..not beginning to look anything like Christmas, where is the snow!?
1. What I learned this week:
Preparing for 3D
Nothing else, more 2D work
2. What I want to learn:
Prospective
3. Something that frustrated me:
It was a decent week, so not much
4. Something that made me happy:
Once again, it was a decent week, so not much
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su9D0hbxJxw
Just a little video on Bambi, enjoy!
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Relatable article (You may never be as good as you want to be)
Oh boy, OH BOY! Here's something that as an artist that posts their artwork online, I feel very often.
Now, thinking you can be the best at what you do is really a damaging mindset, as it can defiantly take a toll on motivation. When we see others doing things we think is better then our own work, we feel like we'll never get to the level, and some even quit. Going with the second video, we are our worst enemy in the field of creativity. When we think of an idea, we want to crate it to a tee, however very few can actually do this. When things don't come out the way we want them to, we criticize it to the ground, and hate that we can't create what we see due to maybe lack of experience or it being something completely new.
The solution is really hard for many to remember and needs to become a mantra to set in, that we need to just keep trying, make mistakes and learn from them, and most of all, don't give up. Many people give up a hobby because they felt they weren't good enough, and later confess that they regret giving their hobby up. So dear reader, don't fall into this regretful mistake, keep going and never give up!
Now, thinking you can be the best at what you do is really a damaging mindset, as it can defiantly take a toll on motivation. When we see others doing things we think is better then our own work, we feel like we'll never get to the level, and some even quit. Going with the second video, we are our worst enemy in the field of creativity. When we think of an idea, we want to crate it to a tee, however very few can actually do this. When things don't come out the way we want them to, we criticize it to the ground, and hate that we can't create what we see due to maybe lack of experience or it being something completely new.
The solution is really hard for many to remember and needs to become a mantra to set in, that we need to just keep trying, make mistakes and learn from them, and most of all, don't give up. Many people give up a hobby because they felt they weren't good enough, and later confess that they regret giving their hobby up. So dear reader, don't fall into this regretful mistake, keep going and never give up!
Thumbnailing and planning
Here's an interesting article that I both relate with and need to learn from.
The example about how a simple stick figure could have more life then a detailed figure is interesting, and understandable. With a simple figure, you can focus on lines of action, and make the movements feel alive. With a complex design however, you may spend more time on the way the character looks and neglect to give the movement the proper focus it needs.
The planning side of things is just as important. Making multiple drawings of a similar idea with slight changes can give way to better ideas then what originally was thought. Many people advise not to go with your first idea, because going with your first idea may lead to regret later on due to not thinking things through.
Both thumbnailing and planning are important elements to do before actually animating, and is just as important if not more so.
The example about how a simple stick figure could have more life then a detailed figure is interesting, and understandable. With a simple figure, you can focus on lines of action, and make the movements feel alive. With a complex design however, you may spend more time on the way the character looks and neglect to give the movement the proper focus it needs.
The planning side of things is just as important. Making multiple drawings of a similar idea with slight changes can give way to better ideas then what originally was thought. Many people advise not to go with your first idea, because going with your first idea may lead to regret later on due to not thinking things through.
Both thumbnailing and planning are important elements to do before actually animating, and is just as important if not more so.
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Little miss luck (Weekly comments #9)
Yep, that is me right now!
1. What I learned this week:
Not much, we were just working on the 2D short for the most part
2. What I want to learn:
More advanced poses for characters (*Sigh*)
3. Something that frustrated me:
Transitions... I'm using them as a cheat for my 2D short because of a fight scene in it and I'm afraid it will look weird because of that.
And sound, ugh.
4. Something that made me happy:
Here's where the title comes in!
I have wanted a select set of amiibos for awhile for Christmas, and had all of them due to a mass re-release (Because Nintendo realized they messed up and finally fixed a huge part of it) but I was missing one: Ness. Said character had yet to be re- released and my father said that it looks like I won't be getting it for Christmas, which ruined my mood yesterday. But then today, me and my mom walked into Gamestop to get gift cards for my cousins, and I saw it, one singular Ness amiibo. I ran over to make sure I wasn't seeing it wrong, gasped in a way that made my mom laugh, and grabbed it. The story behind it being there according to the man working there was that the manager had bought it, then found out that someone had gotten one already for him and so he brought it back in time for me to find it! Truly I am the luckiest person in the world! (The guy even texted his manger that he made someone very happy)
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExjG-K8xvs
This is an animation podcast that I sometimes put in the background in class, just be aware of language if your picky of that. This one is specifically about Pilots and Gravity Falls, enjoy!
1. What I learned this week:
Not much, we were just working on the 2D short for the most part
2. What I want to learn:
More advanced poses for characters (*Sigh*)
3. Something that frustrated me:
Transitions... I'm using them as a cheat for my 2D short because of a fight scene in it and I'm afraid it will look weird because of that.
And sound, ugh.
4. Something that made me happy:
Here's where the title comes in!
I have wanted a select set of amiibos for awhile for Christmas, and had all of them due to a mass re-release (Because Nintendo realized they messed up and finally fixed a huge part of it) but I was missing one: Ness. Said character had yet to be re- released and my father said that it looks like I won't be getting it for Christmas, which ruined my mood yesterday. But then today, me and my mom walked into Gamestop to get gift cards for my cousins, and I saw it, one singular Ness amiibo. I ran over to make sure I wasn't seeing it wrong, gasped in a way that made my mom laugh, and grabbed it. The story behind it being there according to the man working there was that the manager had bought it, then found out that someone had gotten one already for him and so he brought it back in time for me to find it! Truly I am the luckiest person in the world! (The guy even texted his manger that he made someone very happy)
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExjG-K8xvs
This is an animation podcast that I sometimes put in the background in class, just be aware of language if your picky of that. This one is specifically about Pilots and Gravity Falls, enjoy!
Complex Transitions
When it comes to moving from one scene to another, many film makers use different and interesting transitions to achieve many things. For example, some transitions can be used to change the tone of one scene to the next, say a serious scene to a scene at a party (This is a really common one I know of). Or they can be used so that the transition is not so sudden and instead moves smoothly for the audience. As the article says, transitions are an art form that can be done in a multitude of ways and can depend on the person, some are slow and peaceful, others are fast a chaotic, depending on the mood.
Mythical structures effect in writing
When you think of story telling, what elements do you think of? What elements drag you in and make you interested in the story being told? Chances are, it has to do with elements in the mythical structure, and it's a common thing to see in many movies.
The world being full of patterns helps use learn about the characters and the world around them. This is used to answer questions like "Why is this character important?", "What is the world like?", or "Why should we care?". All of these are very important questions that crate the basics of the story being told.
Impact is a very important thing for a film, even more so in a story build on myth. We can't always connect with the situation at hand, as it might be something that can't happen in reality. Setting the stakes, you draw the audience in for the adventure and make it feel real, making them invested.
Have a character want something is normally what drives an adventure to take place, and also can once again help the audience connect to the struggles a character faces. May this be a physical item or a mental goal, may it be just within reach or impossible to archive, it's a struggle that anyone can relate to, and helps the investment factor.
Not always winning is one of those bitter sweet elements that I'm sure, you the reader and myself, have faced in film at some point (*Cough* How to train your Dragon 2 *Cough*). When you get invested in a character of story, you want a successful resolution, however sometimes that doesn't happen, and this can be a moving experience for the audience.
However, this leads to the takeaway lesson, where we can learn from the experience presented to us, regardless of how things end. We can learn things that had we not seen and known about, we may have never known these lessons.
The world being full of patterns helps use learn about the characters and the world around them. This is used to answer questions like "Why is this character important?", "What is the world like?", or "Why should we care?". All of these are very important questions that crate the basics of the story being told.
Impact is a very important thing for a film, even more so in a story build on myth. We can't always connect with the situation at hand, as it might be something that can't happen in reality. Setting the stakes, you draw the audience in for the adventure and make it feel real, making them invested.
Have a character want something is normally what drives an adventure to take place, and also can once again help the audience connect to the struggles a character faces. May this be a physical item or a mental goal, may it be just within reach or impossible to archive, it's a struggle that anyone can relate to, and helps the investment factor.
Not always winning is one of those bitter sweet elements that I'm sure, you the reader and myself, have faced in film at some point (*Cough* How to train your Dragon 2 *Cough*). When you get invested in a character of story, you want a successful resolution, however sometimes that doesn't happen, and this can be a moving experience for the audience.
However, this leads to the takeaway lesson, where we can learn from the experience presented to us, regardless of how things end. We can learn things that had we not seen and known about, we may have never known these lessons.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
We're back! (Weekly Comments #8 )
With your regularly scheduled Weekly Blog!
1. What I learned this week:
Cameras in Harmony
2D cutout animation
2. What I want to learn:
Opacity
How to will yourself to make more in-betweens.
3. Something that frustrated me:
Not much actually!
4. Something that made me happy:
... Why can I not think of anything? Guess it was just a good smooth week!
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fjYusXyruQ
This is a video talking about the style of Gravity Falls and some tips on drawing in said style. I feel this is appropriate due to the show drawing to a close pretty soon, enjoy!
1. What I learned this week:
Cameras in Harmony
2D cutout animation
2. What I want to learn:
Opacity
How to will yourself to make more in-betweens.
3. Something that frustrated me:
Not much actually!
4. Something that made me happy:
... Why can I not think of anything? Guess it was just a good smooth week!
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fjYusXyruQ
This is a video talking about the style of Gravity Falls and some tips on drawing in said style. I feel this is appropriate due to the show drawing to a close pretty soon, enjoy!
Friday, November 20, 2015
How to record great audio
Now as someone who has no idea about how to record sounds and such this is a convent article to have before working with audio for the 2D short.
For one, I had no idea about the different types of sounds that there are. like the transient sounds, which are the short sounds like shattering glass and and a bouncing ball. Evolving sounds are the ones that grow as they go along, as the name suggests, like the buzz of a vent. Speech is the obvious sound that everyone knows, dialogue that helps to tell the story or inform with the info provided.
Really, it is important to know how to tackle these different sounds for both animation and video to make these really get picked up and convey what needs to be where.
For one, I had no idea about the different types of sounds that there are. like the transient sounds, which are the short sounds like shattering glass and and a bouncing ball. Evolving sounds are the ones that grow as they go along, as the name suggests, like the buzz of a vent. Speech is the obvious sound that everyone knows, dialogue that helps to tell the story or inform with the info provided.
Really, it is important to know how to tackle these different sounds for both animation and video to make these really get picked up and convey what needs to be where.
The art of the Peanuts Movie
I actually saw this movie last weekend, and was really impressed by it, more then I thought I would be!
It is interesting how the team at Blue Sky stayed so faithful to the source material even when converting it from 2D comic strips and movies to a 3D film for the big screen. I know some people were not as excited because it was 3D, and they thought it would ruin the film. But to see how much work the team at Blue Sky put in to make the film feel like it's 2D counterparts, it is really impressive to watch.
The integration of 2D made to this film seem almost natural to fans of the Peanuts, like myself, to really understand how much work must have went into the film. Now that I've gotten the chance to read about how hard some of the work was and how some new techniques, I find it really impressive and appreciate the film even more.
For everyone whose been wondering if it's worth seeing this movie, I'd say it's worth the money to go see, you'll most likely enjoy it!
It is interesting how the team at Blue Sky stayed so faithful to the source material even when converting it from 2D comic strips and movies to a 3D film for the big screen. I know some people were not as excited because it was 3D, and they thought it would ruin the film. But to see how much work the team at Blue Sky put in to make the film feel like it's 2D counterparts, it is really impressive to watch.
The integration of 2D made to this film seem almost natural to fans of the Peanuts, like myself, to really understand how much work must have went into the film. Now that I've gotten the chance to read about how hard some of the work was and how some new techniques, I find it really impressive and appreciate the film even more.
