Friday, September 9, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
ode to my friends
Caffiene, Richard Williams, Adobe CS4, and Pandora radio, you are my only friends...I couldn't do this without you.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Wow
Boy do I have animation on the brain like never ever before. All I can think about is arcs, tracebacks, acting, tracking, etc....etc....The only break I get from obsessing is sleep. This isn't a negative thing necessarily!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Break downs
Breakdowns done on time, Sunday the 31st of July, 2011.
:)
Current state of mind - Pleased.
Current Task(s): Breakdowns finished.
On The Horizon: Splitting pages, putting files into AE to organize.
What is working: The process. Also time-pinching, keeping my hands loose when drawing and only filling in the necessary information for this point in time.
What isn't working: Not much at this point. Things are good.
Additional Thoughts: I guess I beat down the "get thee to work" demon, again. :)
For the Portfolio part of it, I gathered all my drawings and studies with pencil for the flat book.
*GIANT GRIN*
:)
Current state of mind - Pleased.
Current Task(s): Breakdowns finished.
On The Horizon: Splitting pages, putting files into AE to organize.
What is working: The process. Also time-pinching, keeping my hands loose when drawing and only filling in the necessary information for this point in time.
What isn't working: Not much at this point. Things are good.
Additional Thoughts: I guess I beat down the "get thee to work" demon, again. :)
For the Portfolio part of it, I gathered all my drawings and studies with pencil for the flat book.
*GIANT GRIN*
Selling this thing.
I am seriously thinking hard about presenting to the panel at times, and I figure it has to be about as good as this...
Yeah, I have to SELL this thing!!! :)
So the carpal tunnel set in last week, but I was really relieved about it, because that's when I know I am doing my job....:)
More later!
Yeah, I have to SELL this thing!!! :)
So the carpal tunnel set in last week, but I was really relieved about it, because that's when I know I am doing my job....:)
More later!
Monday, July 25, 2011
walking at a slug's pace
ten drawings...two strides is where I'm at...
http://www.ehow.com/video_2373728_breakdown-animation-walk-cycle.html
I squeezed out a few more during then and now which is 1:46 am.
I also contacted an old animation friend for some perspective because...
I am officially freaking out.
http://www.ehow.com/video_2373728_breakdown-animation-walk-cycle.html
I squeezed out a few more during then and now which is 1:46 am.
I also contacted an old animation friend for some perspective because...
I am officially freaking out.
night time work
I'm dedicating my night to getting some work done whatever it is. Goal #1....add coffee, animate ten minutes, see what happens...
I know this is how many great animators of the past have done. Just do it...wherever and whenever possible. I have made my situation portable, I have a great bag to fit all of my tools perfectly into, and I have been making sure to back up files once or three times....
Ok...I need to figure out like 9 drawins tonight at least to get over the 17 mark so we have something more to work with. I will upate this later........
It is now 11:05 pm
I know this is how many great animators of the past have done. Just do it...wherever and whenever possible. I have made my situation portable, I have a great bag to fit all of my tools perfectly into, and I have been making sure to back up files once or three times....
Ok...I need to figure out like 9 drawins tonight at least to get over the 17 mark so we have something more to work with. I will upate this later........
It is now 11:05 pm
Indie Journal
Current state of mind - After excusing some work-disorienting business from my workin day, I'm alright.
Current Task(s): Current version of Flipbook pencil test.
On The Horizon: Version 6 and 7 with more breakdowns.
What is working: THE PROCESS.
What isn't working: having a little too much fun. When I get in there in the actual "cartooning" animation process I become goofy and start singing show tunes and thinking of funny stuff, it's almost like getting together with friends and posing the statement that "it would be sooo funny if..." But I'm not a a restaurant with my friends, I'm in the animation room, at the school, and I think Gary can hear me showtuning back here. Sorry, Gary!
Additional Thoughts: I guess I beat down the "get thee to work" demon.
For fun: I tried to post Michigan J. Frog on here but it didn't work. :(
Current Task(s): Current version of Flipbook pencil test.
On The Horizon: Version 6 and 7 with more breakdowns.
What is working: THE PROCESS.
What isn't working: having a little too much fun. When I get in there in the actual "cartooning" animation process I become goofy and start singing show tunes and thinking of funny stuff, it's almost like getting together with friends and posing the statement that "it would be sooo funny if..." But I'm not a a restaurant with my friends, I'm in the animation room, at the school, and I think Gary can hear me showtuning back here. Sorry, Gary!
Additional Thoughts: I guess I beat down the "get thee to work" demon.
