To be frank, I am not overly satisfied with the amount of work I have managed to achieve last week. I have had issues that have been stopping me from getting to college or progressing on my work, mainly snow related and home decoration (not Christmas, we're not getting near those deccies until my bedroom and the spare room are complete!) related scenarios which I need to help out with and I have been finding it hard to juggle everything. However, we are getting near completion with such things and the snow is practically melted away (although not without leaving nice trails of ice that I can happily slip on) so such things shouldn't be much of an issue in the future. It does mean I'll have to finish a lot of frames and editing over Christmas but to me this isn't a problem. I'd have been on the computer colouring/animating something anyway.
What has been kicking my proverbial rear end over and over again is Cinema 4D. We're like the two people that, no matter how hard we try to get along, are spitting feathers and shooting daggers out of our eyes at each other by the end of the night. I had downloaded the free trail to experiment with at home and I can grasp how to move a layer (or whatever its called in that thing) but that's pretty much as far as my understanding goes with the program. To be frank, I'm gonna need to be taught about it like I'm a five year old.
Or just give up on said program and use Animation Shop or Photoshop which I can't see why we can't use in the first place. No doubt its part of the module or something. Blahh.
Hopefully I can discuss said issues with Paul when we do our tutorial talk and hopefully I'll have a better idea of what to do and what I can achieve. I was supposed to show my research and drawings but since I figured all I would be doing was working on the frames, I didn't bring the sketchbooks. Thankfully I have the knowledge locked away in the ol' noggin so at least I have something to talk about!
I'll update when I have a clearer idea of what I'm going to do next. If I have the time/motivation/memory to that is.
Monday 13 December 2010
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Ok, snow? Seriously. Knock it off.
Didn't make it into college AGAIN due to shenanigans of the winter variety. I phoned Paul and he sent me links to download Garage Band and Audacity onto my computer which I am having good fun with. Making sounds for animations is most amusing!
Hopefully I'll be able to make it in tomorrow. Especially since we don't have any more snow falling... touch wood.
I also did more artwork featuring the pigeons, which also kind of relates to the weather we've been having. I've done it all in the cut out style which I suppose could be consider concept art. It's practice, no?
And this is why birds fly South for the winter!
Hopefully I'll be able to make it in tomorrow. Especially since we don't have any more snow falling... touch wood.
I also did more artwork featuring the pigeons, which also kind of relates to the weather we've been having. I've done it all in the cut out style which I suppose could be consider concept art. It's practice, no?
And this is why birds fly South for the winter!
Monday 6 December 2010
LETS MAKE SOME NOISE!
YEEEEEAH!
*ahem* Yes, this relates to our snazzy little lesson today revolving around SOUND. We watched a little of a Tom and Jerry clip, first muted and then with sound, to try and make us think what noises would probably be used. I had a vague idea and was quite surprised at how different the sounds were when I heard them from what I thought they would be. Makes you realise how little you pay attention to such things. Also makes you see how unique the sound of Tom and Jerry really is!
Anyway, our next task was to go outdoors and after stopping at a certain point, we had to walk back to the college and take note of the noises we heard along the way. This was to give us an idea of what background noises there could be and how the subtleties come together to create effective background noise. I especially found this useful as my animation takes place entirely outdoors, in a town/street/bus depo setting. It has opened my mind towards what what noises can be used to create the scene effectively.
After this, we had a nice little play about on a lovely little program called Audacity. Whats this? Emma actually APPROVES of an unknown program on the Macs? Why yes indeed! And that actually WAS a pig flying past your window. Going oink.
Anyway yes *ahem* we all had good fun on Audacity, recording noises, sounds and speech and modifying them in some way, mainly just playing with and getting used to the program. I've actually recorded random little things that I might one day animate if I ever have the free time. I also practised my pigeon coo noises which actually sound pretty decent on the program. Now that I have further knowledge of noise, sounds and programs, I can start to think what sounds can be used when and where.
So that was rather productive. While I'm here however, I might as well show you some animations that have kept me sniggering like an idiot for the past... number of days (I dread to count). If you've noticed me sniggering and snorting into my hands earlier today, its because of these. A friend of mine introduced me to a Professor Layton parody by Skaijo on deviantArt, titled Proffessor Layton and the Malignant Growth. Not a nice sounding title at all but its actually really amusing. I found parts 2, 3 and 5 the funniest though. They just have more going on in them. Or maybe I just like seeing Layton swear and scream at Luke. Your call.
"F*** has FOUR letters, Professah!"
"BAAAAAASEBALL!"
"I'm 42 years old! I live on the MOON!"
They all seem to have been done on Flash and what really adds to the humour is the overlapping dialogue between characters and sound effects. And the Professor's very inventive threats.
Just curious, does everyone actually read anyone else's blogs? And do they ever comment on them? I know that's kind of in the general knowledge of blogs but I dunno what the rules are with these professional ones.
... Professional? Mine? Yeah riiiight...
*ahem* Yes, this relates to our snazzy little lesson today revolving around SOUND. We watched a little of a Tom and Jerry clip, first muted and then with sound, to try and make us think what noises would probably be used. I had a vague idea and was quite surprised at how different the sounds were when I heard them from what I thought they would be. Makes you realise how little you pay attention to such things. Also makes you see how unique the sound of Tom and Jerry really is!
Anyway, our next task was to go outdoors and after stopping at a certain point, we had to walk back to the college and take note of the noises we heard along the way. This was to give us an idea of what background noises there could be and how the subtleties come together to create effective background noise. I especially found this useful as my animation takes place entirely outdoors, in a town/street/bus depo setting. It has opened my mind towards what what noises can be used to create the scene effectively.
After this, we had a nice little play about on a lovely little program called Audacity. Whats this? Emma actually APPROVES of an unknown program on the Macs? Why yes indeed! And that actually WAS a pig flying past your window. Going oink.
Anyway yes *ahem* we all had good fun on Audacity, recording noises, sounds and speech and modifying them in some way, mainly just playing with and getting used to the program. I've actually recorded random little things that I might one day animate if I ever have the free time. I also practised my pigeon coo noises which actually sound pretty decent on the program. Now that I have further knowledge of noise, sounds and programs, I can start to think what sounds can be used when and where.
So that was rather productive. While I'm here however, I might as well show you some animations that have kept me sniggering like an idiot for the past... number of days (I dread to count). If you've noticed me sniggering and snorting into my hands earlier today, its because of these. A friend of mine introduced me to a Professor Layton parody by Skaijo on deviantArt, titled Proffessor Layton and the Malignant Growth. Not a nice sounding title at all but its actually really amusing. I found parts 2, 3 and 5 the funniest though. They just have more going on in them. Or maybe I just like seeing Layton swear and scream at Luke. Your call.
"F*** has FOUR letters, Professah!"
"BAAAAAASEBALL!"
"I'm 42 years old! I live on the MOON!"
They all seem to have been done on Flash and what really adds to the humour is the overlapping dialogue between characters and sound effects. And the Professor's very inventive threats.
Just curious, does everyone actually read anyone else's blogs? And do they ever comment on them? I know that's kind of in the general knowledge of blogs but I dunno what the rules are with these professional ones.
... Professional? Mine? Yeah riiiight...
And the weeks go onnn...
Huh. I was on a roll last week with my updating. Tis a habit I need to get into.
Anyhow, I think I'm well on my way with my colouring and animating. Again, I have done more backgrounds and characters and I think I have completed all the scenery (although no doubt I'll remember something I've forgotten). I think what I need to focus on mainly is colouring characters and then inbetweening.
As far as inbetweening goes, I won't be doing a lot of drawings and scenes, mainly to keep the cut out look and feel of the piece constant. I imagine it to be similar to how South Park is done, with the jerky movements.
Again, thanks to the drop shadow tool, the quality of the cut out look has improved and I have actually been told the characters look a lot like they've been constructed entirely from paper, which is a look I have been hoping to achieve.
Throughout this whole week, I intend to continue colouring my characters and inbetweening where it is needed. I think every sequence needs at least one more frame between every two that I have done. No doubt I'll need to colour and animate the sequences before I can be sure. Overall though I am very happy with how my artwork is going.
One think to consider is adding in people walking around the pigeons. Paul gave me this idea to add people walking around the pigeons or even through the shot to show how insignificant pigeons generally are through people's eyes. It seems like a very good idea but its all about whether or not I'll have the time (or patience) to animate such a thing. Hopefully I will because I like the message it gives to the story.
Here's hoping I'll actually document more of my progress as the week goes on.
Anyhow, I think I'm well on my way with my colouring and animating. Again, I have done more backgrounds and characters and I think I have completed all the scenery (although no doubt I'll remember something I've forgotten). I think what I need to focus on mainly is colouring characters and then inbetweening.
As far as inbetweening goes, I won't be doing a lot of drawings and scenes, mainly to keep the cut out look and feel of the piece constant. I imagine it to be similar to how South Park is done, with the jerky movements.
Again, thanks to the drop shadow tool, the quality of the cut out look has improved and I have actually been told the characters look a lot like they've been constructed entirely from paper, which is a look I have been hoping to achieve.
Throughout this whole week, I intend to continue colouring my characters and inbetweening where it is needed. I think every sequence needs at least one more frame between every two that I have done. No doubt I'll need to colour and animate the sequences before I can be sure. Overall though I am very happy with how my artwork is going.
One think to consider is adding in people walking around the pigeons. Paul gave me this idea to add people walking around the pigeons or even through the shot to show how insignificant pigeons generally are through people's eyes. It seems like a very good idea but its all about whether or not I'll have the time (or patience) to animate such a thing. Hopefully I will because I like the message it gives to the story.
Here's hoping I'll actually document more of my progress as the week goes on.
Tuesday 30 November 2010
Bloggin' from Home!
Eeeyaaah, had a few minor difficulties getting to college today... in which I never actually GOT there. I stood there in the freezing snow waiting for a train that wouldn't show. Thankfully I phoned Paul and he's told David so hopefully they'll know why I was a no show.
I was basically done waiting for an hour and then had to turn tail and talk home despite the fact that I could barely feel my limbs and that I could barely move. After warming up though, I got right to work.
I have managed to get the majority of my backgrounds finished and tomorrow I am planning on completing them and getting started on my characters. Hopefully a train will arrive tomorrow so that I can get there and discuss some things with Paul or David about a few backgrounds and sequences.
Short entry is short. I am tired and cold ridden. I can feel my throat closing as we speak. Lovely.
I was basically done waiting for an hour and then had to turn tail and talk home despite the fact that I could barely feel my limbs and that I could barely move. After warming up though, I got right to work.
I have managed to get the majority of my backgrounds finished and tomorrow I am planning on completing them and getting started on my characters. Hopefully a train will arrive tomorrow so that I can get there and discuss some things with Paul or David about a few backgrounds and sequences.
Short entry is short. I am tired and cold ridden. I can feel my throat closing as we speak. Lovely.
Monday 29 November 2010
AND NOW...
After a refuel (basically chips and a can of Monster) I am ready to rumble.
I've finally uploaded a few videos to my YouTube channel which has been until now only around to favourite videos in order to link to them in this blog. As well as showing off my college work, I am also including projects I have done before college.
I did this animation for my Extended Project in Sixth Form. Basically, we could study anything we wanted and as I was desperately searching for animation experience, I figured this was the perfect opportunity. I decided to create a short traditional piece of mine and my boyfriend's mutant cat characters Jax and Jinx.
I tried to create realistic cat movements with their bodies and tails. The ball looked a bit too jiggly but it gives me the excuse of saying "They're mutant cats in a lab playing with a jelly like experiment!" Sorted!
This project was a huge help in teaching me what was expected in animators, what can be used, how things can be done and so on. This is where I got my vast knowledge of the 12 Basic Principles... well... vastish.
This is another project done around the same time. This time, I did a project for my Photography class revolving around the theme 'Connecting Pictures' and using Sam Taylor-Wood as inspiration. Her shots portraying decay are brilliantly done and were the exact idea behind this piece. I wanted to do an unexpected turn for a Still Life fruit picture, in which they are normally painted bold and bright and full of life. I intended to do it differently bu making the image appear to move, but also go against the 'full of life' conventions, the quickly disappearing food symbolising how quickly such life can disappear.
This is our first project since starting college- creating a loop and then a short animation revolving around human/animal movement. I had actually created two loops, which was the drinking and then the eyes spinning. As I couldn't choose which to use, I ended up using both which gives a humorous message.
I just realised that I kind of cheated by using human movement but the character being animal. If anyone notices it, that was not intentional. And if no one noticed it then just ignore this whole thing.
I am trying to upload my animatic but for some insane reason, it only wants to upload 4 seconds of... nothing. Huh. Ah well, I'll try again tomorrow I suppose.
But yes this is... a little of Emma's past animation experiences. Enjoy!
I've finally uploaded a few videos to my YouTube channel which has been until now only around to favourite videos in order to link to them in this blog. As well as showing off my college work, I am also including projects I have done before college.
I did this animation for my Extended Project in Sixth Form. Basically, we could study anything we wanted and as I was desperately searching for animation experience, I figured this was the perfect opportunity. I decided to create a short traditional piece of mine and my boyfriend's mutant cat characters Jax and Jinx.
I tried to create realistic cat movements with their bodies and tails. The ball looked a bit too jiggly but it gives me the excuse of saying "They're mutant cats in a lab playing with a jelly like experiment!" Sorted!
This project was a huge help in teaching me what was expected in animators, what can be used, how things can be done and so on. This is where I got my vast knowledge of the 12 Basic Principles... well... vastish.
This is another project done around the same time. This time, I did a project for my Photography class revolving around the theme 'Connecting Pictures' and using Sam Taylor-Wood as inspiration. Her shots portraying decay are brilliantly done and were the exact idea behind this piece. I wanted to do an unexpected turn for a Still Life fruit picture, in which they are normally painted bold and bright and full of life. I intended to do it differently bu making the image appear to move, but also go against the 'full of life' conventions, the quickly disappearing food symbolising how quickly such life can disappear.
This is our first project since starting college- creating a loop and then a short animation revolving around human/animal movement. I had actually created two loops, which was the drinking and then the eyes spinning. As I couldn't choose which to use, I ended up using both which gives a humorous message.
I just realised that I kind of cheated by using human movement but the character being animal. If anyone notices it, that was not intentional. And if no one noticed it then just ignore this whole thing.
I am trying to upload my animatic but for some insane reason, it only wants to upload 4 seconds of... nothing. Huh. Ah well, I'll try again tomorrow I suppose.
But yes this is... a little of Emma's past animation experiences. Enjoy!
A Few Interesting Examples Of Character Animation
After watching the animations on the list I was given, I have picked a few that I would like to comment on. The animations on the list were examples of how characters were depicted in narrations and rhythms and how they made the animation effective. These were picked because I enjoyed how the animation and rhythm/narrative supported or even contrasted each other and, to be honest, they just made me laugh tons. Definitely going in my YouTube favourites when I get home.
Now, I simply HAVE to talk about this one, mainly due to the fact that I remember watching it years ago and giggling at it. After all, I was at that immature age where sex was funny (it still can be but I digress). Now, I am looking at it focusing mainly on the animation and how it flows. This was in the rhythm section as the bunny character is singing and moving along to the general rhythm of the song. The movements at times can be rather random, such as him bashing his head into the ground (although it could be said that this is the character's general frustration that he, if you'll pardon the phrase, isn't getting any), yet it is timed perfectly with the rhythm of the song. Its definitely meant to be amusing and even watching it now, I get a good giggle out of it.
This one is new to me but seems to be rather popular and talked about. I watched this with great amusement. This is my kind of humour really- tongue in cheek humour that makes you either gasp from shock or laugh from it. The animation is similar to cut out and could be seen as an old fashioned style of cartoon. The narration is similar to those associated with 50's voiceovers and adds massively to the humour in how he seems to react calmly, even cheerfully, to George's eventual decent into chaos. Despite a rather... grueseom ending I suppose, it is all very flippant and upbeat in its portrayal. Which just makes it brilliant in my opinion.
This is helpful because it gives me a better understanding of how narration and rhythm can work perfectly with animation to create an interesting and/or funny concept (obviously depending on the plot and what the animator wants to get across). In future projects, its good knowledge to keep handy.
Now, I simply HAVE to talk about this one, mainly due to the fact that I remember watching it years ago and giggling at it. After all, I was at that immature age where sex was funny (it still can be but I digress). Now, I am looking at it focusing mainly on the animation and how it flows. This was in the rhythm section as the bunny character is singing and moving along to the general rhythm of the song. The movements at times can be rather random, such as him bashing his head into the ground (although it could be said that this is the character's general frustration that he, if you'll pardon the phrase, isn't getting any), yet it is timed perfectly with the rhythm of the song. Its definitely meant to be amusing and even watching it now, I get a good giggle out of it.
This one is new to me but seems to be rather popular and talked about. I watched this with great amusement. This is my kind of humour really- tongue in cheek humour that makes you either gasp from shock or laugh from it. The animation is similar to cut out and could be seen as an old fashioned style of cartoon. The narration is similar to those associated with 50's voiceovers and adds massively to the humour in how he seems to react calmly, even cheerfully, to George's eventual decent into chaos. Despite a rather... grueseom ending I suppose, it is all very flippant and upbeat in its portrayal. Which just makes it brilliant in my opinion.