For everyone whose been wondering if it's worth seeing this movie, I'd say it's worth the money to go see, you'll most likely enjoy it!
Sunday, November 8, 2015
... (Weekly comments #7)
I don't even...
1. What I learned this week:
Audio in Harmony
Lipsync
2. What I want to learn:
Floating animation?
3. Something that frustrated me:
Mom got picked for jury duty for up to 8 weeks
Realized one of my former friends is just an a-hole, another one might follow
etc.,etc...
4. Something that made me happy:
Had some really good ice cream yesterday
Yesterday was just a great day in general, unlike what the week was.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuTmRQ11jHg
Remember the 11 second club audio we didn't use? One of the people I'm subscribed to on Youtube had to do it for a project and it's really good, check it out!
1. What I learned this week:
Audio in Harmony
Lipsync
2. What I want to learn:
Floating animation?
3. Something that frustrated me:
Mom got picked for jury duty for up to 8 weeks
Realized one of my former friends is just an a-hole, another one might follow
etc.,etc...
4. Something that made me happy:
Had some really good ice cream yesterday
Yesterday was just a great day in general, unlike what the week was.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuTmRQ11jHg
Remember the 11 second club audio we didn't use? One of the people I'm subscribed to on Youtube had to do it for a project and it's really good, check it out!
Inside Out
This one is pretty interesting as someone who saw and loved this movie, so I was pretty excited for this article!
This article talks about the details from the movies, such as why the people have different lead emotions like the mother having Sadness as her lead emotion and the father had Anger. Or how the overlapping metaphor of growing up in the movie and the research that went into constructing the movie. My personal favorite info is when they were talking about culture changes like the broccoli to bell peppers for Japan, or the change from hockey to soccer in the parents dinner scene.
Really on this stuff alone, you can see the effort that was put into this movie to make it the incredible story it is and how relatable it is.
This article talks about the details from the movies, such as why the people have different lead emotions like the mother having Sadness as her lead emotion and the father had Anger. Or how the overlapping metaphor of growing up in the movie and the research that went into constructing the movie. My personal favorite info is when they were talking about culture changes like the broccoli to bell peppers for Japan, or the change from hockey to soccer in the parents dinner scene.
Really on this stuff alone, you can see the effort that was put into this movie to make it the incredible story it is and how relatable it is.
History of Fake Blood
Am I the only one who skipped the how to make the different types of blood? Yes? Okay...
That aside though, this is an interesting topic not only because it goes into the different types of blood, but the history as well. Not only that America had a small thing against blood in the black and white era, but that Britain loved to remake classics with a ton of blood in this time. Later, this would resurface in America and create some of the classics we know today, as well as some film tricks that would be used to avoid an X rating in future movies.
Fake blood has helped horror movies provide more of their signature touches and have helped give scares to, after all, what would a horror movie be without fake blood. Fake blood has shaped movies and will continue to into the future.
That aside though, this is an interesting topic not only because it goes into the different types of blood, but the history as well. Not only that America had a small thing against blood in the black and white era, but that Britain loved to remake classics with a ton of blood in this time. Later, this would resurface in America and create some of the classics we know today, as well as some film tricks that would be used to avoid an X rating in future movies.
Fake blood has helped horror movies provide more of their signature touches and have helped give scares to, after all, what would a horror movie be without fake blood. Fake blood has shaped movies and will continue to into the future.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
I'm cured! (Weekly Comments #6)
Cough is dying down, guess the Halloween party helped!
1. What I learned this week:
Mostly the same as last week, critique info and such.
Also my costume was very noticed, I'll take it!
2. What I want to learn:
Proportion help possibly?
3. Something that frustrated me:
... Nothing in particular actually, surprise surprise!
4. Something that made me happy:
Halloween was great, had a lot of fun at the party I was at!
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg2FMmiGZBg
Really cool Halloween MAP! Check it out!
1. What I learned this week:
Mostly the same as last week, critique info and such.
Also my costume was very noticed, I'll take it!
2. What I want to learn:
Proportion help possibly?
3. Something that frustrated me:
... Nothing in particular actually, surprise surprise!
4. Something that made me happy:
Halloween was great, had a lot of fun at the party I was at!
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg2FMmiGZBg
Really cool Halloween MAP! Check it out!
9 Composition Techniques article
When trying to make an eye catching image, it's interesting to know where to start, and this article helps start the thinking process. Using the rule of thirds is one way, providing a well constructed image as appose to only one focal point. Leading lines and figure to ground help to create depth in an image, making it more pleasing to look at. Diagonals work hand and hand with this, creating movement. Patterns and repetition help to draw the eye and help it move throughout the whole image. as well as a few others, these elements all make a work more appealing in the long run, and it's important to keep these in mind!
What type of Animatior should I be article
Almost forgot these, almost!
Anyway, this article is about the types of animator, what should be present in a presentation for studios, and common mistakes made by animators.
The types seem to mostly deal with your interests as well as goes through the differences between them. Like game animation is different from studio animations, or VFX is different from Boutique. This is the starting point deciding where to head off to.
The one common mistake that was mentioned is how movements like eye and muscle have different speeds and how sometimes people make them move in sync. I actually had this problem so reading that was pretty helpful!
The rest mostly deal with conveying and momentum, humility also gets mentioned as an important principle to exercise. This article is very helpful though, and I will take away a few lessens from it in regards to the future.
Anyway, this article is about the types of animator, what should be present in a presentation for studios, and common mistakes made by animators.
The types seem to mostly deal with your interests as well as goes through the differences between them. Like game animation is different from studio animations, or VFX is different from Boutique. This is the starting point deciding where to head off to.
The one common mistake that was mentioned is how movements like eye and muscle have different speeds and how sometimes people make them move in sync. I actually had this problem so reading that was pretty helpful!