For fun: I tried to post Michigan J. Frog on here but it didn't work. :(
Indie Journal
http://www.angryanimator.com/word/tutorials/
Angry Animator....wow, I love it just for it's name. It's kind of like "Angry Norwegian" sardines designed by Matt Groening.
The page has a word about/from Preston Blair. It says every animation student should have a copy of the book "How to Animate" by Preston Blair.
I wish I could just upload this stuff into my memory at night when I sleep, but unfortunately life isn't that easy and no one's going to feel sorry fer ya. They just going to keep happily cartooning and laughing and writing jokes. :)
Off to the 24/7 lab with myself...
Angry Animator....wow, I love it just for it's name. It's kind of like "Angry Norwegian" sardines designed by Matt Groening.
The page has a word about/from Preston Blair. It says every animation student should have a copy of the book "How to Animate" by Preston Blair.
I wish I could just upload this stuff into my memory at night when I sleep, but unfortunately life isn't that easy and no one's going to feel sorry fer ya. They just going to keep happily cartooning and laughing and writing jokes. :)
Off to the 24/7 lab with myself...
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Internal conflict of a dork
Indie journal
Independent journal
Current state of mind - Medicated for your protection. (that was a joke.)
Current Task(s): Extreme poses, testing.
On The Horizon: Breakdowns, testing.
What is working: THE PROCESS.
What isn't working: Being lazier than I would like to be!!!!
Additional Thoughts: When I am in lazy mode, I'm useless to the world...I can't be that way, and it's usually a side effect of my medications (change them with doc?). Coffee usually does the trick but the problem can get bad. That's when I don't think and just do and it isn't so bad.
Just thinking about being in the office and having this happen, coffee...is usually provided, lol I know it sound stupid but it actually works for me...Scandinavians run on the stuff right? Haha...
Well, anyhow, there is no beating myself up allowed, but there's no excuses for not doing work. Even if it is at 1:04 am you have to do it. AT least one page if you can, then maybe you can get into the groove and do it!
More later. I will tell you if I was conquered or if I won.
Independent journal
Current state of mind - Medicated for your protection. (that was a joke.)
Current Task(s): Extreme poses, testing.
On The Horizon: Breakdowns, testing.
What is working: THE PROCESS.
What isn't working: Being lazier than I would like to be!!!!
Additional Thoughts: When I am in lazy mode, I'm useless to the world...I can't be that way, and it's usually a side effect of my medications (change them with doc?). Coffee usually does the trick but the problem can get bad. That's when I don't think and just do and it isn't so bad.
Just thinking about being in the office and having this happen, coffee...is usually provided, lol I know it sound stupid but it actually works for me...Scandinavians run on the stuff right? Haha...
Well, anyhow, there is no beating myself up allowed, but there's no excuses for not doing work. Even if it is at 1:04 am you have to do it. AT least one page if you can, then maybe you can get into the groove and do it!
More later. I will tell you if I was conquered or if I won.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Indie journal Post Script
Monday, July 18, 2011
Eric Goldberg
"...Goldberg closed his studio to work at Disney Animation Studios, Burbank, California, to work on the film, "Aladdin", where he became the lead animator on the character Genie in Aladdin, and later the lead animator on Phil, in Hercules (1997)..."
I loved the character Phil, the Genie was also epic too. The facial expressions, very animated faces. Lot of squash and stretch.....which is what I am currently taking timeto study at the moment in preparation for animation.
What points in my animation would there be squash/stretch in the face?
* When Max is sad (i.e. Why the long face?)
* When his face stretched into a huge, ear to ear joyous smile at the end (or any smile for that matter)
* When the first female character makes the irritated face
* Any time any character makes a puzzled face
I think this is of utmost importance. This is the type of thing that brings in the audience and entertains them.
It's also interesting to think about how many things animation has in common with theatrical acting: cheating out to the audience, exaggeration or movement, etc.
more later....
I loved the character Phil, the Genie was also epic too. The facial expressions, very animated faces. Lot of squash and stretch.....which is what I am currently taking timeto study at the moment in preparation for animation.
What points in my animation would there be squash/stretch in the face?
* When Max is sad (i.e. Why the long face?)
* When his face stretched into a huge, ear to ear joyous smile at the end (or any smile for that matter)
* When the first female character makes the irritated face
* Any time any character makes a puzzled face
I think this is of utmost importance. This is the type of thing that brings in the audience and entertains them.
It's also interesting to think about how many things animation has in common with theatrical acting: cheating out to the audience, exaggeration or movement, etc.
more later....
Indie journal
Independent journal
Current state of mind - Frazzled.
Current Task(s): Key poses, beginning walk cycle for Max.
On The Horizon: Animation.