This is helpful because it gives me a better understanding of how narration and rhythm can work perfectly with animation to create an interesting and/or funny concept (obviously depending on the plot and what the animator wants to get across). In future projects, its good knowledge to keep handy.
Well lookee here! Another entry!
Whoohee, I'm not doing very well with these updates. Whoops.
Well, another week has passed and methinks I shall start with a short review of said week. Generally it was rather productive, despite not covering all that I said I would. I have animated a total of three short sequences including backgrounds and created a more believable cut out effect with the use of the drop shadow (which I thank you whole heartedly for introducing me to Paul. I've been using and abusing that thang ever since!)
For an example of how my work looks now compared to how it looked previously, lets take a looksee at this:
I have also created a colour palate for the pigeons which I have found extremely useful, as previously I would be a bit lost getting the EXACT colours when I had already sponge filtered the layers.
What I still need to do however is bulk up on my development sketchbook. I am hindered for time (and printer ink) to print out computer based example work at this precise moment in time so I am putting that on the backburner for the time being but capturing screenshots as I go about my work so that I'm not totally lost for things to discuss in my sketchbook.
Anyway, now is the time to discuss what I am planning to do for the duration of this week! And while such time tables need to be concise, mine was a tad TOO concise. So, I am going to create a more detailed timetable/summary of days... while still being concise. Wish me luck.
Monday- today I am planning to blog the hell out of this thing. I am going to discuss more animations that I have admired or have been told to look at, upload my own work that I have done previously (if YouTube decides to co-operate... cos it... often likes NOT to co-operate with me. Bleh.) and maybe upload concept art of my animation. I'm deciding whether or not to upload videos to YouTube of me talking about my projects, all of which to help me with my development and make the writing up so much easier.
Tuesday- ahh, back to regular work! I still have a number of backgrounds to do, which I plan to finish before I begin on the characters. I still have a few scenes that need to be designed in better detail, which I intend to spend today doing. As I have done the sky for the opening sequence, I still need to do shots of the pigeons on the railings, the bus depo backgrounds and so on. After this, I might possibly be able to begin work on the pigeons but only if I complete the scenery today.
Wednesday- I intend to have the backgrounds done today and then I will be free to work on my adorable little pigeons! Basically what it says on the tin- I will do some inbetweening, colour frames AND I will need to do a lot of drop shadows to make the pigeons look more like paper cut outs and separate them further from the background.
Thursday- Oh joy, our designated Cinema 4D session. Cinema 4D and me ain't friends. It likes to confuse and infuriate me with its insane amount of 3Dness... despite being called 4D. Blah. Your attempts of being humble ain't fooling me boy!
Hopefully (although I'm not holding my breath), I will have learnt more about the program and managed to retain it without having to gnaw on the college Mac in frustration. Seriously Paul, watch out for that. Personally though, I think I might be OK animating my work in Animation Shop 3 or Photoshop as the sequences have been pretty effective so far. But only time will tell.
As for Friday... its my designated day off. To myself. No work getting done today... well, perhaps concept artwork but only because I find that recreational! And maybe colour some frames. But only cos its fun for me! Same on Saturday although with much more productivity. But Sunday? Please, I need at least ONE day to catch up on sleep!
... although I'll probably end up doing some further colouring and/or animation if I've finished the colouring. That's how dedicated I am.
Anyhow as today is Monday (OH THE JOYS *sob*) I am now on my way to look at this list of animations that Dave has handed on a list to me and then blog many other shenanigans there after. All for development. Mmyep.
Well, another week has passed and methinks I shall start with a short review of said week. Generally it was rather productive, despite not covering all that I said I would. I have animated a total of three short sequences including backgrounds and created a more believable cut out effect with the use of the drop shadow (which I thank you whole heartedly for introducing me to Paul. I've been using and abusing that thang ever since!)
For an example of how my work looks now compared to how it looked previously, lets take a looksee at this:
I have also created a colour palate for the pigeons which I have found extremely useful, as previously I would be a bit lost getting the EXACT colours when I had already sponge filtered the layers.
