I also needed to scan my business cards in!
Friday, 30 April 2021
602 Update (Last Minute Deliverables)
A part of the submission was to produce a PDF document illustrating my branding choices, such as my chosen colour scheme and font. While I have discussed this on my blog and in my presentation, I have made a separate PDF for this, summarising what I've talked about.
602 Update (Personal Statement and CV Progression)
As I was struggling to make a start on my CV, I decided to rewrite my personal statement first. Over Summer, I had been writing a personal statement to apply for a PGCE in Art and Design, as I had no interest in pursuing animation any further. As discussed, I then had a change of heart which rendered this personal statement useless.
So, I went back through and took out the parts that no longer applied, rewrote some paragraphs, and reworded others so they made sense in the context of my new application. I then sent this to a lecturer for feedback, as well as the careers portal and a family member.
After the Easter holidays, I received feedback and made some altercations. The main issue was finding ways to reduce the word count, as I had about double the amount of words I wanted for both document.
My lecturer told me to start from scratch which was disheartening, given I only had a couple weeks left to make these amendments alongside the rest of this module. I also never received feedback from the Careers Portal.
I was critical and ended up reducing my personal statement down to four paragraphs, and my CV down to just over a page. I then sent these updated versions to my lecturers for some feedback. One advised me to lose the work experience section entirely, and instead replace it with information on the competitions I've entered. They also stated that I should lose my current references, and instead ask a tutor or classmate, as it would be more relevant.
As discussed in the previous blog post, I wanted to keep my CV looking professional so I didn't add any creative flares as I felt they were unnecessary. The advice was also contradictory considering a VP told us to keep them simple.
By this point, the Careers Portal had responded, and were very supportive and encouraging of the direction I had taken my CV in. They suggested rearranging the order, and changing the references however in my most recent draft, I lost the references entirely.
For this last draft, I changed the format from a personal statement, to a cover letter, as I felt this may be more useful when applying for jobs in the future. However, I was worried that this change in format may render the content useless, as maybe there are different targets to aim for in a cover letter, so I asked for feedback first.
Once approved, I posted it!
602 Portfolio and Presentation
For this aspect of the module, we needed to create a presentation. We had the opportunity to rehearse our presentations first, in the form of an informal group session that took place in class. We then had to screen-record the real deal.
First up was the informal presentation. This version included a couple memes, and the script was more relaxed during certain slides. Saying that, I did try to keep the script somewhat professional and formal sounding, as I was planning to use it for the real deal!
I practiced a couple attempts at home, with my script on hand. Unfortunately, this version wasn't long enough, as it only just came to ten minutes. Although, when I presented it to the class, it went surprisingly well! When I began my presentation, the speakers notes never appeared, which meant I had to wing it. However, as I had practiced it enough, I did remember what each slide was meant to cover. It also provided me the chance to crack some jokes and bounce off of my audience, which helped ease my nerves! As a result, this presentation lasted the full fifteen minutes.
What Went Well?
- Because I had a class to present to, the atmosphere felt a lot more authentic and natural, which I believe came through in the session. The lecturers supported this by complimenting my humour and ability to keep the audience engaged, which is something I felt my practice attempts lacked.
- Considering I had absolutely no script or speakers notes to guide me, I feel as though I adapted well enough that it didn't effect the outcome of the presentation. Once again, a lecturer backed this up by saying it was on par with a session a Visiting Professional would run.
- They were also a fan of the presentation's layout, felt my showreel was well-structured, and thought my documents were cohesive. All of which, fills me with confidence for this module, which is something I have been extremely lacking recently!
To Be Improved?
- Without the use of an audience or room to adlib, my current presentation isn't long enough for the submission. I need to add slides or more speakers notes.
- My practice versions sounded a lot more wooden and boring compared to the real deal, so I'm nervous my recorded formal presentation will lack character and oomph.
- I'm still lacking confidence in my ability as an animator, so I need to take time to consider what I've achieved over the last year and appreciate it, rather than put myself down.
- Some slides could be worded more formally, so I need to make sure to amend this before I record the real deal.
Before the screening party, I was given another opportunity to practice my public speaking by saying a quick foreword before the films began. In which, I thanked everyone for coming, congratulated the class on making it this far, and told everyone to feel proud of themselves for what they've achieved.
In first year and even second, the thought of presenting to the class completely terrified me. I would become incredibly nervous and could barely make it through a sentence without my voice trembling. To go from that, to now presenting with composure and presence of mind, I feel is such a massive step in the right direction.
From here, I made some small adjustments, added some slides, and recorded my proper submission.
What Went Well?
- My updated version was now reaching about twelve or thirteen minutes, which was much closer to the target length. To add an extra minute or so to my screen-recording, I asked myself a couple questions, on the spot, as if I were presenting the powerpoint to the class. This simulates how it would have gone, had it not been for Covid.
- I tried to sound optimistic and speak eloquently however, the lack of an audience did lower my enthusiasm slightly, as talking to yourself can be rather awkward.
To Be Improved?
- I'm afraid that in the process of losing the relaxed atmosphere of our last day in class, I also lost the conditions that allowed me to let go and embrace the candidness and sincerity of the informal presentations. My voice sounds more wooden, and tense.
Thursday, 29 April 2021
602 Update (Showreel Development Continued)
Despite receiving three sessions of feedback, two of which were in favour of the length and chosen clips, I recently found out that I needed to lose six seconds off my showreel, as the submission required that the length must be sixty seconds max.
Admittedly, I felt at this point we're just splitting hairs. While I'm very aware of how important it is to pay strict attention to the time constraints given in a commissioned piece of work, a showreel is much more personal, so I imagined it would be more flexible. Especially considering most lecturers and visiting professionals recommend showreels range between one minute and two, and six seconds felt like nothing.
