Practicing materials

Thought I'd have a little play around with materials, get some practice in. Its not quite realistic yet, its too clean and precise. I'm going to make the bread more uneven, and the slices different sizes, the jar needs to look sticky and less plastic. I've not really begun on the spoon, knife and chopping board just yet.

I like the lid, its just like the ones my family uses. My next model will be the jam in the jar, thought it would be better to create them seperate giving me more control again when in comes to material sode of things. I kind of like the bread, its just to "clean" bread isn't perfect shaped and thats what i've modelled.
Right I'm done for the evening been working on this all day practically, just messing around. Its nearly 12 here so off to bed, travelling nice and early in the morning. Hopefully I'll remember to take clearer pictures of the kitchen tomorrow.

The Base Model

Well the basic models are just about complete, the hardest thing to do was the spoon, such an odd shape. All the models may change when I start putting on materials. I may also seperate the knife blade and handle so it'll be easier to control the material. My mum bought some bread for me today so i've got pictures now of its texture and everything. Hopefully it will work.

I think I need to re check the measurements of the chopping board to as its gotten smaller, everything else seems to be the right size, 20x18x10cm bread, 30cmx1mm knif, jar 11x5x6.5cm jar, 6cm lid, 13cm teaspoon, and the board should be longer than the knife by 5cm, so it should be 35x24x1.5cm. Will double check everything later, too tired now been modelling that little spoon for over an hour.

Also took pictures of the kitchen side, its kinda rustic because its from the old cottage in france. I've taken close up images of each section. Only problem is we're leaving fance tomorrow so tonights my last chance to get all the photos I need. Little bit worried I'll forget something.

I do think my models will fit in this kind of evnvironment though, homemade bread and jam, old chipped chopping board, worn knife, yes!

Massive Black: Volume One

Santa also brought (apart from the phone) me the Massive Black Volume One book. It has some of their best work in there, from hand drawn concept art to 3d models and walk cycle animations. Its a great gift to see what level I have to aspire to, to becoming a great concept artist. My drawing skills need a lot more practice, but the skill is there, I've now begun teaching myself Mudbox readying myself for Zbrush, then finally uni will set me up in the actual 3d modelling and rigging side of things. Along with this book i got other books on drawing essentials and how to draw Manga ( Manga isn't my favourite genre but still has useful tools) My learning and reading material is growing very rapidly, I'm going to have to put up new shelves.
Anyway thought I would share with you one of my favourite images from the book along with its initial sketch. I used the camscanner app to upload it onto my new phone, then used the dropbox app to send it to my computer. Both extremely useful apps, I can not praise them enough.

This is the link to see it from my dropbox:
http://db.tt/KLDhxfm7

Perfect

Found this online whilst thinking about composition and the style of my piece. It has all the elements that I wanted to include in my still life, although this one is very crisp and clean and I want my to feel more realistic, then a set up. This is still a good reference, and something i will keep referring back too, especially the strawberry jam. I will change the chopping board though, add a few crumbs, a tile bakground and granit surface. Perfect, just texturing the loaf now, here is the basic model I have done in 3ds max:

Getting there bit by bit, just need to find the right texture for it, might have to wait and make a loaf myself once I get back to the uk and take pictures of it. Will keep searching.

Decided to just stick to modelling for the time being and collect my materials all at once, the search was fruitless online so going to compile my own. It will be done, hopefully i'll figure out the uwv unwrapping thing too.

i think i need to re-do the knife still 50/50 on its actual basic model, but so far so good

Just practicing

http://db.tt/jcbHwOCF

I'm just trying different apps to see which gives best results. I the dropbox app and wondered what it'd overall outcome and performance would be, just bare with.
The images and links were done during summer, I was looking at anatomy while still keeping it interesting for myself.

The xperia play

Well Christmas is over just waiting for the new year now. I got a xperia play for Christmas and so have set it up so I can blog on the go. I've also now got the camscanner set up so pictures I draw and things I see of interest I can upload straight away. Now I have no need to rely on the silly Kodak printer that always needs ink to scan! I did start my still life piece but electrics went and the file became corrupted, so starting again today, (will do as Roma told us and save a copy file along with creating auto backups). Will hopefully have something to upload by the end of today. This phone is definitely going to help in my endeavor to to get better as a multimedia practitioner. Will update soon

Mudbox Practice

I can't believe how quickly I'm getting the hang of this, it only took 2.5hrs to build and paint. Started with a sphere, and finished with this. The stalk was the awkward bit, but I think l've found a new way which will allow me to build upon a smaller surface area, the sculpt tool. So now because I feel that I've got the hang of this i think it's time to move forward onto the next level. Can't tell you how much I love this program and my graphics table.
So onto maybe a creature or even a christmas decoration in spirit of the season. We'll see...

