Project & Portfolio II: May Animation Update






Hey you guys,
I know it's been some time since I've updated you in regards to what I've been doing. I've spent a few weeks on pre-production on an animation project that would take up the entire month. After some video layering, contrapposto studies, weight shifting, and everything in between I was finally able to come out with a solid animation that I just turned in today. Just like my last portfolio class I was required to reflect on my experiences during said month. Everything below this is part of the paper I also turned in. 


I appreciate what was put into this animation prior to setting it up in Maya more than anything. Although, I’m still impressed with what I was able to achieve with linear guidance set through the milestones and the integrated assignments alike. Initially I approached the idea of pre-production as wasteful in any effort, but similar to previous classes pre planning makes it an easier process at the end of it all. That was without a doubt the easiest and most gratifying part of this entire project. Learning how to properly study the mechanics of the human body in motion through Photoshop video layering was invaluable.

Concepts like overlapping action, contrapposto, slow ins/outs, and holds were not well introduced in previous animation class. Therefore, the buildup of general animation understanding through the integrated assignments and the pre-production worked well. All of these concepts previously were hazily mentioned, but now I feel as though I’ve grasped a much better understanding of them overall. With the ability to use reference videos in Maya, I was able to directly reference the timing and the posing with the storm trooper rig. That felt like a large hurdle that I overcame conveniently and it brought about some newfound animation confidence in me.
With that being said there were still obstacles I endured. Attempting to learn all these concepts and share the knowledge with friends who understood it less. All for the development of friends, and I think that mattered most this month. During the latter end of week 3 prior to Milestone 3’s due date, I cut half of my final idea from the animation. The overall idea was to walk towards a guard rail, have my rig jump onto it, fall asleep, and be awoken by a crashing robot nearby, finally jumping up in surprise. Now, my animation skills were still developing so I chose to cut the falling asleep portion and beyond. All for the benefit of fitting what was necessary and capable for the final animation. It felt much more gratifying to work with something viable than over encumbering myself.

Based on all of the student critiques, assignment wise and from peers there was no reason for me to stop with my initial idea. I enjoyed most to all of the pre-production so it was all the easier to sell/create something I was interested in acting out in the first place. The only thing I regret about this animation is that I hadn’t put as much time into it as one of my more notable peers had done. Juan Croce’ has a deep rooted love for the movement of art, characters, emotion, and everything in between for animation. I remember the first time I heard him speak in CRP. He was the only person in the room carrying around The Animators Survival Guide. I began to recognize the more it was recommended by instructors the more I should look into insight on how to master my own industry as he had been doing for so many years prior. I am privileged to have him as both a friend and someone to critique my work the hardest.
Here are links to both Juan's personal & student blog, along with his LinkedIn:
Overall this month, similar to the previous portfolio forced me to question how many resources I need to create my idea. It forced me to take my resources to the fullest to a subject I was lesser interested in, as opposed to modeling. Lastly, it brought me a larger appreciation for animators as a whole. Although it’s not my strongest subject I feel with what resources I had and challenges I overcame I’m better for it.

On Another Note:

I will be taking next month off here at Full Sail. When I first arrived here I tested out of the college math course, a course where next month all of my friends will be taking. I will be using next month to expand my portfolio, fully dedicate my time on a large project, and the following month get back in line to work and eventually graduate with my peers. Also during this time I will be refining my social media accounts. All links below will be updated once my accounts are all setup and defined best. 

I look forward in sharing updates and eventually delivering this future content to you guys. 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts