Solidworks Helmet

For the last project of my Solidworks class were supposed to design a piece of eyewear. Well, I simply couldn't resist making a (star) fighter helmet based upon an recent sketch of mine--with some Star Wars influence as well. Anyway, this is what I've got:

Even Newer Website Iteration

I haven't even finished my latest website and already I'm starting the design of a new one. My main motivation is that this last one was more of a test for me, considering I've limited web design experience. No matter, here's the design I'm leaning towards right now (I think I may be subconsciously influenced by the Monterey Bay Aquarium site with this, too):

New Website

Well, my new website is up and running, though it's pretty basic and far from complete. My biggest problem is that this is the first site I've made in 6 years, and 6 years ago I was using pre-CS Dreamweaver to do my bidding... suffice it to say I've been studying tutorials like mad. I've definitely got some learning to do and am trying to figure out the best way to browse through images (i.e. trying to learn flash and/or fireworks). Here's the site:

http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~mdsoto/Portfolio%20Website/MSoto%20Portfolio%20Site/index.html

Thorin's Throne

Alas, my models class is finished and, naturally, the first thing I decide to do afterwards is start building a model--and a very large one at that. This one's 1:12 scale and the primary materials are mdf (medium density fiberboard), leftover birch plywood, and my broken cedar desk chair... This first picture here's my source image from T. Rueping's site, though I'm making a few modifications that both facilitate construction and, in my opinion, add more visual interest:

For those unfamiliar with Thorin, he's the Dwarf King from the Hobbit--the King Under the Mountain, to be correct. The end model will emulate stone, I hope. (FYI: this model's pretty heavy...)

Drone Fighter Model

This here's my latest 'Models' project, a robot that happened to take the form of a spaceship/airship. This models was made by cannibalizing F-14, F-101, and Soviet Suchoj-Su 22 model parts with the addition of balsa and foam parts made from scratch. I'm moderately satisfied with the paint job, though I'd love to spend a solid month touching it up. No matter, I had fun giving the ship battle damage...

'Caudillo' Percussion Trade Show Booth (Model)

For my first assignment of my models class I was to build a trade show booth and, thus, this was my end product. Funny enough, the original support beams I worked on for weeks broke and I had to build these ones in a week. Some luck, eh?

The 'Caudillo' logo is roughly based upon the 'Zildjian' logo.

Website Pics

And these are the sample pictures I'm gonna use on my site. I've still got to get some better pictures of past projects and to get really nice shots of projects from this semester. I hope to get at least 10 projects up on the site.

Website, Take 3

I'm in the process of making a website and this is the latest iteration of the layout, though I still think it's missing that little certain 'Je ne sais quoi'...

Business Cards, take 2

I'm thinking these are most likely the business cards I'm gonna print in the summer; I'll probably change 'em up a bit, but good to have some anyway.

Creative Websites

While searching the internet I've come across a few unique and beautiful websites; these are just a few of my favorites:

1. The Art of Ralph McQuarrie

http://www.ralphmcquarrie.com/

The art of McQuarrie really sums up what I look for in my own art. He so freely and beautifully explores fantasy and scifi to a degree the makes me awestruck, beyond jealousy. This site sticks to a nice grid design and is easily navigable. Furthermore, I feel a more personal connection to Ralph McQuarrie what with his picture being on the opening page.

2. Blutsbrüder (art, design)

http://www.blutsbrueder-design.com/

This site I love primarily for its images and image organization; the pop-out window and minimalist tabs help you quickly and efficiently get to the juicy images.

3. Art of T. Rueping (concept/matte painting)

http://www.trueping.com/

As a wanna-be matte artist I absolutely adore this site. I always find something new looking at her paintings and think the layout site theming are very creative. I could only hope to have as nice looking a portfolio as T. Reuping.

4. Reuben Rude (artist)

http://www.reubenrude.com/

As a favorite artist of mine, this personal site is charming and packed full of nice photos/artwork. It's a breeze to browze and there's always something new.