Peppers to Carrots

Keeping up the practice, i'm getting there bit by bit, I've found that modelling fruit and veg is a good way to practice just gettign used to the program. Today I made a carrot as you can see, not figured out yet how to sort the lighting out to not make it sooo shiny, but I like its shape and its stump of greenery. I think I could of added some more stringey bits at the bottom, but it didnt work out so well when I tried. I think I'm gonna make a snake or something next, build up from fruit and veg to legless creatures, then onto creatures with legs, leading to humanoids. I'm trying to think of what to make next but all I can see is a candle in front of me and that is my only inspiration at the min so that might be up next, unless I get the courage to skip my initial steps and create Ratchet from the Rachet and Clank games, maybe. I don't know I should really begin the still life project, I've finally decided to go with my grandma's kitchen idea, I think visually it'll be nicer if not harder.
Always like a Challenge

1st time using Mudbox

This is the first time I have ever used Mudbox And 'have to say I love it!! Fantastic program Mud box , allows me complete control over modeling and texturing, it's 3dsmax and Photoshop combined. Having knowledge from Photoshop and 3ds max is definitely a massive help, but such a simple pogram, i'm actually quite annoyed that I haven't used this software sooner. Like all programs and skills practice makes perfect, i'll soon be able to make more than just a mere pepper. I'm hoping this will help in my pursuit to becoming a concept artist. I feel it's important to be capable in as many programs as possible, and an expert in at least 2. Hoping Mudbox might be one of them, because I have seen some incredible sculptures made in this program. CGSculpt is perfect to see all the awesome scupltures artists have created using this software and Zbrush.

This is just an example by Max Aristov of such incredible work, i want to be able to create such indepth detail, and really creative ideas like this. Overall really impressed with this program and what it can achieve.

Fantasy Olympics - Burball

Tadaaa, it is finished, everything from the storyboard and sketches to the actual animation and music. It is currently just being uploaded to Vimeo, I have used four programs for this, LMMS, Photoshop, 3ds Max and the main one After Effects. The main task was to learn about After Effects and how to make 2d images look like they're in a 3d environment. I used the software mainly for they text as I feel that it is in this area it truly succeeds. I did make the 2d characters work in the 3d arena too, which I am very happy about, as I thought that was going to be the hardest challenge. Luckily once I got into it, I got the hang of it really quickly, I do like the idea of being able to animate with this software, and with me currently considering concept art and storyboarding as a career, this is a great software for storyboards.
Although I feel like the character animation section will eventual get better with practice, right now this is the best I feel I could produce, another year or so practice I will be able to make it look smother and as though it were part of the arena. That I feel is the only let down.
The idea for the sport was really good, so much so I'm considering to make it a free mini game online. I really thought out the characters best for the sport too, like their shape and qualities. At one point i nearly turned the advert into a documentary each with their won back stories, before realising the brief was just asking for an advert. I liked how it all came together, and the reason why I used 3ds max was because I couldnt get the right feel from After Effects and so i made a decision, I wanted to make a good advert and the mass majority of it is made up of After Effects animation the text and character sections anyway.
The ideas behind this advert are strong ones, even though the final outcome isnt as strong I got all my ideas across, in the advert i gave a good over view of what my sport was, the mood, and why it was being advertised. If i had more time I think i could have played around some more with the olympic logo, as over past day or so i came up with an idea to make it more intergalatic.
It may not be the strongest advert but the ideas definitly are, and ultimately that was my main goal. Its execution was just mainly about learning the program and what it was capable of, my main goal was to push my imagination and also start practicing character designs.
The task was to 'design a promotional advert for a fantasy olympic sport'. I think I achieved that.

Had to share

Saw this image in the book Essential CG lighting techniques with 3ds max, thought it was amazing, such depth and detail, It is by Jason Kane. One day my skills and knowlegde will match masterpieces like this, I love the subtle colouring, texturing and the hint of reflection from the glasses. The mood is perfectly fitted.

