Laura Juliana Moldenhauer-Nöthling - Showcasing Kaitiakitanga: A 3D Environment Masterpiece in Unreal Engine

Yoobee graduate Laura Juliana Moldenhauer-Nöthling has taken her passion for creativity and culture to new heights with her stunning 3D environment project, Kaitiakitanga. In a recent article on The Rookies, Laura shared, “It was an outstanding creative journey, and I created the entire sequence by myself in only six weeks.” This cinematic sequence exemplifies the power of blending cultural storytelling with cutting-edge technology in Unreal Engine 5.1.

A Journey of Transformation

Originally from Berlin, Germany, Laura shared her creative beginnings, saying, “I started my career as a set painter in 2012. Since then, I’ve been working as a creative freelancer on the side.” Despite her successful stint in IT project management, Laura explained, “Deep inside my heart, I wasn’t excited about what I was doing. I missed the creativity!”

This longing for artistic fulfilment brought her to New Zealand, where she completed her diploma in 3D Animation at Yoobee Colleges Christchurch in 2023. “It was the best decision of my life,” Laura said. “I love to do what my heart burns for, and my journey has just begun.”

The Project: Kaitiakitanga

Laura’s final diploma project is titled Kaitiakitanga, a Māori term that embodies the principles of guardianship and protection, reflecting the deep relationship between humans, the spiritual realm, and the natural world. Over six weeks, Laura single-handedly conceptualized, designed, and created a 3D environment cinematic sequence that brings this idea to life.

The project’s focus on a historical Māori fishing outpost by a river underscores Laura’s dedication to respectful cultural representation. She delved into extensive research and community engagement to ensure her work honoured the cultural significance of Māori architecture, artifacts, and traditions.

Tools and Techniques

To create her awe-inspiring sequence, Laura harnessed a suite of industry-leading tools, including Unreal Engine 5.1, Autodesk Maya, Adobe Substance 3D Painter, ZBrush, Reallusion Character Creator 4 & iClone 8, Marvelous Designer, GAEA, and Adobe After Effects. Her work integrated environment concept design, cinematic camera motion, and storytelling to craft an evocative and immersive narrative.

Cultural Inspiration and Respect

Laura’s decision to centre her project on Māori culture was influenced by her move to New Zealand and her appreciation for its rich heritage. She emphasized the importance of respectful representation, noting the challenges posed by cultural laws and traditions. “during this project, I learned a lot about Māori culture. I also learned how to treat Māori culture with respect.” she explained. This commitment guided her approach to every detail, from architectural designs to the symbolic carvings and patterns in her work.

Recognition and Aspiration

Laura’s work not only highlights her technical skills and artistic vision but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring 3D artists. As The Rookies noted, her project stands out for its impressive visuals and the meaningful narrative behind it.

Now embarking on her professional journey, Laura’s dedication to merging technology with storytelling promises an exciting future in the creative industries. Her work reminds us of the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage through innovative mediums.

Read the full article here to explore the full project breakdown, or visit Laura’s profile on The Rookies.