The rest mostly deal with conveying and momentum, humility also gets mentioned as an important principle to exercise. This article is very helpful though, and I will take away a few lessens from it in regards to the future.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
I feel like I'm on fire~! (Weekly Comment #5)
... And not in a good way~!
1. What I learned this week:
... Not much actually, mostly critique info...
2. What I want to learn:
Improvement in walk cycles
3. Something that frustrated me:
This cough is killer, help me!
THE DIVE, and I will say no more
4. Something that made me happy:
More Undertale uplifting, really for a video game though, it is way to real (and that fills me with determination!)
Found Oswald the Lucky Rabbit stuff at the Disney Store (A mug and an ornament!)
I have hot chocolate right now! ( :3)
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsxjLgJrgJ8
This is a MAP collection from one of my YouTube inspirations, showing their improvement over the years!
1. What I learned this week:
... Not much actually, mostly critique info...
2. What I want to learn:
Improvement in walk cycles
3. Something that frustrated me:
This cough is killer, help me!
THE DIVE, and I will say no more
4. Something that made me happy:
More Undertale uplifting, really for a video game though, it is way to real (and that fills me with determination!)
Found Oswald the Lucky Rabbit stuff at the Disney Store (A mug and an ornament!)
I have hot chocolate right now! ( :3)
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsxjLgJrgJ8
This is a MAP collection from one of my YouTube inspirations, showing their improvement over the years!
8 habits of people who always have great ideas
Eyes still burning, cough has died down, and Undertale is here to distract me...
Let's do this!
Once again, will be treating this like a list!
1. They Look For Inspiration In Unexpected Places:
I've already mentioned my trip to Alaska was quite the source of inspiration, and this builds on my thought that new places invoke new ideas. When you see things you've never seen in person before show up, it certainly opens your mind. This isn't just applied to places either, something you hear or read can also serve some inspiration! (Goes along with #7)
2. They Make Slow Decisions:
Life isn't a race, and neither is your thought process. You can't always have an idea on hand, it's not that simple. This does go hand and hand with #1, and I have heard may stories of movie directors taking a break and then coming up with amazing ideas while taking their mind of what's in front of them.
3. They Find Internal Motivation:
This one is pretty simple, if you can't find enjoyment in what you're doing, you have to question if it's worth doing in the first place.
4. They Start From Scratch:
Really, this is a basic concept for all ideas. All ideas start as such, and start forming once they get written down or drawn out. Not every single idea is perfect when if first gets thought up, but this is the building blocks you start with.
5. They Are Willing To Take Risks:
I really push this idea when I get the "you're so good at art, I'll never be as great as you!", I mean hey, if you refuse to try, I can't help you, sorry~! (Goes along with #6 and #8)
Sorry guys, my eyes are burning really bad right now, so I paired the rest with ones already written that match, I'll write a quick Weekly Comment and then relax, see you there!
Let's do this!
Once again, will be treating this like a list!
1. They Look For Inspiration In Unexpected Places:
I've already mentioned my trip to Alaska was quite the source of inspiration, and this builds on my thought that new places invoke new ideas. When you see things you've never seen in person before show up, it certainly opens your mind. This isn't just applied to places either, something you hear or read can also serve some inspiration! (Goes along with #7)
2. They Make Slow Decisions:
Life isn't a race, and neither is your thought process. You can't always have an idea on hand, it's not that simple. This does go hand and hand with #1, and I have heard may stories of movie directors taking a break and then coming up with amazing ideas while taking their mind of what's in front of them.
3. They Find Internal Motivation:
This one is pretty simple, if you can't find enjoyment in what you're doing, you have to question if it's worth doing in the first place.
4. They Start From Scratch:
Really, this is a basic concept for all ideas. All ideas start as such, and start forming once they get written down or drawn out. Not every single idea is perfect when if first gets thought up, but this is the building blocks you start with.
5. They Are Willing To Take Risks:
I really push this idea when I get the "you're so good at art, I'll never be as great as you!", I mean hey, if you refuse to try, I can't help you, sorry~! (Goes along with #6 and #8)
Sorry guys, my eyes are burning really bad right now, so I paired the rest with ones already written that match, I'll write a quick Weekly Comment and then relax, see you there!
Marvel trailers article
Okay, so right now my eyes hurt and I have a bad cough (but no other cold symptoms????), so please bare with me here!
Alright, so this article is talking about the work that goes into trailers (specifically Marvel) and why they are important to the success of the film. Well the success part is pretty self explanatory, and the work fits hand in hand, so let's hop to it!
The trailer is the first impression of the film you get, so that makes it extremely important to attract attention. Back in the day, you had to draw people to your story while reveling as little as possible to attract viewers, Star Wars is a good example, or many 80's slasher films that kept you in the dark and didn't straight go and say "Here's all the best kills in the movie, oh and here's the killer while we're at it~!" (Paige don't ramble or get bitter please). I really hate to say it, I really do, but it seems that as film technology evolves,the quality of trailers didn't. But with this has come different minds that like seeing action or jokes in the trailers to draw them in (even if the trailer was better then the movie). What passes now is make the trailer appealing to the eye, hence Marvel's trailers looking the way they do.
This is mostly applied to things like armor and weapons, giving them their texture and shine and making them look real to the audience. These extra additions help draw the viewer to look at a specific character or item. In trailers, effects are also used to add and air of mystery that draws people, and that's really the point isn't it? Look at the next trailer you see, and see if they use any of the above!
Alright, so this article is talking about the work that goes into trailers (specifically Marvel) and why they are important to the success of the film. Well the success part is pretty self explanatory, and the work fits hand in hand, so let's hop to it!
The trailer is the first impression of the film you get, so that makes it extremely important to attract attention. Back in the day, you had to draw people to your story while reveling as little as possible to attract viewers, Star Wars is a good example, or many 80's slasher films that kept you in the dark and didn't straight go and say "Here's all the best kills in the movie, oh and here's the killer while we're at it~!" (Paige don't ramble or get bitter please). I really hate to say it, I really do, but it seems that as film technology evolves,the quality of trailers didn't. But with this has come different minds that like seeing action or jokes in the trailers to draw them in (even if the trailer was better then the movie). What passes now is make the trailer appealing to the eye, hence Marvel's trailers looking the way they do.