It's Decemeber

Well I'm on the last stretch of this advert I just have to tweak one little bit of it and add music, then it is finito. I've just uploaded the begininng of the piece, so you can get a feel of where I am heading with it. Alll the other bits of animation are done, I've just got to add a high impact sequence for the name, then I'll have it all done by thursday I think, depending on how long the music takes me to do. The after effects animation bits aren't great and it does need cleaning up, but that only comes with practice and me getting into it. I think though I'll use after effects mainly for title sequences, becuase i really really enjoy doing that, and this project has taught me so much more than when I used it for the Chess animation. All these skills now are just adding up.

I also can't believe it is decemeber, so the next few blogs will be a bit sparse but will be to do with the next project; The Still Life piece. Little bit nervous to begin it as I know it has to be precise as well as materials being spot on as well, plus lighting. It is a composition piece, and you can't hide things going wrong through moving pieces like in animation. Maybe a christmas miracle will happen.

Plus this christmas I will begin designing my two characters in the Silent comedy animation I'll be doing. I've already got the idea. characters and sequences playing out in my head. Just got to start drawing, downside to that is at my parents home they don't have a scanner. So it will be after new year when the sketches will loaded up unless I take pictures, but they never come out any good.

Teaching Myself After Effects

So with little knowledge I had of After Effects I set out to make a scene that is going to be in my advert. For a first time it's not too bad, and I've tried to remember animation basics. Its actually really fiddly, but once you get it, you're sorted. I know it can be better and less basic cartoony but be gentle its my first time. I like it because once the giant velcro balls attach, Octi slows down and it looks heavey, exactly the feel I wanted.
Weaves in and out, collects the big black 100 then ends up collecting a load more and starts getting weighed down.

Gonna finsih the Slithering scene tonight and hopefully put it all together tomorrow, going to try adding a fast blur effect to the slithering scene.

Arena Animation

This is a quick over look of the arena, in the advert I'm going to show them floating up from the floor, gonna be awesome. My advert is I think all about the power and impact of it, its not very subtle.

Spinning olympics

So this is test number one for a simple olympic design, it just spins but its short and sweet and straight to the point. Which I like but I have a few more things still left up my sleeve, for the design of this, once I've finished all the sketches i'll upload them onto here.

Olympic Branding

Thinking about making my own brand for my fantasy olympics, which is to be held in 3024. I was just gaining inspiration from past designs and posters. Most important bit is the five rings. Branding is a major part in this advert and I think I derailed a bit going off into each story. I've come up with a more advert based idea, rather than an episode. Anyway here are some of the designs I'm being inspire by;

 Unfortunately the 2012 olympic poster didnt make it on here because I just don't like it. It's not a likable image, and I don't feel inspired or excited for the olympics when I see it. Also the simpson reference makes me dislike it further. Oh well tomorrow I will have my own design, I will make it to my preferences and see if I can portray the mood of hope and that feeling of togetherness, those are elements that I think are important elements for the olympics.
Wish me Luck.

Blinking Slithards

This is my first initial test for my blinking slithard was Just practicing with the layers and timing. Its only a rough little movie ,But you get the jist.

The Arena

 So here is a quick little arena I made in 3ds max, not sure how to replicate this in After effects. It won't be as glossy or reflective, it will have move of a cartoonish feel. Although I might have the 3d balls from this scene, and add points on them, so the audience knows that each equals points, though not sure how in going to show that these weighted. We'll see!

Above From the start line, below a close up of the 50 point ball.

The Contestants

Here are the main 3 contestants I am going to have in my advert:

Slithards

These slithering creatures main strength in Burball is the fact they're so snake like and can just slide to the point balls it wants. It weaves in and out collecting as many points before the finish line.

Three times Gold champion in the past two decades, collecting a handful of silver and bronze medals along the way.

They're one to watch out for as a flick of they're tail can send a bunch of weighted balls your way.






Octi

The mass point collector, spreading its 8 limbs out at the perfect moment accumulating as many points as possible betore the finish. Its light weight body keeping it from being to heavy to the touch the floor, enforcing the fact that it has never been desqualified.

Has never gotten less than 2nd place in the past two olympics, although if they get third its a gaunrantee you'll never see them again!

They maybe quiet, but they are quick calculators and may just beat you past the finish with all the points.




