About Nihal Kumar (Nihaalu) — Biography and Story
Currently in the 11th grade, Nihal Kumar recently embarked on his creative journey in visual effects by joining the ADVFX course at MAAC South Extension, Delhi. As a passionate beginner, he is building his skills in digital painting, CGI integration, compositing, and tracking from the ground up.
In addition to digital art and visual effects, Nihal is a technology enthusiast who configures backend environments and builds scripts using modern AI tools. His hobbyist developer portfolio includes configuring AWS cloud architectures, operating hosting solutions such as Sicklot, scripting interactive Discord bots (such as Lyrio Music), and setting up dedicated Minecraft gaming networks (such as Masala Munch SMP).
Visual Effects (VFX) & 3D Animation Portfolio
Nihal's ADVFX portfolio showcases practical coursework, matchmoving exercises, compositing projects, and CGI integration studies including:
- ADVFX Practice Reel (MAAC): A compilation of foundational compositing tasks, camera tracks, keying tests, and color grading studies.
- Maya 3D Asset Integration: Integrating complex 3D assets and models into live-action plates using Foundry Nuke and Autodesk Maya, focusing on matching lighting, ambient occlusion, and shadows.
- Houdini Fluid Simulation: Simulation exercises featuring fluid dynamics, particle nodes, and destruction physics in SideFX Houdini.
- Nuke Green Screen Keying Study: Advanced chroma keying workflows using IBKGizmo, Primatte, and core matte refinement tools in Foundry Nuke.
- 3D Equalizer Matchmove: Camera solving and tracking on motion-heavy footage to export precise camera data into Maya.
- Silhouette FX Rotoscoping: Detailed motion roto masking and plate preparation exercises on complex moving elements.
Photoshop & Digital Graphic Design Portfolio
Explore digital paintings, photo manipulations, and commercial banners designed with Adobe Photoshop:
- Mickey Mouse Recreation: Created on Day 1 of Photoshop class at MAAC, utilizing basic shape tools, solid color overlays, and layer blending to recreate the classic character.
- Courage the Cowardly Dog Recreation: Day 2 Photoshop project using the Pen tool to trace and define character paths, combined with solid path fills and overlay blending.
- Jyoti Studio Poster: A professional studio photography promotional poster. Inspired by modern layouts, it incorporates bridal and wedding photography panels, gold gradients, clipping masks, circular frames, and custom typography to promote the Hazaribagh-based studio.
Tech Projects, Hosting Services, & Cloud Architectures
Nihal applies AI tools to build and deploy complex server architectures, discord applications, and virtual server hostings:
- AWS Cloud Systems: Designing and deploying scalable cloud setups, virtual servers (EC2 instances), and securing user storage.
- Sicklot Hosting: Setting up game servers, virtual hosting servers, and managing client server panel environments.
- Lyrio Music Bot: An interactive Discord bot providing high-quality music streaming, incorporating command handling, audio APIs, and AI integrations.
- Masala Munch SMP: Building and administering a multiplayer Minecraft server network, configuring plugins, handling network optimization, and maintaining active user management.
Creative Zone — Shayari and Poetry
Nihal writes Hindi poetry, thoughts, and reflections (Shayari). The creative zone is an outlet for sharing cultural poetry and digital thoughts in Hindi (Noto Sans Devanagari font) and English, blending literary creativity with technical designs.