Environment Study

For this project, I focused on texturing and lighting, particularly working with reflective surfaces like glass. I spent a significant amount of time refining the glass textures to ensure they reacted realistically to both light and reflections. Creating the right balance of warmth and cold was a key challenge, I wanted the glowing lanterns and lit windows to feel inviting while still maintaining the chilly, winter atmosphere. To enhance this mood, I experimented with Niagara in Unreal Engine to create realistic falling snow, which added depth and movement to the scene.

This project challenged me to push my skills in both technical execution and artistic storytelling. Balancing the reflective glass surfaces with the softer glow of the lights required careful tweaking of materials and lighting settings. Fine-tuning the snowfall with Niagara also took some trial and error, especially when adjusting particle density and speed to create a natural look. Despite the challenges, the process helped me grow more confident in combining textures, lighting, and effects to build an immersive environment. As a student still learning and improving, I believe this project was a success and a step forward in developing my skills in environment art.