Having said that, I've got a week to go so it's natural that tensions are running high. To think my time at University is almost over, and with the amount of pressure riding on submitting this final module on time and to the best standard, I must confess, has caused unnecessary anxiety and rising panic.
Complaining, when it's such a simple fix, seems pointless! Something that the maturity I've developed this year has made obvious. So, I reduced the length for submission, as asked, and updated my presentation. Now, I can upload this to my online accounts!
602 Update (Following on from Last Year)
Last year, we were tasked with making a contract and invoice slip. At the time, I didn't have a brand so these were very basic, boring, and the colour palette wasn't consistent.
Recently, I decided to update my invoice form. I found the hex codes for the oranges I used in my icon, and which I've since applied across all my physical documents, such as my CV and other forms. I updated this colour scheme so it was more fitting.
I also added my new icon and updated my email address.
It was good to see the progression of my branding.
Study Task 5 - Create Your Brand
Part 1 - Online Presence
For this part, I need to create a visual brand through my online presence. This includes my Instagram and LinkedIn, as well as a website.
Online Portfolio:
- Website
I used Wix to put together my website, as I'm not a graphic designer so I struggle with layout and composition. I decided to use the colour scheme from my current icon and business cards, as this icon is already present on my Instagram, LinkedIn and Etsy account, so I wanted to make sure my online presence was consistent.
The lecturers have encouraged us time and again to purchase an upgraded plan, if making a website through Wix, as they believe the banner looks unprofessional. Making a website is a requirement for this module, however, I have never felt the need to put one together. I use Instagram daily, and make an effort to post weekly. As I'm able to post unfinished pieces (as WIPs often keep my audience engaged) I've always felt more comfortable using this site.
With the website I feel this added weight and pressure to create a professional and polished space, that it took me weeks to eventually add my work, as I didn't feel any of it was good enough. While I'm happy to make one for the sake of the module, I can't imagine relying on this in the future and as a result, I'm not going to pay for something I won't use.
I have several tabs on my website including a bio, a page dedicated to my finished animations, my Instagram account (for more of my work behind the scenes), a page for my illustrations, and a queries tab - for people to get in touch.
- LinkedIn
I made a LinkedIn last year however, I'm not a fan of the interface, so I'm struggling to use it as often as I do Instagram. However, I have made an effort to post some WIPs from University, and my icon is the same across all my accounts for consistency.
- Instagram
I use Instagram daily, and try to post every four days, as I've been told this gets the best reach. It's important to have a structure with Instagram, to avoid getting shadowbanned, as admittedly this app isn't the most friendly to artists.
- Etsy
I've neglected my Etsy page this academic year as 603 just about took me out and I had no spare time to relax, let alone work on more sticker designs. Last Summer however, I put loads of my attention into it and was regularly selling my prints. Hopefully this Summer I can pick it back up again.
The deliverable for this task requires I convert this into a PDF file with active hyperlinks so, below is that document.
Part 2 - Printed Materials
Then I needed to focus on the physical aspects of my brand, such as my CV and business cards.
- Business Card
Last year we were advised to make business cards for a study task - so I did. This year, we have been asked to do the same. Considering I've already paid out and got these designs printed, I'm not looking to change them, especially considering Covid has ruined my opportunities to network this last year. Still, I've utilised these by adding them to my Etsy orders.
I asked a lecturer whether I could use the cards I made from last year and I was told that was allowed.
- CV
I kept my CV professional. The design elements are very simple as I want the focus to be on my written work. I prefer this formal approach.
Monday, 26 April 2021
602 Update (Showreel Development)
For my informal and formal presentations, I wanted to end on my showreel. So, I put one together using the films I worked on this year. I included my basic, key-framed shots on the left and added the final outcomes on the right, to show how they worked in context, after inbetweens and effects were added.
Above was my first attempt. I haven't found any royalty free music to add just yet, as last year we were encouraged in a lecture, to avoid editing the clips in time with the beat. I figured if I leave the music until last (as we've been told employers watch showreels on mute anyway), it wouldn't subconsciously effect how I edited the clips together.
I'm worried my showreel is currently too long, and that some of the clips aren't up to par with the rest. So, I emailed the lecturers asking for feedback on what scenes to cut, if any. One lecturer got back to me and said to trim the clips down so the showreel is no longer than fifty seconds. They also advised moving my name and contact details to the start and if possible, incorporating my icon.
Another lecturer told me to lose the format entirely and only show the final outcomes with my contributions noted on the side, stating "... the content is fine, but the side-by side layout is confusing to view.". A different lecturer however, told me that they were impressed with the layout, as they believe showing the breakdown behind shots is important. They also disagreed about trimming the timing down, as they felt anything up to two minutes was perfectly okay.
Based on the feedback, I rearranged some scenes and removed others to try and reduce the timing slightly. I also added my logo to the start and end of my showreel, and changed my title from "Level 6 Animator" to "Character Animator" as a couple lecturers had advised me to do so.
I sent this to my classmates for feedback, and the majority felt the layout wasn't confusing and worked well. Once I was happy, and checked the spelling and order once more, I found some royalty free music to add.
What Went Well?
- I believe I found a professional and appealing way to showcase the final films I worked on this year all while highlighting my personal contributions.
- I was ready to drop out in my second year, and as a result, my showreel was lacking. It was rushed, poorly edited and filled with work I wasn't proud of. Whereas this year, I feel as though I'm leaving with a showreel I can proudly post online and send to employers.
How To Improve?
- Some of the feedback was contradictory, which is understandable considering each person would have their own preferences. Rather than worrying about pleasing everyone, in the future I will trust my gut instinct more.
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