blossom, so I decided to design a motorcycle inspired by her image and style.

Fig.1.1.2 Character Style

After finalizing the overall style of the motorcycle, I began creating design sketches. I started by drawing 20 sillhouttes and thumbnail side-view sketches of the motorcycle.

Fig.1.1.3 sillhouttes and thumbnail sketches #1

Fig.1.1.4 sillhouttes and thumbnail sketches #2

Next, I selected my two favorite designs from the sketches and developed them into 3/4 angle structure drawings with color.

In the initial design sketches, my lecturer believed that the three-wheeled motorcycle offered more potential for creative development. He suggested that I look into more references on the appearance and structural design of three-wheeled motorcycles.

Fig.1.1.5 Design Sketches

Following my instructor's advice, I redesigned a new version of the motorcycle—one that is upgradeable and equipped with weapons.

Fig.1.1.6 Task 1 Fianl Design

COPILATION

Fig.1.2.1 Presentation

Fig.1.2.2 Compilation

Project 2 - Production

INSTRUCTION

In this project, we are required to continue developing our vehicle design from project 1. Pick one of our vehicle and props concept to be extended with design application that communicates well and appeal to the target audiences. Here we have to showcase our development process. Process includes:

• Thumbnails  (Vehicle and Props Breakdowns)
• Value studies
• Color studies
• Textures

PROGRESS

In Project 2, my goal was to design a side-view structural drawing of the motorcycle, a simplified interior structure diagram, and a motorcycle helmet.

Fig.2.1.1 Side-view Structural Drawing

For the helmet, I took into consideration the red bow worn by Blossom in The Powerpuff Girls, which I see as her signature accessory. I decided to incorporate a large red bow at the back of the helmet so that even when the character is wearing it, her iconic look would still be preserved.

Fig.2.1.2 Vehicle and Props Breakdown Thumbnail

COMPILATION

Fig.2.2.1 Presentation

Fig.2.2.2 Compilation

Final Project - Post Production and Profiling

INSTRUCTION

Final Polished for each vehicles (Land, Water and Air). Call sheet showcasing the breakdown's of our props, interior and engine (if necessary). Call sheet needs to be well laid out.  

• Color studies
• Textures
• Key Art
• Props Breakdown
• Orthographic

PROGRESS

In the Final Project, I followed lecturer's guidance and added more details to my motorcycle design by referencing additional motorcycle design drawings.

  

Fig.3.1.1 Final Vehicle Design

Fig.3.1.2 Final Vehicle and Props Breakdown

Fig.3.1.3 Key Art

After completing the final design drawing, I began attempting to sculpt my motorcycle design in 3D using ZBrush.

Fig.3.1.4 3D Sculpture progress

Fig. 3.1.5 Final 3D Vehicle Sculpture Model (3/4 veiw)

Fig. 3.1.6 Final 3D Vehicle Sculpture Model (side veiw)

COMPILATION

Fig.3.2.1 Compilation

Fig.3.2.2 Presentation

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FEEDBACK

Week2

I was required to study more structure and references. 

Week4
I was required to study more structure and references. 

Week6
My design was approved to move on to the next stage of development.

Week9
I was asked to observe more reference images in order to add further details to the design.

Week12
I was asked to observe more reference images in order to add further details to the design.

Week13
I was asked to observe more reference images in order to add further details to the design.

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REFLECTION

Over the course of this semester, I have gained a deeper understanding of vehicle and props design through both theory and hands-on practice. At the beginning of the module, I had very little experience in designing any kind of vehicle. However, I decided to challenge myself by designing a motorcycle, as I believed it could provide strong visual and narrative potential for animated characters.

Initially, I spent time researching different types of motorcycles to better understand their structure and appearance. This research phase was crucial, as it helped me move from vague ideas to more grounded and believable designs. I began sketching rough side views—about 20 variations—to explore different silhouettes and forms. From there, I selected my two favorite concepts and developed them into 3/4 colored structural drawings.

With my instructor's guidance, I shifted my focus toward three-wheeled motorcycle designs, which provided more room for creativity and functionality. Taking inspiration from The Powerpuff Girls, especially the character Blossom, I added iconic elements like a red bow to the helmet design to maintain character identity even when fully geared up.

Throughout the project, I learned the importance of reference images—not just for copying shapes, but for understanding how real-world structures work and how to creatively translate them into fictional, stylized designs. I was encouraged to continuously refine my work by adding more mechanical details and considering function, form, and storytelling.

In the final phase, I began translating my 2D design into a 3D model using ZBrush. This was both exciting and challenging. It helped me see the design in a new light, pushing me to pay more attention to proportions, surfaces, and volume. I also learned how critical it is to observe how folds, materials, and mechanical parts behave in real life.

This course has greatly improved my ability to visualize and develop concept designs from scratch. I've learned not only technical skills, but also how to think more like a designer—constantly asking questions, seeking reference, and pushing ideas further. I look forward to applying this knowledge in future character or prop-based projects, especially within the animation and entertainment design field.