What I still need to do however is bulk up on my development sketchbook. I am hindered for time (and printer ink) to print out computer based example work at this precise moment in time so I am putting that on the backburner for the time being but capturing screenshots as I go about my work so that I'm not totally lost for things to discuss in my sketchbook.
Anyway, now is the time to discuss what I am planning to do for the duration of this week! And while such time tables need to be concise, mine was a tad TOO concise. So, I am going to create a more detailed timetable/summary of days... while still being concise. Wish me luck.
Monday- today I am planning to blog the hell out of this thing. I am going to discuss more animations that I have admired or have been told to look at, upload my own work that I have done previously (if YouTube decides to co-operate... cos it... often likes NOT to co-operate with me. Bleh.) and maybe upload concept art of my animation. I'm deciding whether or not to upload videos to YouTube of me talking about my projects, all of which to help me with my development and make the writing up so much easier.
Tuesday- ahh, back to regular work! I still have a number of backgrounds to do, which I plan to finish before I begin on the characters. I still have a few scenes that need to be designed in better detail, which I intend to spend today doing. As I have done the sky for the opening sequence, I still need to do shots of the pigeons on the railings, the bus depo backgrounds and so on. After this, I might possibly be able to begin work on the pigeons but only if I complete the scenery today.
Wednesday- I intend to have the backgrounds done today and then I will be free to work on my adorable little pigeons! Basically what it says on the tin- I will do some inbetweening, colour frames AND I will need to do a lot of drop shadows to make the pigeons look more like paper cut outs and separate them further from the background.
Thursday- Oh joy, our designated Cinema 4D session. Cinema 4D and me ain't friends. It likes to confuse and infuriate me with its insane amount of 3Dness... despite being called 4D. Blah. Your attempts of being humble ain't fooling me boy!
Hopefully (although I'm not holding my breath), I will have learnt more about the program and managed to retain it without having to gnaw on the college Mac in frustration. Seriously Paul, watch out for that. Personally though, I think I might be OK animating my work in Animation Shop 3 or Photoshop as the sequences have been pretty effective so far. But only time will tell.
As for Friday... its my designated day off. To myself. No work getting done today... well, perhaps concept artwork but only because I find that recreational! And maybe colour some frames. But only cos its fun for me! Same on Saturday although with much more productivity. But Sunday? Please, I need at least ONE day to catch up on sleep!
... although I'll probably end up doing some further colouring and/or animation if I've finished the colouring. That's how dedicated I am.
Anyhow as today is Monday (OH THE JOYS *sob*) I am now on my way to look at this list of animations that Dave has handed on a list to me and then blog many other shenanigans there after. All for development. Mmyep.
Monday 22 November 2010
When in Blogger, Blog!
Hello Monday. Always nice to see you. Except not really.
After a sadly rather unproductive weekend (give or take a few character sketches... and I am cleaning out two different rooms in my house so cut me a little slack here!), I start my blog and this week ready to get on with my work. I have already created my characters from my previous module and am happy with the style and look I have used so at this stage I am doubtful that there is much opportunity for further development, give of take a couple design changes.
Its a very strange but (to me anyway) convenient coincidence that the style we have to create our animation in is in cutout- I had done my animatic in such a style using photoshop. However, after looking at other cutout examples I am starting to consider other ideas that I can use. For example, I have noticed some animations, such as Angela Anaconda, using photography for backgrounds and characters. As my backgrounds are rather simplistic (mainly so as not to distract the audience from the characters yet in my opinion doesn't make the animation look very impressive) I was originally planning to create background noise to suggest where the action is taking place. After looking at other examples of cut out however, I have more ideas I can use that can create a more interesting background but not take the attention away from the character.
To start up, I have looked at different ways people have created cut out animations for two reasons- one being to see what other people have done in the past and to show me what can and won't work for my own work.
Janice and her Butterfly
Janice and Her Butterfly from Edmond Hawkins on Vimeo.
I enjoyed the child like art style used to create the animation, everything from backgrounds to characters being drawn and coloured roughly in crayons and other materials. It actually moves very well which in my opinion makes the scene more impressive.
The Grand Adventure
The Grand Adventure from MizzMeister on Vimeo.
I'm very impressed in the movement in this one as well and how simple yet smooth it is. I was particularly smitten with how they did the clouds and sky in the opening credits. I have something similar for my opening scene and have been worrying about how I would do it so this gives me a few ideas.
"This is an EX-KENNY!"