This is mostly applied to things like armor and weapons, giving them their texture and shine and making them look real to the audience. These extra additions help draw the viewer to look at a specific character or item. In trailers, effects are also used to add and air of mystery that draws people, and that's really the point isn't it? Look at the next trailer you see, and see if they use any of the above!
Sunday, October 18, 2015
...What happened? (Weekly Comments #4)
Wow this week had a lot to throw at me, let's get too it!
1. What I learned this week:
-Keyframes and Pegs
-Storyboard Pro
-That I hate fire drills with a burning passion now
- That everyone will comment the same thing on my wave project (I know the stripes move guys, just work with me here..)
-Human walk cycles make me want to cry
-Undertale is addictive even without playing the game (Help...)
-Learned about ghosts (So spooky~!)
2. What I want to learn:
How to keep things like stripes in place between frames.
How do you human??????
3. Something that frustrated me:
Between the stress of the wave and walk cycle project, they all led to my broken monitor. Yeah, the one with Harmony and Storyboard, yeah....
4. Something that made me happy:
Alright, I was lucky to have a pretty good week this week!
Have any of you heard of Undertale? Well, I'd seen a lot of stuff floating around about it, and then saw a let's player I watch uploaded the first part of their let's play of the game (Followed shortly by another to) so I decided I'd give it a try!
Well, I have a new game interest and it's name is Undertale! I highly suggest it!
Also I saw Ghost Hunters Live at the Riveara Theater last night! And that was amazing!
They were taking really funny digs at eachother, as well as brought some amazing paranormal evidence that made me gasp multiple times and how amazing and at the same time creepy it was!
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygCGWWosfWQ
This is a video about a Cartoon Conspiracy involving Over The Garden Wall and Clarence, and is one of many of these videos with a similar concept. I suggest checking them out!
1. What I learned this week:
-Keyframes and Pegs
-Storyboard Pro
-That I hate fire drills with a burning passion now
- That everyone will comment the same thing on my wave project (I know the stripes move guys, just work with me here..)
-Human walk cycles make me want to cry
-Undertale is addictive even without playing the game (Help...)
-Learned about ghosts (So spooky~!)
2. What I want to learn:
How to keep things like stripes in place between frames.
How do you human??????
3. Something that frustrated me:
Between the stress of the wave and walk cycle project, they all led to my broken monitor. Yeah, the one with Harmony and Storyboard, yeah....
4. Something that made me happy:
Alright, I was lucky to have a pretty good week this week!
Have any of you heard of Undertale? Well, I'd seen a lot of stuff floating around about it, and then saw a let's player I watch uploaded the first part of their let's play of the game (Followed shortly by another to) so I decided I'd give it a try!
Well, I have a new game interest and it's name is Undertale! I highly suggest it!
Also I saw Ghost Hunters Live at the Riveara Theater last night! And that was amazing!
They were taking really funny digs at eachother, as well as brought some amazing paranormal evidence that made me gasp multiple times and how amazing and at the same time creepy it was!
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygCGWWosfWQ
This is a video about a Cartoon Conspiracy involving Over The Garden Wall and Clarence, and is one of many of these videos with a similar concept. I suggest checking them out!
Music's effect in films
Ah music, it's many uses in films is something some people disregard because they don't understand it's importance. I'll bet some people watch movies and don't realize that the music plays a heavy role in creating the feel of the moment.
It could be the swelling of the music after the heroes victory, giving a sense of pride for the characters.
It could be music to indicate importance to a moment, setting the tone for the scene.
Or you have it's most known use, in horror to indicate the killer's in the area or that something is about to go wrong for the protagonists.
They mention Friday the 13th as this example, which is an amazing example, but I'd also like to throw up the slasher film before it, Halloween. Both have that familiar sound or music (I notice both seem interchangeable at certain moments) as the camera flashes to show the slashers sitting and waiting for the perfect time to strike. These two films as well as as Nightmare on Elm Street, which has a more quiet in the music before Freddy jumps out for the scare, seem always attached in the horror department for setting the stage for future movies in the horror category, and as such their use of music.
It could be the swelling of the music after the heroes victory, giving a sense of pride for the characters.
It could be music to indicate importance to a moment, setting the tone for the scene.
Or you have it's most known use, in horror to indicate the killer's in the area or that something is about to go wrong for the protagonists.
They mention Friday the 13th as this example, which is an amazing example, but I'd also like to throw up the slasher film before it, Halloween. Both have that familiar sound or music (I notice both seem interchangeable at certain moments) as the camera flashes to show the slashers sitting and waiting for the perfect time to strike. These two films as well as as Nightmare on Elm Street, which has a more quiet in the music before Freddy jumps out for the scare, seem always attached in the horror department for setting the stage for future movies in the horror category, and as such their use of music.
Disney App review
When I first started reading about this, I imminently thought that it would be a long process that not everyone can do, so imagine my pleasant surprise when all it took was to use this app to make the drawings come to life! This is an outstanding topic and an impressive advancement in technology among other things. The idea that this makes people want to draw more as the study says is also an testament to how amazing technology can be for the creative mind! If I could try this, I would in a heartbeat!
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Work week (Weekly Comments #3)
Concluding another work week, it's time for weekly comments!
1. What I learned this week:
- Physics (Guess it's okay that I had no room for it in my schedule)
- That animating a balloon is really hard.
- That Harmony runs really slow on my computer, killing the chances of getting Maya when
we get to it.
2. What I want to learn:
- How to color frames better.
- How to acquire patience.
3. Something that frustrated me:
Not much honestly, mostly coloring the frames gave me so much of a hard time, it got silly.
Also the fact that I have to listen to my mom, uncle, and cousin yell about the Bills game as I'm trying to write this, that's frustrating to.
