Since the start of this project I always knew what goal I wanted to pursue – Animation. I always knew it was going to be a long and arduous target to reach, so I had to make sure I had an organised and solid year plan. Before the project was laid out, I knew that 3D animation was not a subject I could just jump into. I would need a substantial amount research and character designs to build it up. Being honest, at the beginning of this project I was not planning on developing my 2D skills, but, I feel that, from the research I had done in FMPA1, I had finally found an art style that was suited for me. I think I was compelled to explore this new art style to try and broaden my skills. After all, for this industry, I think it’s important to have a wide range of skills.
I also decided to delve into Storyboard art and comic art for two reasons: 1 – It would help in creating a cut-scene and 2 – It would expand my skills and knowledge even more by learning the process involved for creating such things in the industry.
Throughout FMPA2 I have successfully maintained all three major sections of the project: Storyboard/Narrative, Comic and 3D animation. I did originally state in my Learning agreement that I would have two cut-scenes done by the end of this project. However, I have learnt since then that doing such a thing would be near impossible over such a busy space of time. Had I of not done the comic art work I may have been able to find time to complete a second cut-scene, however, I feel I have accomplished more regardless of this. I did also state that I would use the program AfterEffects to add special effects and increase the quality of the submission. While I have not done that, I do not feel that it is that much of a problem. My attitude throughout the last month of the project was to focus on what was important for me and, ultimately, what would be more beneficial for me portfolio. I remembered back when the guys from ‘Ninja Theory’ informed me of the best way to layout an animation portfolio – “The models don’t have to be perfect, there doesn’t have to be any texturing. It’s the animation that counts!”
Whilst creating the storyboards I was trying to decide on which cut-scene narrative I wanted to create. My favoured one involved a fight scene, however, I soon came to realise that I would not have the time to fulfil everything that I wanted to achieve in that scene. So I decided to choose something of a simpler taste while containing a good range of character integration.
While animating my cut-scene I discovered a few problems with two of the character’s skeletal rig and weighting. As I had already got so far into the animation I faced the dilemma of either restarting the animation, fix the problem and run the risk of not finishing on time, or continue on and try to make the most of what I had available to me. I decided with the latter and put the rigging error down as a learning experience – Always carry out a 100% test of the character’s movement capabilities before proper use. I was a bit disappointed with this error because it meant I had to be more careful and subtle with my character animation.
As I ploughed through the cut-scene the animation controls, timing and graph tool were all becoming easier to understand and use. I was quickly picking up on the different ways to move the characters more efficiently. I felt that if I carried on this method of animation after the course, then I would easily be able to create even more character cut-scenes.
I was generally pleased with the end result of my cut-scene. After all this is the first time I had ever undertaken such a large task. There are a few unresolved problems and the detail of the environment isn’t that pleasing to the eye, but if someone were to watch it and smile, then none of those problems would matter.
In conclusion I feel that overall I managed to accomplish my target goal. Despite not completing everything that I had set myself in the Learning agreement, I have managed to compensate and complete more worthwhile tasks. Within a terms work I have managed to create: a solid set of character concept designs using my newly approved art style, a good range of narratives to work with, a complete clip of storyboards and an additional half finished one, the first chapter to comic and a fully rendered animation video that includes 4 fully animated characters and two working environments. Whether I get a good mark out of this or not, I feel confident that with the knowledge I have gained I can easily continue creating this animated shorts and progressively become more and more professional. I also feel that I now have a broader field for job seeking as I can now confidently storyboard and create comic art.
