connoraplank

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MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER

VISUAL ENGINEER

illustrator
photoshop
indesign
premiere pro
after efects

html & css
figma
touchdesigner
pre-post print production
blender
keyshot
jangafx software
rhino
java
javascript
python
autocad software
AI integration
3D print experience
analog hardware
networking systems
 
personal blog.  



Projects


Apple iSpresso

Blender +  After Effects + Figma + AI
25’
I wanted to push the limits of how I use AI within my workflow, generating a set of images from a prompt which I would then use to create a product rendering within Blender.

Creating the “Apple” effect while including AI in the workflow made this project come to fruition much faster. 

Designs inspired/referenced by AI prompts.


Cosmetic Series (Ongoing Project)

Blender + Illustrator + Photoshop + After Effects 
25’
I recently got into rendering hyperrealistic and dramatic various vessels of cosmetics. I found that the true winner of each render is not only the composition but the lighting and depth I am able to add using the camera to add a realistic bokeh effect. I find creating captivating scenery around the product plays into the realism at a whole other level.

Adding simple and subtle motion using keyframes takes it to another level even after that. 

Designs inspired/referenced by existing products.



MESHFLOW

Blender + After Effects + Illustrator 
23’
This project was an entry into the Zellerfeld design competition with PROSPECT 100. The prompt was to create a shoe that could be fully 3D printed. I created a design that I felt could be a daily driver. The prompt yielded everything from a sketch to a final render of your drawn sneaker.

I felt this was one of my first solid projects that I was proud of and I feel that works following this one had another level of expertise and concepts of critical design. 

 
 

Eavesdropping

Blender + Photoshop + After Effects
24’
In the initial stage I knew exactly what sort of effect I wanted to create. I feel as a society we get caught up on social media and consuming content without realizing what is going on behind the scenes. The way different social media platforms play into our advertisement consumption is sometimes too on point to ignore.

Many others have viewed this and have had different experiences which I feel plays into the idea of having multiple views on social media and content in general.

Casting Coach (Collaborative Project)

Figma + Illustrator + After Effects + Fusion 360
24’

INTERACTIVE DEMO
I was in charge of the overall direction and initial UI planning that was later changed and polished over a 30 hour work session. I worked with two others on this project, tasked to create a tablet based application that could be used offline in a small interest group.

For this project we decided to take up the challenge of designing a “fishing” app that would not only be a platform for you to log and track your catches but to socialize and compete on a virtual leaderboard. I also engineered a small device to mimic a bluetooth scanning device that connects to the app.

We also were tasked with creating some sort of promotional material showcasing the projects inner working to an interested audience. I was ultimately in charge of the direction and shooting of the video we decided to make.
Full Video

Credits to...
Andrew Beamsderfer (Secondary Actor, UI, Main Motion)
Keikoa Miller (Main Actor, UI, Motion)

FORM+FUNCTION (Ongoing Project)

Fusion 360 + Blender + Illustrator + Photoshop
24’
I have always loved engineering my own industrial concepts and trying to bring them to life. This is really where I broke the mold. I had this big idea to make affordable, aesthetic, functional, avant-garde piece of artwork that was not only for display, but could be used and sustainable for any amount of time.

The idea was to create a piece of functional decor that could be made from cost effective materials and be used over and over again multiple ways. Creating the design for the vessel was fairly straightforward, surveying people in regard to what types of candles and aromas they favor. 

The materials are a mix of earthy and industrial, the main piece being a concrete vessel holding a soy wax based candle. All of this being accompanied by a concrete ash tray and a wooden coaster.

Being able to go from a concept to physical is something I love to do.


Interactive Display (Senior Exhibition)

TouchDesigner + Blender + Illustrator + Photoshop + After Effects + Python + 
Javascript + Fusion360
25’
Creating an interactive display where users directly interact with gestures and touch actions has been something I have been developing for about 3 years before this culminating project. I wanted users to be able to experience a 3D space in a new way. 

Searching for the right program to bring it all together led me to create with TouchDesigner. With the integrated support of the Xbox Kinect V2 motion sensor I knew I could make it happen. Being able to start from scratch creating the touch interface for the tablet to designing standoffs for the stand itself was all part of the project.

Below are some selected screens and in-progress photos.


IP-1 Reimagined

Blender + Illustrator + Photoshop + After Effects
25’
Being a huge fan of the aesthetic and aura around the devices that the engineering and design team of Teenage Engineering come up with, I wanted to make an inspired piece reimagining their mp3/recording device. Focusing more on the overall design rather than the final materials I wanted to create a short abstract showcase of the device itself. 

Merging my graphic design experience with the different layers of the device itself was a challenge at first but figuring out the surfacing led me too success. 



SPK-1  (Original Concept)

Blender + Fusion360 + AI
25’
 As a culminating project for my self authorship project I wanted to bring a few things together that I find interesting, music and industrial design. What could go wrong?

From initial concept to 3D print to final design I wanted to create something that was representative of the Teenage Engineering brand that I could call my own. This is SPK-1 a modular speaker that is both functional and aesthetically on par with existing products. 



“apocalypse”  

Blender + EmberGen + After Effects 
25’
This is a personal project that I pursued, I recently got into learning a little bit about CGI integration into my 3D scenes. I wanted to take my animations a step further by including various simulations and creating a more developed theme around them. I named this animation “apocalypse” because it is what I think the world might look like if we were in the end of time situation.

I focused on creating a cohesive and developed world around the animation. Modeling, texturing, and animating the world around the main subjects were all created by me. The only assets not developed by me were the cars themselves. 


Elemental Championship Rings

Fusion 360 + Rhino 3D
23’
These rings were really enjoyable to make, I took the idea of sports rings and wanted to make them more of a natural element. I tried to come up with forms that I believed were going to be somewhat abstract but still emphasized the idea of victory or conquering something.

The final physical products were printed with a resin printed and I used a few coats of paint to really sell the effect.