Gelatinous Blob

There has been a lot of controversy over the past few centuries with these guys, as they couldn't wear a uniform. They hadn't figured out a suit that could fit they're gluppy bodies. It wasn't till the past three olympics they were allowed to participate, as one of their leading scientists discovered a way to make the suit so elasticated it almost mimicked the structure of their own bodies.

There is an obvious natural talent that these guys posses, yet they can't seem to break into the silver medal league, always given bronze or even being disqualified. No one can forget the disqualifiction of 3016 olympic game, it was down to just one spec of blob that let the side down.

Anyway although they haven't won gold, they are considered one of the top three comptetors in the universe.


They each have a small profile as I am considering adding a small portion into my advert. Stuff like the year they were born and they're strengths and medals. Maybe I'm still 50/50, it just depends on how much time I have left over in my 30 second add. Anyway tomorrow i will upload the deasigns for the arena.

Character Sketches and Ideas

So here are the sketches to my Fantasy Olympics adverts. It is designs and ideas for each of my characters involved in Burball, each one with their own traits and strengths for the game.

Fred

I know the latest thing I should be uploading onto here is all my sketches for the fantasy Olympics project but I'm going to do that later once I have a new graphics tablet, mines no longer being picked up by my computer, very annoying. Anyway I created this last night for a poorly someone, recently been in hospital to remove a large aneurysm, which the family called Fred.
This is kind of how I picture him, if I had a working graphics tablet it would be a lot better with more detail, but there is only so much you can do with a mouse.
I'm gonna have to invest in one today, oh well bye bye money

It is FINISHED!!

So this is it, weeks of work and thought, and I'm actually quite proud of it. It runs quite smoothly, if pieces are moved or fall it looks realistic, there is no flicker or real issues, the music almost fits in and the reflective material isnt too over powering. I'm very happy with it to be honest, best piece of work I have done in a long time. The hours spent I cant even begin to calculate, weeks of 11 hour shifts, making sure it was right.


If I'm honest I dont want it to get marked, I didnt want to hand it in. I didn't create it to be marked or graded . Initially I created it to learn, but by the end of it I was making it out of pure enjoyment. I didnt mind working on it for hours on end and being a bit of a perfectionist about it, because everytime i completed a few seconds of it I smiled. How cheesey is that??? But its true, maybe this area of work is my future, I am heading in the right direction.

The Chess Plyer

It is now complete, weeks of staring at a computer screen and now I am able to present a 3 minute animation, with a sound track and effects. This is my 1st ever animation, it is the 1st time I have ever made a soundtrack and it is also the 1st time I have successfully used 3ds Max, After effects, Premiere, and LMMS. I can't even begin to calculate how many hours this took me to do, but I couldn't be happier with it. I can honestly say i have grown with this animation, I have learnt so many different techniques and skills, along with appreciation for a fast computer to render and all those muscians out there that make their own music. This project has also enforced my dream of working as a concept artist, I have been very aware of how my ideas have developed, even during the actual animating stage ideas have expanded. My skills were limited to ideas and sketching, but now seeing this creation I can begin considering 3d animation a skill in my repetore. I will be honest I am glad it is over, this project has been my life for a good while now and I feel a little creatively drained. This may not be the funniest or best animation of the group but it is mine, I got across all the points I wanted and sketched out previously in my storyboard (which I still need to upload), I created my pieces from scratch I designed my own functional arm, and I created a personality for my robots. even though it needs tweaks here and there, and as I improve my skills I'll be able to create even better material, I couldn't be happier I achieved what I set out to do, and for the 1st time I did it within the time frame.

My Sketch book shows how my mind thinks, and also shows the process of my ideas, I get it from reading books, watching films aswell as trying to play chess myself (with the threat of the board being thrown at me). It is also obvious to see how the ideas on paper expanded when I actually begun my aniamtion too. Yet like a good concept artist I kept the feel and theme as I had first planned and designed. It has shown me the importance of the concept artist, how crucial that initial stage is. I hope if I carry on working like this throughout my years here at university I can create a fantastic portfolio that shows my love of inspiration and ideas, and then be able to follow them through.