What is working: Ideas for handling quadrupedal animal movement, facial expressions.
What isn't working: mental/emotional blocks.
Additional Thoughts: Attitude adjustment is needed.
Current state of mind - Frazzled.
Current Task(s): Key poses, beginning walk cycle for Max.
On The Horizon: Animation.
What is working: Ideas for handling quadrupedal animal movement, facial expressions.
What isn't working: mental/emotional blocks.
Additional Thoughts: Attitude adjustment is needed.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Checking up
Check point:
Drawings of 4 characters - Almost done: need more cat poses.
20+ job leads - √
Storyboard edits - √
List of contacts - √
Edited storyboard scans - Unfinished
Animatic w/ scratch audio - Unfinished
Drawings of 4 characters - Almost done: need more cat poses.
20+ job leads - √
Storyboard edits - √
List of contacts - √
Edited storyboard scans - Unfinished
Animatic w/ scratch audio - Unfinished
the good book #2
My dad always said if you're nervous about a subject in classes, just "over-prepare yourself".
Not only for walk cycles. But also a quadrupedal walk cycle. "It's just two sets of legs slightly out of phase!" Says YOU Richard Williams....*goes to the corner and cries* Sniffle. Ok, let's face the music;
WHEW.
Is there too much in my shopping cart if I put that in there?
It's here for reference at least.
I am going to be animating maybe like a step or two with the cat. He will sit, and then he will flip out and flee.
I found a different page deling with my very dilemma. Here it is, page 60:
" Important animators are called key animators, and word got round that they just draw the keys - anything that they draw is a key - and slaves fill in the rest as according to the little charts provided by the key animators. Wrong. A key animator is simply like a key executive - an important one.
And it was encouraging to see anyone that great struggling to get it right! "
Then we get into straight ahead animating, or pose - to - pose. I am using a combination of "straight ahead" and "pose-to-pose" (Example, page 63.). I have already planned the scenes. I need anticipations/extremes. No known disadvantages according to Richard. :)
Alright there we go. I will refer to this as well.
Not only for walk cycles. But also a quadrupedal walk cycle. "It's just two sets of legs slightly out of phase!" Says YOU Richard Williams....*goes to the corner and cries* Sniffle. Ok, let's face the music;
"Four legged animals walk like two of us joined together. - One slightly ahead of the other - two sets of legs slightly out of phase.
We look for all the same things as we do with a human. Start with the contact positions (probably starting on the front foot.) Where are the ups and downs? Where is the weight? What's the speed? Character? Differences in build?
But with two sets of legs working, there's a lot weight transference going on - where the weight is coming from,, where it is and where its going to." (The Animator's Survival Kit, Richard Williams, 2001.)
WHEW.
Is there too much in my shopping cart if I put that in there?
It's here for reference at least.
I am going to be animating maybe like a step or two with the cat. He will sit, and then he will flip out and flee.
I found a different page deling with my very dilemma. Here it is, page 60:
" Important animators are called key animators, and word got round that they just draw the keys - anything that they draw is a key - and slaves fill in the rest as according to the little charts provided by the key animators. Wrong. A key animator is simply like a key executive - an important one.
Many good animators call all their extremes 'keys' - I sure used to.But it makes life so much clearer and easier if you separate the keys from the extremes...
...There may be many keys in a scene - or maybe just one or two - it depends on what it is and the length of the scene. Its whatever it takes to put it over, to read what's to occur. You can spend time on these keys.
I remember once visiting Frank Thomas and he was drawing a cat. 'Dammit,' he said. 'I've been working all day on this damn drawing - trying to get this expression right.'
I was shocked. All day! Wow! That was the first time I ever saw anyone working so hard on a single drawing. How was he ever going to get the scene done? Finally, the penny dropped. 'Of course stupid, it's his key!' It's the most important thing in the scene! He's got to get that right!'
Then we get into straight ahead animating, or pose - to - pose. I am using a combination of "straight ahead" and "pose-to-pose" (Example, page 63.). I have already planned the scenes. I need anticipations/extremes. No known disadvantages according to Richard. :)
Alright there we go. I will refer to this as well.
Sun 12:00 AM
This is just me thinking out loud.
I know I'm a worrywort, everyone around me knows I'm a worrywort. I have to laugh that I have to go over this in my head because it's like being on autopilot..."blah blah blah..."
Anyhow, I know relaxation techniques, I could probably write a college term paper on it (in fact I think I might've in one of the psychology courses I took at SUVA...)
A lot of thinking and fretting happens before the huge presentation we all have to do at one point or another in our careers, college or otherwise.
