APR was a step towards a class that I was quite scared for… Animation Production. What a class, eh? Basically, the whole month (well, we did have an online class, but really, that was terrible) was dedicated to animating a character, whether the pitcher or the batter (HEY! Keep those jokes to yourself) and make a whole working animation of the characters interacting (Once again, no jokes 😛 )
So let me run through the essentials… Between 2DA, FOA, and CAN, we all had a half-way decent understanding of animation, ranging from the 12 Principles to looking at certain styles of Chuck Jones to Disney. Wee! Well, whether you’re a Modeler, Rigger, Lighter, or yours truly, a Compositor, you’ll have to sit down, shut up, and keep animating.
Honestly this class wasn’t that bad. In fact I kind of liked it. I learned a lot about the critiquing process, and if you don’t understand how to handle it, here’s a little tip:
They’re critiquing your work, not YOU!
Yeah, a lot of us say “My work is who I am” but you NEED to step back and take the hit because you just won’t get better with a sour attitude that you think they’re bashing you. Just know that, and you’ll move up the ladder quick.
So, let’s go. Following this will be the work I did in preliminary states, then to the final work with my teammate.
A little about what I did: My character was the pitcher, and I wanted to give the impression that he’s a little cocky, knows what he’s doin’, and ready for some action. But as soon as he looks at the batter he’s a little uneasy, but the show must go on, and pitches. As the batter nails the ball, the exhausted pitcher gets clobbered in the stomach, and flies out of the frame. Exciting yes? Check it out.
Right here is a little compilation of what Mark and I put together to submit for critiques. These are from Lab 4, 6, and 8. Note the changes made for the characters along the way, and also keep in mind, neither of us are animators, but like any other job, with a little more time and effort anyone can do it.
Here’s the final submission for class. Put together in After Effects then Final Cut with sound.
It’s still tweaky here and there, but not bad for a Rigger and Compositor. Any hey, we’re just students, there’s that little bit of slack to give. Not everyone understood multiplication the first time they learned it. People often forget that. Don’t forget that. We’re all still learning, and everyone is capable of doing good things.
Until then, I’ll keep you posted soon on the latest class, ANP.
I’m really excited about posting for ANP, so keep in touch!
-endy