The animation will be uploaded this evening for all to see, with sound and everything.
Hope you enjoy it

My Network

There we go, finally finished and figured out, its only a basic overview of my network, I think had I added anymore it would have gotten too complex and this is just a representation, not too in depth. It gives you a good understanding of where my networks lie and how spread out it is, I can push it further, if needed too.
This excercise really helped give me an understanding that if I explored this concept of networking, it would be very beneficial to me.
Well halfway through the essay i have been reserching and understanding, and even trying to learn ways of expanding my network further. Using things like conferences, art exhibitions, and just interviewing people who genuinely inspire me. I don't want to contact companies just for an assignment, I want to do it in a way that is useful to me and my network. Just going around begging for a job is not how I plan to do this. I might want to become a free lance artist which seems to be the normal route in this industry, so therefore interviewing people who have successfully been doing this for a while, will be so very very useful. The more knowledge I have about this the stronger the outcome i feel.

The Frustrations Begin

Finally managed to incoporate the sliding text within the animation rather than as too seperate scenes, means that there is more flow within the sequence. I also thought I best start getting the hands frustrated, I did alot of playing around like tapping, slapping each other but all were too much to begin with, those things should start happening later. So I just chose to have the hands trying to tempt the computer with the white pawn. Computer still loading hand gets impatient and hits it. So thus begins the frustrations.

I'm in the middle of re doing the animation, I've gotten rid of the old hideous wood flooring too, swapped it for a nicer wood and colour. I've also been able to get rid of that flick finger at the beginning of the aniamtion, aswell as shortening the beginning. Although be shortening the beginning sequence of things means I have to start re doing the music too. Oh well need it done right, otherwise they'd be no point!

After Effects for the Chess player

Above: Good evening. Middle: ...White Please. Below: Black

So here is a the next section, the switching on of the Unbeatable computer, and the computer deciding which side to be. I did one for each as at the time I decided to that the evil computer will prefer black, it will also allow the robot hands to start first... This is where the frustrations begin!
I did it in After effects, which I'm very glad I've started using more as i can now use it as practice for my final olympics piece, which is after this project. I like the glow of the letters, and it again helps set the scene. Sorry not uploaded my sketches yet, completely forgot.

The beginning section of my music

For the past few days I have been working on creating a little sound track to accompany my robot animation. I think it gives the futuristic feel, although it may be a little too creepy. I've tweaked it a little since but just wanted to keep updated. I think I like it, not sure yet. I also have a new found respect for musicians who can successfully make their own music, very hard. Been at this for ages on a good programme LMMS. So glad I have it.

The Button Update

Here is another 5 second section added on to the animation below, the switching on of the  UNBEATABLE computer. I really want to show a range of movement in this animation, fully use all the techniques I've never been able to do before. I think I've set it up nicely now that I can begin actually telling the story, the intro is over once the computer says "good evening".

Lets Play

Here it is, animation combined with the opening!! I'm so happy, theres one flaw in it, but maybe it adds to it I dont know. Anyway I like it, it took a lot of faffing around and again 2.5hrs to render, but its starting to take shape. I'm starting to think about a sound track to go with it, and not forgetting sound effects, like the cracking of the knuckles. I really want my hands to have a Human personality its just trapped in Robot hands.

Opening Scene Extended

This is the extended version of the opening which i will be using. It sets the scene better I feel, as it shows the whole chessboard, the hands, and the computer. It also does justice to the reflections, and is a little longer so audience can digest it better. I prefer it, its now 15sec worth of video, and doesnt feel so rushed, and it opens nicely into my next scene: The hands waking up.

1st time using a Free camera on a track

This is the 1st piece of animation for my robot piece, its all static as I just wanted to set the scene 1st. I might infact make the beginning reflection section longer and same with the ending, when its just looking at the board. I like how all the reflections have come up on the chess pieces, along with the subtle reflection on the chess board. Took an hour though which is worrying.

Quick Exercise

Thought it would be nice to take a little break from all my coursework and make this:

Same Balloons but with the sky in the background:

Actually quite proud on how it turned out, I know there are flaws in it, but theres something that makes me happy at the idea of a balloon filled sky. I want them to my represent ideas, that float around in my head. Also just had Andy showing me how to use particle systems, which looks AWESOME!! Can't wait to have a play around with that

Update on Materials

So here is a quick render of my scene, I've applied a deep blue raytrace onto the black squares, and now have a wooden table rather than it all be black, which I'm still 50/50 on. It lifts the image a lot, but I'm not sure if it distracts away from it or not, or even takes away the futuristic feel. I might tweek the white pieces, and white checkers too.

