Reflection
Our group settled on an idea very quickly and we remained enthusiastic throughout the project.
My favourite part of this project was modelling the pufferfish as I was able to build on my knowledge from hard surface modelling. I would have liked to spend more time refining the Pre-Viz and planning as the whole short runs very fast and because we animated on separate Maya files the camera doesn’t move around the scene the way it does in the Pre-Viz. This is why there are some abrupt cuts between shots in the final edit.
Our group could also have worked more collaboratively to make the models look more aesthetically cohesive.
The group quickly deviated from the schedule as more issues arose. These issues were part of learning something new but lectures answered questions and provided help whenever we needed them. As teammates, we regularly updated each other on our progress and discussed problems. When we started this project my lack of knowledge surrounding the 3D process made me worry that 2D backgrounds could overcomplicate our work but I’m happy with the unique whimsical look we achieved. I have learned a lot from completing this project and am excited to use my new 3D modelling and animation skills for future projects.
My First year of animation has definitely grown my skills as an animator and drastically improved my IT literacy. I have enjoyed learning the 3D animation software and workflow, my favourite part being the animation itself and storyboarding in the first semester. I have noticed a drastic improvement in my animation skills and creative thinking that has allowed me to express my creative ideas more eloquently. This course pushed me out of my comfort zone by requiring me to learn 3D software and draw subject matter other than people such as backgrounds and animals. Designing characters for animation has made me more observant of the people I interact with daily giving my drawings more personality. I now keep a list of the 12 principles of animation on my desk reminding me to incorporate them into my animations or drawings. Over the summer I plan to experiment with 3D modelling backgrounds for 2D animated personal projects and revisit the fundamentals of the art covered in semester 1.
The teamwork in this class reinforced the need for clear and honest communication in a safe space and the importance of organisation. Keeping a diary and a diary with to-do lists and deadlines was a must for this year and I have become very conscious of timekeeping and productivity. I struggled to fit following along with tutorials posted by lecturers into my schedule alongside work but watched them repeatedly to guide me through each phase of modelling, texturing, rigging, lighting and animating on the final assignment and for every assignment this year. My first year has expanded my vocabulary and knowledge of the animation workflow overall which enables me to speak confidently to future employers.