4. Something that made me happy:
Getting these animations done and seeing how they turn out is amazing! I decided to do a rough animation for a contest on a site I'm on to win a character and I was really proud of it, I'll finish a few more small things before posting it, but it was really fun!
5. Link of the week!
It's that time again, here's the video link for the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qHSiLwLGug
I found this really funny considering we just watched this movie, but let me explain really quick!
CinemaSins is a channel where they "sin" movies on random things, it's a joke channel of what is "wrong" with a certain movie, mostly leading to nitpicking for the most part, but I find it really amusing. Check it out, and see if they've done your favorite movie!
1. What I learned this week:
- Physics (Guess it's okay that I had no room for it in my schedule)
- That animating a balloon is really hard.
- That Harmony runs really slow on my computer, killing the chances of getting Maya when
we get to it.
2. What I want to learn:
- How to color frames better.
- How to acquire patience.
3. Something that frustrated me:
Not much honestly, mostly coloring the frames gave me so much of a hard time, it got silly.
Also the fact that I have to listen to my mom, uncle, and cousin yell about the Bills game as I'm trying to write this, that's frustrating to.
4. Something that made me happy:
Getting these animations done and seeing how they turn out is amazing! I decided to do a rough animation for a contest on a site I'm on to win a character and I was really proud of it, I'll finish a few more small things before posting it, but it was really fun!
5. Link of the week!
It's that time again, here's the video link for the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qHSiLwLGug
I found this really funny considering we just watched this movie, but let me explain really quick!
CinemaSins is a channel where they "sin" movies on random things, it's a joke channel of what is "wrong" with a certain movie, mostly leading to nitpicking for the most part, but I find it really amusing. Check it out, and see if they've done your favorite movie!
Friday, October 2, 2015
Wall-e Principles of Animation
After watching Wall-e this week and noting examples of the 12 principles, I will talk about six of these principles in this blog post.
Anticipation:
The main example for this principles is when Wall-e exits his home and looks off screen, where it is shown the light from the ship coming to Earth is what was off screen. After seeing it, Wall-e gives chase and this leads him to the ship where he meets Eve.
Staging:
This example comes during the beginning of the movie. While the intro is going on, there is an overview of the now trash covered Earth, this sets the mood of a now abandoned Earth. The audience now knows that this takes place sometime in the future when the Earth is now uninhabitable by humans.
Arcs:
The example of arcs comes from Wall-e himself. His treads that allow him to move have an arc like movement to them, as does Wall-e himself as he moves, this is more noticeable when he moves at a faster pace.
Timing:
With timing, the moment when the struggle over the plant leads to it being thrown down the garbage hatch, leaving a moment of suspense before Wall-e pops up with the plant, having saved it from falling all the way down.
Exaggeration:
The humans in the movie in general express this principle, both in the way they moved and look. They have a very round look to them and when they finally walk again, the way they walk also is pretty exaggerated.
Appeal:
The characters in his movie do have their own charm to the way they look. Wall-e has an older and dirtier look to him to match the condition of Earth. Eve has a more advanced and clean look in comparison to Wall-e.
Anticipation:
The main example for this principles is when Wall-e exits his home and looks off screen, where it is shown the light from the ship coming to Earth is what was off screen. After seeing it, Wall-e gives chase and this leads him to the ship where he meets Eve.
Staging:
This example comes during the beginning of the movie. While the intro is going on, there is an overview of the now trash covered Earth, this sets the mood of a now abandoned Earth. The audience now knows that this takes place sometime in the future when the Earth is now uninhabitable by humans.
Arcs:
The example of arcs comes from Wall-e himself. His treads that allow him to move have an arc like movement to them, as does Wall-e himself as he moves, this is more noticeable when he moves at a faster pace.
Timing:
With timing, the moment when the struggle over the plant leads to it being thrown down the garbage hatch, leaving a moment of suspense before Wall-e pops up with the plant, having saved it from falling all the way down.
Exaggeration:
The humans in the movie in general express this principle, both in the way they moved and look. They have a very round look to them and when they finally walk again, the way they walk also is pretty exaggerated.
Appeal:
The characters in his movie do have their own charm to the way they look. Wall-e has an older and dirtier look to him to match the condition of Earth. Eve has a more advanced and clean look in comparison to Wall-e.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Ups and downs (Weekly comments #2)
Hey everyone, another week has gone by, and a such it's time for Weekly comments!
1. What I learned this week:
- 12 principles of animation
- Color theory
- That orange pants of any kind don't exist
2. What I want to learn:
- Easy ways to determine key frames
- Advice with backgrounds
3. Something that frustrated me:
Oh boy, the pants thing is still a problem and has angered me to no end and my father only making it worse. Other then this, other things have been merely annoyances.
4. Happy moments this week:
My uncle is here, that's the happiest thing that happened this week, the week has been slightly uneventful.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3uKBLawAoQ
This weeks video involves more of an art view, but I found it cool none the less. This video shows the creativity that can come from a simple idea, and the art is amazing. On top of this, Tricky's voice is very pleasant. So if you like Pokemon and want to see some cool fusions, this is for you.
1. What I learned this week:
- 12 principles of animation
- Color theory
- That orange pants of any kind don't exist
2. What I want to learn:
- Easy ways to determine key frames
- Advice with backgrounds
3. Something that frustrated me:
Oh boy, the pants thing is still a problem and has angered me to no end and my father only making it worse. Other then this, other things have been merely annoyances.
4. Happy moments this week:
My uncle is here, that's the happiest thing that happened this week, the week has been slightly uneventful.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3uKBLawAoQ
This weeks video involves more of an art view, but I found it cool none the less. This video shows the creativity that can come from a simple idea, and the art is amazing. On top of this, Tricky's voice is very pleasant. So if you like Pokemon and want to see some cool fusions, this is for you.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
The Evolution of an Artist
This article was a particularly interesting article, as it was a part of an interview with Chuck Jones, the animator for many Looney Toons short cartoons over the years. This ended up showing many interesting things that go into animation, from character development, to the expressions they have, to the gags that make us laugh. The key to making a beloved and memorable character is seeming lake you understand what they want, and Looney Toons is one of the first examples I personally think of for this concept. The talk about the facial expressions and how sometimes less is more is particularly interesting, and the examples they showed really hammered that point home. The last part about studying real life is also really interesting because normally you wouldn't think real life would be an important thing to take into consideration, but in reality it could be your greatest inspiration.