Here is the same shot as the one above but the computer has buttons and speakers, also there is shadowing from the hands, making the lighting more realisttic from above. I changed the above omni light to a target light playing with the effects.

progress report:

Metallic Material

So I just wanted to show my metallic material, the above shot is a reflection off of the left shoulder, I might have to use that shot as an opening in my animation. I like that its all metallic, suits the theme of the robot, but I think I need to lessen the reflection on the pieces and even the board. Although the board only has a reflection off of the black squares, really I want the board to be more see through, yet I'm worried that the black surface below will make the white bits seem black too. Guess I will have to keep playing, anyway the pieces have been modelled, had help from Andy on the horse but its still my design and I've tweaked it since. I'm actually quite impressed with it, it does give off a futuristic feel, and it does keep in with my robot arms. I've yet to finish the computer just add some more buttons and make the mini animation "Checkmate" for it. Then I can actually begin the film. Sorry I haven't added my sketches and storyboard yet, need to get my hands either a camera with batteries or a scanner that for some reason needs ink to scan to computer (flaws in the Kodak all in one printer).

Above is my overall scene, and the set up, getting the hands right I think is going to be fiddly as I dont want them to clash with other pieces. What I love about it is that its just grown, piece by piece, section by section. I wasnt quite sure what my overall scene would look like, I am actually thinking a wooden table but worried it would lose the theme. A lot of it is just playing around, and so far my playing has paid off.

Hmmm... Chess Pieces beginning

This is just a progress render of my pieces, they still have a lot of tweaking left to do. Basic shapes are there but I am not happy with them yet, maybe material will help and more detail. Although they are supposed to be just Metal representations of the chess pieces rather than the standard ones. I'm also building them from scratch as I feel everyone is probably just copying a online tutorial, and I'd like my animation to stand out a little more. Anyway also to add... the chess computer has now been built it just needs detail like buttons, the black rectangle is when the words such as "Check In 10" will appear.

HAH!!!!!!

I win, took me hours but I win!! I have made two seperate (seperate being the key word) movable arms. They can be aniamted individually so yes animating may take longer but the overal story will be successful. I can believe how long it took me, I was stumped after fully completing my 1st arm, naively I thought I could clone and rotate it, but noooooo!!! That probably is possible and there might be a shortcut I need to learn to get round re building the hand and each of its fingers. BUT HAH.... I did it, now I can make my chess board and pieces, I'm thinking of designing my own just because everyone else seems to be copying tutorials online and they'll all look the same.
I could cry with relief. Tonight I will also discuss and show my initial designs for the hand. Anyway here they are:

I have not added any kind of material or lighting just because I've only just literally finished the modelling.

Update:

With one omni light and and chess board, plus few materials.  I just needed to get a feel for it so I can ponder about it over the weeked. Finally my vision is coming to life

Don't be afraid

I was thinking about my networks out in Norway and I forgot that I know and spoke to a very well known artist out there, Kjell Erik Killi Olsen. It was my final year at the college and we had our end of year exhibiton in a huge U-boat building. Out of the class they thought my War Animation was the most interesting and wanted me to have an interview. This is how I met him. He has a very interesting idea of art and his sculptures are intriguing and sexual, He has had exhibitons out in places like New York. The more I think about my Network the more people pop up.

Imagi Studios Job

This is a job that is available at one of the companies I would love to have a go at, if I had more of a successful portfolio I would definitly apply. Concept Artist
Qualifications
	• Must be able to rapidly illustrate concepts based on verbal and written directives • Design and artwork is needed for both characters, props and environments, so solid confidence with either one area or all must be demonstrated with portfolio • Must be confident with both traditional media and digital, from Pencil to Photoshop. • Must have confidence with colour and be able to take an idea from sketch form to finished colour artwork • Great visualization and artistic skills with an eye for detail and realism • Great photo-retouch skill • Strong communication skill • Team spirit is required • Efficient and speedy work practices for quick turn-around time under deadline pressure • Please be highly motivated and passionate about your work and have a positive attitude • Knowledge of 3D animation or media production processes is an definite advantage • Traditional drawing and portfolio required

YES to success

I'm in the middle of my robot arm picking up a ball and throwing it to the wall, (Andy's Tutorial) and I have hit success, look.....

I couldn't be happier with it, I am currently now able to animate a robot arm and have it pick something up, also added jitteriness so it looks more realistic. I'm actually very proud of it. Although I know that either today or tomorrow I will have to begin my own project and arm, but now I have the tools and Knowledge I'm actually very excited for it!