So I'll fret and fret, but I can promise myself that when the moment comes that I have to show and tell, it will be smooth sailing: I have no idea why it works that way for me but it does. (I'm going to come back to this again and again to remind myself I just know it.)
Back to work.
I know I'm a worrywort, everyone around me knows I'm a worrywort. I have to laugh that I have to go over this in my head because it's like being on autopilot..."blah blah blah..."
Anyhow, I know relaxation techniques, I could probably write a college term paper on it (in fact I think I might've in one of the psychology courses I took at SUVA...)
A lot of thinking and fretting happens before the huge presentation we all have to do at one point or another in our careers, college or otherwise.
So I'll fret and fret, but I can promise myself that when the moment comes that I have to show and tell, it will be smooth sailing: I have no idea why it works that way for me but it does. (I'm going to come back to this again and again to remind myself I just know it.)
Back to work.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
independant journal
Independent journal
Current Task(s): Sound, Applying changes to 2nd version of animatic
On The Horizon: Improved Animatic
What is working: Having my work cut out for me...haha.
What isn't working: Sleeping into daytime...
Additional Thoughts: Rikki Tikki Tavi
<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JPXSaFqxrWs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
The animation is as special as the main character. How did they make him so cute? Cute and vicious at the same time, haha. I will have to animate a cat's facial expressions. This gave me a few ideas of how to handle facial expression with an animal's face; anger, innocence, happiness, annoyance, reactions such as biting, fleeing, sniffing the air, etc, things to keep in mind, or make a list of, that cats typically do when reacting to situations.
Luckily I have a great book called the Encyclopedia of the Cat, which has any kind of scientific information about a cat I could need; typical structure, traits, behaviors etc.
A cat's emotional capacity isn't very expansive; They will react one of four basic ways - eat, mate, fight or flee. One more facet that adds to their personalities though, is revert into "kitten" mode when petted or scratched, as this mimics grooming behavior in a mother cat. These are all things to consider when animating reactions of the cat in my story.
After all, the cat has a big role as supporting actor :)
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
in the mix
So I was mixing stuff up today...
I threw in a bit of gesture drawing, put in some Jamie Hewlett, added a bit of John K, sprinkled it with a pinch of Tex Avery....and by golly wouldn't you know it, I have three character designs. Max, Julie and Deb. Max and Deb have TS, Julie doesn't like it, which is why she doesn't get to join in on the celebration at the end. lol.
Computer was acting funky when I tried to scan them and turn them in early. No big huge problems, but I know I need color ink. Just glad I have equipment at home so I can do my work in my pajamas, lol.
Next: After Effects & scratch track, list.
:)
I threw in a bit of gesture drawing, put in some Jamie Hewlett, added a bit of John K, sprinkled it with a pinch of Tex Avery....and by golly wouldn't you know it, I have three character designs. Max, Julie and Deb. Max and Deb have TS, Julie doesn't like it, which is why she doesn't get to join in on the celebration at the end. lol.
Computer was acting funky when I tried to scan them and turn them in early. No big huge problems, but I know I need color ink. Just glad I have equipment at home so I can do my work in my pajamas, lol.
Next: After Effects & scratch track, list.
:)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
independant journal
Current state of mind - WAS frazzled, now I feel better. I just needed some perspective.
Current Task(s): In - betweens for animatic, apply anticipatory expressions, interaction between characters.
On The Horizon: Animatic, fastest one I've ever produced!
What is working: Character design, solid story, preparedness in spite of being "frazzled".
What isn't working: Animator's block.
Additional Thoughts: Correction about the Hubley studio...the couple who were an animation team about 50+ years ago...now they have a daughter who does it. The animation "origin of Love" was done by EMILY Hubley, daughter of Faith and John Hubley. Interesting huh :)
http://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/2007/05/21/20-procrastination-hacks/ !
Current Task(s): In - betweens for animatic, apply anticipatory expressions, interaction between characters.
On The Horizon: Animatic, fastest one I've ever produced!
What is working: Character design, solid story, preparedness in spite of being "frazzled".
What isn't working: Animator's block.
Additional Thoughts: Correction about the Hubley studio...the couple who were an animation team about 50+ years ago...now they have a daughter who does it. The animation "origin of Love" was done by EMILY Hubley, daughter of Faith and John Hubley. Interesting huh :)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Individual Production Journal.
Amanda S.
Current state of mind - Making ideas, you can hear the gears turning in my head...crrrank, crunch, whirrr.
Current Task(s): Job leads, journal, Character design (4), Storyboards
On The Horizon: Animatic, fastest one I've ever produced...haha.
What is working: Character design. I just made a few lines for the boy's face and somehow it just clicked. Now for cat, and two female characters.
What isn't working: Animator's block.
