Sailing Through Challenges

The Story Behind My 3D Model

18th January 2025

Hey, creative souls!

Today, I will be sharing an exciting story about a 3D modeling project. It's about making the famous ship, Going Merry, from the anime One Piece. I’m not a big anime fan, but there’s something magical about this ship that even I couldn’t ignore. And trust me, the journey of making this model is just as fascinating as the ship itself.

How It All Started

It all started when a school friend casually asked me to create a 3D model of Going Merry. He said that he would pay me for it, but we didn’t set a deadline—or even finalize how much I’d get. That’s where the chaos began. With no urgency and clear terms, I didn’t give it the attention it deserved.

At the same time, my life was at a turning point. As I had to make major choices about my future at the completion of my undergraduate studies. Should I take a job far from home? The thought of leaving my hometown was nerve-wracking. I even interviewed for a job and a teaching position—a career I loved—but both the reply came too late. By then, I’d already decided to go for a master’s degree. Looking back, this was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. From that moment on, I’ve grown so much—not just in technical skills, but also in soft skills that have helped me tackle challenges with confidence and creativity. When these things were happening, Going Merry stayed untouched for months, slowly becoming one of those "I’ll get to it someday" projects.

Finding My Moment

Fast-forward to my master’s program—one day, we were given an assignment to create a 3D asset. Suddenly, it hit me: why not use this as an opportunity to finally work on the Going Merry?

I dug up the old project, only to find out it had crashed due to software issues. I had to start over from scratch! Armed with new skills from my classes, I began referencing images of Going Merry. The design was challenging, but I was determined to make something special.

Rebuilding the Ship

Working on this model was like looking through an old scrapbook full of memories. I put my heart into it and tried out new things I learned during my post-graduation. Using NURBS modeling for the first time helped me make the ship’s curves smooth and natural.

I also used dynamic tools for the first time, which made the process much faster compared to making everything from scratch. These tools brought life to details like ropes, sails, and flags. I even used water simulation tools to add a realistic touch to the scene—new territory for me, but so much fun to learn!

Since we had clear deadlines for the assignment, I stayed focused and gave the ship a unique look. While keeping its anime vibe, I added my personal touch by designing custom patterns on the sails.

Bit by bit, my Going Merry started taking shape.

A Proud Moment

When I finally finished, I couldn’t stop smiling. Seeing the completed model felt amazing—like watching a part of myself come to life. It wasn’t just a ship; it was the story of my growth, my creativity, and the lessons I had learned along the way.

I hope my school friend who started this journey with his request loves it as much as I do.

What I Learned

This project taught me so much more than 3D modeling. It reminded me of the importance of sticking with your goals, even if they get delayed. It helped me grow from someone afraid of change into someone ready to embrace it.

So, to anyone with a “someday” project sitting in a dusty folder—pick it up! You never know what you might discover about yourself along the way.

Until next time, keep dreaming, keep creating, and keep sailing toward your goals!