Mini Update:
Very near completion of this task, tomorrow I think I need to begin modelling my own hands and chess board. I've got the basics down and the story is just about complete, there is no excuse not to start. Anyway here is the progress report, I have completed him throwing it to the wall now just to catch it and sort out the speed of the ball.

The Chess player

The inspiration for this animation came from a mixture of sources, mainly from research but a little from chance. Whilst reserching the physcology of chess it spoke of how a computer could not win against a grandmaster. I began to think of how a chess computer should look, should it have a huge sepereate screen, or be small and intergrated into the chessboard, and how would the hands play a role etc. Nowadays technology is becoming more compact, so I decided to have the chess board as a all in one futuristic piece. I beleive this would keep the chessboard as the main focus within the story. I didn't want to split the hnads up into two seperate personalities, because like in "Geri's Game" its important to focus wholly on the emotion in that scene. The audience feels more connected and is less complex to understand. Having two parts (hands and the screen) on the chessboards means I can focus primarely on the narrative.

I'm thinking of using the same kind of seperate shots and scenes in my animation like in Geri's game. It just makes it more visually interesting, and like the chess game I played few weeks back, no one wants to watch chess for 30mins. The shorted the better, as it adds to the frustration of the hands. I think 'Geri's Game' is a fantastic bit of narrative even though the story makes no sense, automatically you feel connected, I hope to do the same in my piece.

Also I'm very lucky and sooooo happy now that Andy has taught us how to make the hand pick things up and put them down again. This will really help add a few more scenes and depth to mine.

Quick render of my animated robot hand

I know the quality is bad, but this is just a quick render to show my 1st piece of true animation, I have never ever succesfully understood or appreciated what 3ds Max can do. Well till now, I couldnt be happier and so relieved, I must definitely start learning how to use premiere properly otherwise all my hardwork wont be able to be shown off. Anyway here it is, after hours of listening to Andy's tutorial, I am done and can enjoy the weekend a bit more.

Also this weekend I will be telling the story of my 'The Chess Player' animation indepth over next few days. I've come up with a humourous little idea of the hands being a seperate personality from the small computer screen on the side of the chessboard. Basically the little chess screen just keeps saying things like check in 5, check in 12 etc. The poor hands just becoming more and more agitated before finally throwing a tantrum! Hah makes me smile anyway.

Be gentle its my 1st time

Well Finally I have begun to understand and appreciate IK and FK's in 3ds Max, I just wanted to share my progress and small victory in the beginning steps of animation. This is something I have never been able to achieve before, I can see the importance of Dummies, i know what a reaction manager is and i understand the use of hierachies. I couldn't be happier, although I have had Andy's voice in my ear for the past 3 hours continously, I now have ear ache. Here is the progress image of my robot arm and hand.

I'm going to have a bit of a break and hopefully carry on animating the arm, for the very first time. Then I think I might just build a quick 3d image of my arena for the BURRBALL. The ideas are now just flying to me now. Also over the weekend I am going to create a story board for my chess player animation. Hands vs. Computer

Fantasy olympics - BURRBALL

  So here it is, all week I have been struggling to come up with an idea, all I could think of was COW HURDLING, yes that was my big idea for a week. BUT... last night before dropping off to sleep I was thinking of cow hurdling and I started to think about their black and white spots, should they be hurdled towards a massive target then imagined them to have velcro in the black spots, then I pictured humans dressed in velcro flying towards tragets, that got me thinking about gravity. Imagine if there wasnt any!! I started thinking about giant coloured balls different sizes as obstacles. Yet this led onto a point system each ball worth different points, Black 100, Red 50, Blue 25, White a measley 10 points. Now picture them floating in a giant white arena with the moons gravity. And someone dressed in a Velcro suite floating from one end to the other collecting the balls to their suits. BUT you need rules, so imagine the big points like the black ball and Red ball being heavily weighted, and the blue and white ball being lighter. The rule being if you touch the floor (by being so weighted down for example) you are disqualified. Also the 1st to cross gains an extra 50points or something maybe?!!

   I just love the idea that at the end these people are just covered in giant coloured balls, completely tangled up in them and maybe each other. So from cow hurdling I got this a awesome funny sport, definitely something I would love to watch on TV. Now to think about the characters and what angle I want the advert to take, something serious for the olympics or more fun and flashy like the sport is.