Additional Thoughts: I looked up the artist for the Hedwig "Origin Of Love" animation. It was a couple who are an animation team, who have a distinct style to their art, which I am very into.
Here's the link!
http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/1997/hubley/hub_essay.html
Monday, June 13, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Individual Production Journal
Amanda S.
Wednesday, 6/8/11
Current state of mind - Stressed, a little! So much work to do, so little time!
Current Task(s): Job leads, journal, Preliminary proposal questionnaire, printing, Quicktime file
On The Horizon: Pre - production of Demo reel and Final Animation Showcase.
What is working: job leads, journals. questionnaire, writing...also TS idea.
What isn't working: being late on assignments!!!
Additional Thoughts: I've chosen 2d - watercolor.
Also: The Origin of Love...Plato's Symposium...very stylized and interesting 2d animation.
Wednesday, 6/8/11
Current state of mind - Stressed, a little! So much work to do, so little time!
Current Task(s): Job leads, journal, Preliminary proposal questionnaire, printing, Quicktime file
On The Horizon: Pre - production of Demo reel and Final Animation Showcase.
What is working: job leads, journals. questionnaire, writing...also TS idea.
What isn't working: being late on assignments!!!
Additional Thoughts: I've chosen 2d - watercolor.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
2nd individual Journal
1st Indivual Production Journal
Wednesday, 6/6/11
Current state of mind - Insomnia
Current Task(s): Online portfolio (help), Job leads, journal, Preliminary proposal questionnaire, printing
On The Horizon: production of Demo reel and Final Animation Showcase.
What is working: Getting it done :)
What isn't working: Stopping short on good ideas for final animation...limiting myself.
Additional Thoughts: Still thinking about if I should do a 2d or 3d piece...3d is more marketable!!!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
1st Indivual Production Journal
Amanda S.
Wednesday, 6/1/11
Current state of mind - Alert O_O
Current Task(s): Demo Reel, Business card, and Resume. Figuring out what to do for my final animation showcase.
On The Horizon: production of Demo reel and Final Animation Showcase.
What is working: I have lots of ideas, there is no shortage of illustrations and other examples of work I will be deriving ideas from.
What isn't working: Possibly pining for 2D jobs, although there are still a few out there, it could just be a pipe dream! (Nooo!)
Additional Thoughts: John K has a blog up, showcasing animation technique, Character sheets, and caricatures of Hollywood stars - and even some contests for anyone out there who wants to submit! Happy happy, joy joy. :)
http://johnkstuff.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, 6/1/11
Current state of mind - Alert O_O
Current Task(s): Demo Reel, Business card, and Resume. Figuring out what to do for my final animation showcase.
On The Horizon: production of Demo reel and Final Animation Showcase.
What is working: I have lots of ideas, there is no shortage of illustrations and other examples of work I will be deriving ideas from.
What isn't working: Possibly pining for 2D jobs, although there are still a few out there, it could just be a pipe dream! (Nooo!)
Additional Thoughts: John K has a blog up, showcasing animation technique, Character sheets, and caricatures of Hollywood stars - and even some contests for anyone out there who wants to submit! Happy happy, joy joy. :)
http://johnkstuff.blogspot.com/
John K Stuff
 |
| Wow, Look! Squash and stretch! |
-Amanda
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Point
I couldn't wait to show a few of my favorites on here. Everyone around me knows I love to schmooze about animation, it's always been one of my favorite subjects since I was a little kid. Back then I wanted to draw Mickey Mouse for Disney, and that was in the late 80's, back when our dear friend Becky Wibles was doing her thing on Nickelodeon...when John Kricfalusi started Ren and Stimpy...and Beetlejuice was the latest Tim Burton Film.
The first clip I want to share is from Harry Nilsson's "The Point" (Harry Nilsson, who wrote it, also wrote the famous song, "Coconut", from the album "Nilsson Schmilsson"), which also starred Ringo Starr as the narrator. Yes I know I know too much about pointless things. But as the Rock Man says in this story, "You don't have to have a point, to have a point, ya dig?" And that is the beauty of the story, (and the literal shape of the main character, "Oblio".)
Follow this link to see this clip from "The Point".
The first clip I want to share is from Harry Nilsson's "The Point" (Harry Nilsson, who wrote it, also wrote the famous song, "Coconut", from the album "Nilsson Schmilsson"), which also starred Ringo Starr as the narrator. Yes I know I know too much about pointless things. But as the Rock Man says in this story, "You don't have to have a point, to have a point, ya dig?" And that is the beauty of the story, (and the literal shape of the main character, "Oblio".)
Follow this link to see this clip from "The Point".
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