I completed the refined versions of my turn around sheets. I also began adding the line work and colour to my model sheet. I also stuck some post it notes on my wall and began to create a rough storyboard of my animation which I then began to translate into a digital copy that was more refined.
As well as this, I attended inductions to help me understand new software which I will use later on during my course. These were in Maya, After Effects and Animate CC.
Intentions:
I am hoping to finish my model sheet and first storyboard sheet (out of the four I have planned). I am also hoping to start my landscape sheet by designing some wallpaper sheets for the interior set.
I attended a wood workshop to cut a base ready to use in my ceramics workshop, which I wrote about here. I also attended a metal workshop to attach a supporting rod into the base, which again, I blogged about here. I continued to work on my antagonist turn-around and also began planning my script. I also attended other induction sessions to help me gain a knowledge of the software I haven't tried before.
Intentions:
Next week I hope to finish both turn-around sheets and also have a nearly completed model sheet of my protagonist. I will continue to attend inductions that go towards this module, as well as begin to storyboard my animation.
This week I continued to sketch in my visual journal some pieces and once happy with my plans, I also began painting them. By the deadline, I am planning on having every page painted and refined as colour is an important element of my essay topic.
I also finished writing my essay so at the start of next week, I will check it once more to ensure that it is ready to submit.
After the wood workshop, I had a metal workshop induction.
We began by measuring out 35cm on a metal rod that we would use to support our puppets.
Using the angle grinder, I cut the metal rod to it's correct length. If I make the puppet and the rod is too tall however, I can come back to cut it down once more so that it fits comfortably in my model's back.
Then, using the linisher, otherwise known as a vertical belt sander, I smoothed the edges of my rod down so it wasn't as sharp or have any harsh edges.
Then, I cut the thread using a die. I needed to ensure the die remained straight all the way down as I turned it as this way, the nut would fit onto it properly.
I attended a wood workshop to cut a base to use for when I begin working on creating a puppet of my character for this current module.
Using the panel saw, I cut a 25x25 inch square of MDF and then sketched a circle on it using a ruler and compass so that it was as accurate as possible.
Then, using the band saw I cut around the circle I sketched, leaving a small space in between my line and the saw so I could use this as a guide for when I sanded the wood down.
After that, I used the disc sander to smooth the edges of the base down and also to get rid of any uneven areas that I missed with the band saw.
Finally, I measured out the placement of the hole for the metal pole and then using the pedestal drill, I drilled a hole into my base.
This is the finished outcome. I am planning on attending a second session focusing on metal work to add to this base so it can support my character model.
- powerpoint about crime (study task 1)
- protagonist t-pose turn around sheet (study task 3)
- commented on four other students' work to better my understanding of the process
- continued to blog about process (study task 2)
- I also began my protagonist model sheet
- took some reference photographs for my landscape sheet and potential first storyboard
- attended an Illustrator induction
Intentions:
- finish outlining my protagonist model sheet
- begin my antagonist t-pose turn around sheet
- begin working on my landscape boards
I wrote the first draft of my essay and in the next two weeks, I intend to refine it ready for assessment. I also continued to work in my visual journal.
Originally, I intended to focus on the superhero sub-genre of crime by researching vigilantes however upon exploring the origins of crime, and looking at modern interpretations within films and television, I decided that I preferred the route of gangster films, particularly those set in the past.
- Leeds Young People's Film Festival
This festival provides feedback to all participants, and the event has masterclasses and workshops. There is a £250 prize for winners.
- Anim18
The animation challenge provides an animation pack with set challenges and activities that you are able to share on social media.
- LoopdeLoop
This is an international online animation challenge with monthly briefs.
- Canterbury Anifest
An annual animation festival with both film, and character design competitions. As well as screenings, there are also masterclasses, workshops and talks.
- Encounters
This is a short film and animation festival that takes place in Bristol. There are several events running throughout the festival.
- Filminute
This is a one minute film festival with a specific animation category. It is international.
- Cork Film Festival
This film festival is an annual, ten-day-long festival which looks at a variety of films, including an animation category. It accepts local, national and international entries.
- AniJam
Annually, AniJam releases a challenge that in forty-eight hours, teams have to complete an animation based around a specific brief.
Just before I headed back to Leeds after the holidays were over, my third book arrived so I began highlighting certain pages which were relevant to my current drafts so I could add these insights to my first essay.
I ordered some books online, two of which arrived shortly after Christmas, so I could begin researching my essay question by relating my ideas back to similar sources. I also made some small plans while at work of how to layout my visual journal however I haven't worked in the book since due to the holidays. Once back, I will structure my time more effectively.
I think using humour whilst discussing certain information makes the audience more eager to watch as it keeps them entertained as well as informed. The nostalgic art style and soundtrack also help to engage the audience. (Finland 2015)
The characters' appeal in this animation works well in attracting the right audience, as the wholesome and cute style, and bright colours, will more likely attract a younger audience. The narrator is also an important factor in creating PSAs for children. (United Kingdom 2015)
This advert works well as it takes a familiar story most people would have been brought up on and turns it into something much harsher, from a childhood fantasy into a darker, realistic example of what it must feel like for little girls who are asked the same questions. (Canada 2002)
I thought this was a really clever animation and once more, the use of comedy is what differentiates this PSA to a strictly factual one as this is more likely to remain in my head. (France 2016)
I have a short attention span so admittedly, when I have travelled before on an airplane, the safety videos usually go over my head. If Taika Waititi cosplaying Gandalf turned up on a flying eagle however, I definitely would have paid attention! (New Zealand 2014)
I also included a more serious PSA to show how for more critical and weighty subjects, comedy isn't always going to work and by looking at it more realistically, this has a better impact on the audience. (China 2015)
This PSA is one I had already seen due to my little brother owning the app on his phone which was produced after this was so successful. This video became viral and because of this, was able to reach millions of people around the world. (Australia 2012)
To promote Sausage Party, this parody was created. While this isn't to be taken seriously, the traits often found in PSAs are all here which means this was successful to be recognised as such. (USA 2016)
This example is very poignant and moving, as although I can't understand the language, the message can still be understood despite this because what the video represents is a universal struggle and something we can all understand. (Bangladesh 2013)
I like the characters' appeal in this animation and how the message isn't forced or explicit but more subtle and realistic as whilst the character's designs may be more imaginative, we can still relate to what is happening as we have most likely been in similar situations. (Nova Scotia 2016)