As South Park has been done on the computer similar to mine, I consider it to be the prime example of the art style I am using. That said, I am going to use more texture to my characters, using the sponge filter tool in photoshop. I picked this example as, to be frank, its hilarious AND is a fitting tribute to Terry Gilliam, who is a cut out guru.
Angela Anaconda
I pick this as an example not so much for the movement of the characters but more so for the backgrounds and how they have been done. They are a good example of photography in cut out yet I notice that they don't distract the audience from the character. I think I will create my backgrounds in a similar way, yet will make them less colourful in photoshop, having the pigeons be the only real colourful things in the scene.
Charlie and Lola
Finally, I chose this one as it is a children's programme created in a cut out style, which I would like to create for my animation. The movement of the characters is something to consider as well and introducing different materials and textures into the mix.
All of these animations in some way relate to each other as I am using different elements of each to create my own. As you can probably tell, I have a lot to say which unfortunately leaves you with a lot to read. Oh well. I'm just doing what I'm told!
Speaking of doing what is expected of me, I also need a rough outline of what I plan to achieve over the week. Well from what I can gather, I need to bulk up my drawing sketchbook with artwork, get to work on the frames, show colour examples and bulk up on my development. All of which I will contribute to bit by bit as the week progresses. So a rather rough outline but it states what I plan to get on with. I was never really one for planning.
Now its all about accomplishing all that work! Better get started!
After a sadly rather unproductive weekend (give or take a few character sketches... and I am cleaning out two different rooms in my house so cut me a little slack here!), I start my blog and this week ready to get on with my work. I have already created my characters from my previous module and am happy with the style and look I have used so at this stage I am doubtful that there is much opportunity for further development, give of take a couple design changes.
Its a very strange but (to me anyway) convenient coincidence that the style we have to create our animation in is in cutout- I had done my animatic in such a style using photoshop. However, after looking at other cutout examples I am starting to consider other ideas that I can use. For example, I have noticed some animations, such as Angela Anaconda, using photography for backgrounds and characters. As my backgrounds are rather simplistic (mainly so as not to distract the audience from the characters yet in my opinion doesn't make the animation look very impressive) I was originally planning to create background noise to suggest where the action is taking place. After looking at other examples of cut out however, I have more ideas I can use that can create a more interesting background but not take the attention away from the character.
To start up, I have looked at different ways people have created cut out animations for two reasons- one being to see what other people have done in the past and to show me what can and won't work for my own work.
Janice and her Butterfly
Janice and Her Butterfly from Edmond Hawkins on Vimeo.
I enjoyed the child like art style used to create the animation, everything from backgrounds to characters being drawn and coloured roughly in crayons and other materials. It actually moves very well which in my opinion makes the scene more impressive.
The Grand Adventure
The Grand Adventure from MizzMeister on Vimeo.
I'm very impressed in the movement in this one as well and how simple yet smooth it is. I was particularly smitten with how they did the clouds and sky in the opening credits. I have something similar for my opening scene and have been worrying about how I would do it so this gives me a few ideas.
"This is an EX-KENNY!"
As South Park has been done on the computer similar to mine, I consider it to be the prime example of the art style I am using. That said, I am going to use more texture to my characters, using the sponge filter tool in photoshop. I picked this example as, to be frank, its hilarious AND is a fitting tribute to Terry Gilliam, who is a cut out guru.
Angela Anaconda
I pick this as an example not so much for the movement of the characters but more so for the backgrounds and how they have been done. They are a good example of photography in cut out yet I notice that they don't distract the audience from the character. I think I will create my backgrounds in a similar way, yet will make them less colourful in photoshop, having the pigeons be the only real colourful things in the scene.
Charlie and Lola
Finally, I chose this one as it is a children's programme created in a cut out style, which I would like to create for my animation. The movement of the characters is something to consider as well and introducing different materials and textures into the mix.
All of these animations in some way relate to each other as I am using different elements of each to create my own. As you can probably tell, I have a lot to say which unfortunately leaves you with a lot to read. Oh well. I'm just doing what I'm told!
Speaking of doing what is expected of me, I also need a rough outline of what I plan to achieve over the week. Well from what I can gather, I need to bulk up my drawing sketchbook with artwork, get to work on the frames, show colour examples and bulk up on my development. All of which I will contribute to bit by bit as the week progresses. So a rather rough outline but it states what I plan to get on with. I was never really one for planning.
Now its all about accomplishing all that work! Better get started!
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