Animation evaluation

What were you asked to do? (Project brief tasks)

 Create a 20 second animation using a theme based on ourselves. We needed to follow the animation design cycle including story board, animation and final. We then had to edit the animation in Final Cut Pro. My animation is based around the theme of locking you emotions up in side rather then dealing with them - the jack in a box representing this. It was also loosely based around an animation I found in my research by Jamie Dean. I really liked the Gothic Surrealism style that he used and wanted to recreate something similar. I also feel that this style helps to communicate my theme as it is dark and strange and feels quite lonely. 

What materials and processes did you experiment with?

 I created a bouncing ball using drawn animation. I decided not to do a drawn animation as my drawing skills are not very strong and I feel that this would have resulted in a poor animation. 

I also learnt many new techniques in final cut pro - using key frames to pan, zoom and scale the video. I also learnt how to skew and play video's within other visuals. I am not going to use the latter technique, it doesn't fit in with the style that I am looking for in my animation. However I have used the scale tool to zoom in on my animation. 

I made the jack in the box with the help of Gary the 3D workshop technician. I then painted this to fit my style. 

I used gardening wire to create an armature in my doll so that it could be animated more easily. 

What did you do to ensure you worked with tools and materials safely?

  I followed all health and safety advice in the 3D workshop, also the technician used the machines as I am not a 3D student and have not been trained in the correct procedures to use to be able to use them safely. 

How well did you manage your time?

 Although my time management could improve I feel that I have done better on this project then previous ones. I had gotten more work done earlier on then before. My main issue at the minute is balancing all the areas of my life as with college, work and church commitments I am finding it hard to find time to relax and have fun - running the risk of burn out. I am trying to address this. I have started to use a timetable that I have created for myself to plan my college work and other activities for the week around work, college and church. 

What were your strengths in completing this project?

 My strengths in this project was my willingness to try 3D animation and make my box and set, trying new things. I enjoyed this process and it gave me a sense of achievement. 

What will you do to ensure you improve for the next project?

I will create a better quality animatic first time, using photographs if I am creating a 3D stop motion again. I will also put more time into editing around class times as there is not enough time to get tests and final animations done just in the lesson times.