6 ways you came use simple props
This article is about the use of props in film or Tv and it's different dynamic effects. Props end up commonly used to show something about a particular event or character present in the scene and the feeling surrounding these elements.
Sometimes props can have double meanings and can also help the audience understand a not known reason to why it's there, and in turn expand the world and the characters in it ten fold.
Time passage can also be shown in props. One of the common props used to show time passing is a flower. You'll see a bright and healthy flower to begin with, what happens next depends on what the movie wants you to feel. If it's trying to express a tragic event happening, it will slowly start to wilt, the once bright color changing into a dull mess, the petals will fall off after a time, until the flower is no longer there. Now if they wanted to have a tragic event happen but the story also includes a bounce back from this tragic past, the flower may still die, but then a seed from this flower will grow in it's place to show healing taking place.
Preforming with a prop is pretty simple, using the props directly might enhance a feeling that could come from just the prop or from the character without interaction, and give it a stronger meaning as well as set the stage.
Finally is transition, now this could in theory work hand in hand with the passage of time mentioned earlier, and has been used this way in film before, giving an idea that the prop could have added the character in getting to where the time skip ends. On the other hand, it could also be used to go to another destination that still takes place at the same time, and event that may have something to do with the previous scene.
Sometimes props can have double meanings and can also help the audience understand a not known reason to why it's there, and in turn expand the world and the characters in it ten fold.
Time passage can also be shown in props. One of the common props used to show time passing is a flower. You'll see a bright and healthy flower to begin with, what happens next depends on what the movie wants you to feel. If it's trying to express a tragic event happening, it will slowly start to wilt, the once bright color changing into a dull mess, the petals will fall off after a time, until the flower is no longer there. Now if they wanted to have a tragic event happen but the story also includes a bounce back from this tragic past, the flower may still die, but then a seed from this flower will grow in it's place to show healing taking place.
Preforming with a prop is pretty simple, using the props directly might enhance a feeling that could come from just the prop or from the character without interaction, and give it a stronger meaning as well as set the stage.
Finally is transition, now this could in theory work hand in hand with the passage of time mentioned earlier, and has been used this way in film before, giving an idea that the prop could have added the character in getting to where the time skip ends. On the other hand, it could also be used to go to another destination that still takes place at the same time, and event that may have something to do with the previous scene.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
What a week! (Weekly comments #1)
Greetings! So concludes another week, and I've decided these weekly comments will always be done Sunday morning, incase something happens over the weekend, and oh boy it did!
1. What I learned this week:
- Copyright laws
- Elements and principles
- Occupations in the field
- Using Harmony
- I have a wondering mind that forgets to save unless reminded
- I work strangely fast (?)
- The there is Epic Mickey 3 concept art even though the game won't be made (and I'm totally not bitter about that, what are you talking about?)
2. What I want to learn:
- Possible short cuts in animation
- Different styles of animation
- Why the close gap tool hates me with a burning passion
3. Frustrating parts of the week:
Without a moment where someone else's bad mood has rubbed off on me, I'd say that I couldn't figure out how to fill the background so it didn't look so plain on my character.
Outside though, why can't I find orange sweatpants? I need a pair for my Halloween costume and I can't find any that aren't over 20 dollars, any suggestions?
4. Happy moments of the week:
Getting to see my character looking really awesome after taking a risk on a really hard design, I thought I'd hate it but I don't.
Outside, I got a really cool Pokémon shirt yesterday, and I got the last on in my size, pretty lucky.
5. Link of the week!
Remember how I mentioned Epic Mickey earlier? Well my video, or video's, of the week have to do with that!
For those who don't know, Epic Mickey was a 2009 video game that starred Mickey getting taken into The Wasteland, a land or forgotten toons, after creating the Blot, the enemy of the game. Now Mickey has to face the destruction he's caused and save the Wasteland along side Gus the gremlin, and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who was the toon Mickey replaced. (Which this game made the idea of Mickey and Oswald being half brothers canon, cool little fact)
On to the video, I'm leavening two different links, one to a direct video for Oswald, the other for what the series these videos belong to, which is the Epic Mickey Files.
Oswald video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OjJv8C1sSU&list=PLDFF225222861FCC4&index=19
Playlist for the rest of the forgotten characters in the game: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDFF225222861FCC4
1. What I learned this week:
- Copyright laws
- Elements and principles
- Occupations in the field
- Using Harmony
- I have a wondering mind that forgets to save unless reminded
- I work strangely fast (?)
- The there is Epic Mickey 3 concept art even though the game won't be made (and I'm totally not bitter about that, what are you talking about?)
2. What I want to learn:
- Possible short cuts in animation
- Different styles of animation
- Why the close gap tool hates me with a burning passion
3. Frustrating parts of the week:
Without a moment where someone else's bad mood has rubbed off on me, I'd say that I couldn't figure out how to fill the background so it didn't look so plain on my character.
Outside though, why can't I find orange sweatpants? I need a pair for my Halloween costume and I can't find any that aren't over 20 dollars, any suggestions?
4. Happy moments of the week:
Getting to see my character looking really awesome after taking a risk on a really hard design, I thought I'd hate it but I don't.
Outside, I got a really cool Pokémon shirt yesterday, and I got the last on in my size, pretty lucky.
5. Link of the week!
Remember how I mentioned Epic Mickey earlier? Well my video, or video's, of the week have to do with that!
