This last project took about a two weeks to complete. We started with an introduction to the project (listing the requirements), followed by a few examples from previous years for reference. Then, we gathered into groups to start bouncing ideas off of each other. One of our first ideas was a space theme, which we liked the best. After making a list of many other ideas we decided to rank our favorites and combine the best into one film. Once we agreed on the basic storyline, we got to work on the storyboards and scripts. We started filming two days later, getting half of the film finished then. We edited these clips before filming the other half of the film. Editing and rendering took about three and a half days.
Reflection
Takeaways
Technology wise, I learned how to organize and manipulate files on my computer for maximum efficiency. I also learned how to use After Effects to export and render works as well as add special effects by importing files. A major thing I learned is how keyframes work and the amount of calculations that go into making them so precise. By working on personal projects, I became more familiar with the different tools in Photoshop such as smudge, dodge and burn. In After Effects and Photoshop, I practiced with the pen tool and found how useful it is when creating masks and selecting very specific areas to edit. Some challenges I faced during this year was accidentally moving files and getting them accidentally deleted from a project. From this I learned to NEVER move anything in your computer until you are finished with a project, just in case. Saving Multiple copies is also really important. If you are making a change that you are not totally sure about, save it as a copy so that you can go back if you need to. Frequent saving can also be a lifesaver in case of program crashes. These skills will help me in my future years as an animator.
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| Fire that I illustrated in Photoshop. I used the blur and smudge tools to give the effect of heat and the detail of the flames. |
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| I created my own profile picture in Maya. Using my knowledge about lighting, I created dramatic spotlights shining inside spherical room toward my initial. |
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| I also started making my own YouTube channel banner. While this is still and unfinished project, you can see my use of layers to create two hills of grass and a raven sitting in the leaves. |
Collaboration and Communication was something that really came into play these last few weeks while working on our final projects. This was our first group project of the year and it was a lot of fun to put our different areas of expertise together to make something spectacular! In our group we split up the work to compliment each others best areas. For example, Brianna did the 2D art of the project, Andi did the 3D work, and I did special effects and music/sound effects. Other projects this year did implement collaboration as well. My friend and I talked about ideas for e-Magine next year and we helped each other develop stories for our animated short films earlier this year.
My Short Film Animation
It is important to learn these skills while we are still young and in school because of how much communication is required to succeed in adult life. Professional animators don't do everything by themselves! A large team is required to make a great movie. I enjoy working with people and the openness of my classmates have really made animation class a great place to work together and freely express our creativity.
Project Management is an important part of all classes, especially animation. While working, you must keep in mind the estimated export/render/upload time as this will likely limit the amount of days you have left to work. Getting behind is a big mistake that I luckily avoided this year. There were a few times where I got behind in class and there was the possibility of getting set back a day, but I battled this by staying after school, during lunch and coming in during seminar.
I learned a lot about Leadership during my time in e-Communication this year. Making sure that we had fun while working but still focusing on the end goal was hard at times but now I am confident with my skills in leading a group to success. In video I had a few projects where our group got distracted and it made everything harder. I worked constantly throughout the year to get better at keeping everyone in line.
Strengths and Weaknesses
My greatest strength this year were being able to channel my creativity without restriction in my work. There were guidelines we had to follow, but I never felt that there were any boundaries to what I could attempt to do with my projects. My weakness this year was making sure I stayed focused during class. The freedom to work mostly without instruction sometimes caused me to slack a bit on some days. I have overcome this by listening to music while I work to prevent me from talking as much. However, this is still something I am working on.
My Plan
With the skills I have learned this year, I plan to create multiple animations and films to submit them e-Magine next year. I want to use my experience to try for endorsement as well. I am striving to make neat and professional-looking animations that have meaningful storylines. Right now I am sketching storyboards for an animation I plan to create next year about a girl trying to manage her anxiety while in public. I also want to continue my knowledge of video production to bring more variety to my animation content. I could even experiment with a collaborative environment where both live action characters and animated characters exist. To gain more knowledge I will also get to know some upperclassmen. I was inspired by the senior showcase this year and how smooth some of the animations were; I hope to create work like this in the near future.
What I Would Change
Next year I hope to talk to my teacher more so I can learn extra tips and tricks while working on personal projects. This year I tried to add something a little extra to all of my work because I finished early. Striving to add these things led me to some more advanced skills that came in handy during later projects. As I continue in e-Communications, I hope to go above and beyond with my projects like I did this year and leading myself toward success.
Conclusion
Overall e-Comm has been great for me this year. I have really improved since freshman year and I am very excited for another year! I have met many new people through this from hiring actors to sitting next to each other in class. This program has helped me become more comfortable and find a home here at ONW. At the end of the day, I am always thankful for the opportunities I have the ability to create and learn freely at school.
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