For those who don't know, Epic Mickey was a 2009 video game that starred Mickey getting taken into The Wasteland, a land or forgotten toons, after creating the Blot, the enemy of the game. Now Mickey has to face the destruction he's caused and save the Wasteland along side Gus the gremlin, and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who was the toon Mickey replaced. (Which this game made the idea of Mickey and Oswald being half brothers canon, cool little fact)
On to the video, I'm leavening two different links, one to a direct video for Oswald, the other for what the series these videos belong to, which is the Epic Mickey Files.
Oswald video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OjJv8C1sSU&list=PLDFF225222861FCC4&index=19
Playlist for the rest of the forgotten characters in the game: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDFF225222861FCC4
Mistakes that beginning filmmakers make
Alright, I'll do this one a little differently, I'm going to comment about each mistake mentioned with some personal understanding, let's see how it goes!
1. Too much typing- This is a mistake I've found a personal connection to recently over the summer. While on a cruse ship in Alaska, I was inspired multiple times everyday by the sights, the atmosphere, and many other aspects. I still wish I had written down all my ideas, but my mind was in a constant mode of creative thought. Here on the internet, I may have at most, two creative ideas a day, if I don't get distracted or have art block. For me, music helps, but never in the way that trip did.
2. Caring too much about what's popular- I don't always have a problem with this, as most of the time I don't know or don't care what's popular, that's just my mindset. The closest I came was the first few months on DeviantArt, when Five Night's at Freddy's wasn't laughable and was something new. I made a few fanart pieces for it, but after a few months I saw the fandom collapse into a toxic environment for artist and without a second thought, stopped making art for it and backed out of the fandom. Since then I haven't been artistically active in any of the fanbases of my interest currently besides personal drawings for myself, I have more invested myself into original work, which gives me the creative edge I enjoy.
3. Not making enough narrative content- This one... I can't really relate to, I'm more of a visual then a textual expresser, but I suppose at the same time it does. Even if it's art, the story, if there's one to tell, should be clear to the viewer, With this in mind, I will carry this on when we start animating.
4.Worry of failure- Unlike the last one, this one hits really hard home. As someone who shares their art publicly, I feel really proud of something and post it, and then I see other peoples art and I feel like I got knocked down a peg. I hear people say "I'll never be as good as you" and I get frustrated over it, though in reality I'm being hypocritical, because I have days where I am that person. However, I always try and pick myself up and tell myself that it's okay, someone will always be better then you, but that doesn't mean you should give up. Who knows, someone may prefer your style over someone else's style, so keep your head up and look to the future!
5. Practice humility- This is a really important idea with any type of media, and while I haven't got it yet, I do plan to in the future!
And that's all, I didn't realize this was so long, and hey, you know a little more about my thought process and experiences, give yourself a hand if you got through the entire thing you trooper, I ramble a lot as you can see!
1. Too much typing- This is a mistake I've found a personal connection to recently over the summer. While on a cruse ship in Alaska, I was inspired multiple times everyday by the sights, the atmosphere, and many other aspects. I still wish I had written down all my ideas, but my mind was in a constant mode of creative thought. Here on the internet, I may have at most, two creative ideas a day, if I don't get distracted or have art block. For me, music helps, but never in the way that trip did.
2. Caring too much about what's popular- I don't always have a problem with this, as most of the time I don't know or don't care what's popular, that's just my mindset. The closest I came was the first few months on DeviantArt, when Five Night's at Freddy's wasn't laughable and was something new. I made a few fanart pieces for it, but after a few months I saw the fandom collapse into a toxic environment for artist and without a second thought, stopped making art for it and backed out of the fandom. Since then I haven't been artistically active in any of the fanbases of my interest currently besides personal drawings for myself, I have more invested myself into original work, which gives me the creative edge I enjoy.
3. Not making enough narrative content- This one... I can't really relate to, I'm more of a visual then a textual expresser, but I suppose at the same time it does. Even if it's art, the story, if there's one to tell, should be clear to the viewer, With this in mind, I will carry this on when we start animating.
4.Worry of failure- Unlike the last one, this one hits really hard home. As someone who shares their art publicly, I feel really proud of something and post it, and then I see other peoples art and I feel like I got knocked down a peg. I hear people say "I'll never be as good as you" and I get frustrated over it, though in reality I'm being hypocritical, because I have days where I am that person. However, I always try and pick myself up and tell myself that it's okay, someone will always be better then you, but that doesn't mean you should give up. Who knows, someone may prefer your style over someone else's style, so keep your head up and look to the future!
5. Practice humility- This is a really important idea with any type of media, and while I haven't got it yet, I do plan to in the future!
And that's all, I didn't realize this was so long, and hey, you know a little more about my thought process and experiences, give yourself a hand if you got through the entire thing you trooper, I ramble a lot as you can see!
Procrastination response
I'm going to try and shake my lingering artistic block with this, lets hope it works!
Anyway, on topic, procrastination is something everyone will face millions of times in life. It's a hard habit to shake, and it's not helped when what you're procrastinating something you hate doing, like an essay, a chore, going somewhere you don't want to, things like this. After reading this article, I can see what causes some of my own procrastination. Things like not being very organized, tackling the small stuff first, and of course the dreaded pull of the internet are all personal contributing factors. Even while I'm not currently distracted by them, I have DeviantArt and YouTube tabs open, and while I'm only currently working on these articles, I remember times where things like these held my attention for just a bit to long while I had things pile up in the background. I'm certainly going to take a few tips from this article in the future, and try my best to break the habit of procrastination.
Anyway, on topic, procrastination is something everyone will face millions of times in life. It's a hard habit to shake, and it's not helped when what you're procrastinating something you hate doing, like an essay, a chore, going somewhere you don't want to, things like this. After reading this article, I can see what causes some of my own procrastination. Things like not being very organized, tackling the small stuff first, and of course the dreaded pull of the internet are all personal contributing factors. Even while I'm not currently distracted by them, I have DeviantArt and YouTube tabs open, and while I'm only currently working on these articles, I remember times where things like these held my attention for just a bit to long while I had things pile up in the background. I'm certainly going to take a few tips from this article in the future, and try my best to break the habit of procrastination.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
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