LAUAN 403 Task 5- Arcs

This task was pretty straight forward although it was difficult to wrap my head around. Using the Waccom definitely took some getting use to but once I had I think I was able to complete the task quite well. Working completely digitally as well is something that I'm not 100% familiar with, so was great to get some practice in with that also.

The simple pendulum required a bit of trial and error but once I saw how it worked didn't struggle to reapply the process to the second sequence. Definitely seem to be noticing a pattern in my work now with the fish/ animals- which is quite nice! These tasks are not only teaching me the principals of animation but also more about my own style.

LAUAN 403 Task 4- Easing

I actually found this task really fun and satisfying to do. I incorporated the cut out technique and learnt how to use the onion skinning on dragon frame to make sure I was actually successfully easing. Overall I think the final outcome is nice, I'm quite happy with it. The sounds and colours work and it's simple yet effective. I think I definitely could have used more easing just for the point of this task but as a whole I think it works fine.  However again I was faffing about with ideas and wasting time on things that didn't work! So I do strive to be more decisive in future.

LAUAN 403 Task 3- Appeal

This task was about creating a character- writing about their background, who they are etc and then designing what they look like- and I found it pretty hard! It was difficult to imagine essentially who someone is and what they look like when they only half exist in your mind. However I was grateful for this challenge because it gave me room to improve and I did find it enjoyable bringing an idea into life. Next time I'll definitely try and stick to my style from the get go and stay more concentrated rather than wishy washying around with ideas and wasting time.

Character Development Sheet

Name: Jessie Jester

Background

Lives in a strange circus land/world/time where everyone is a character from the circus. She goes to school, hangs out with her friends and fights with her brother like a normal teenager- apart from the fact that she's a jester.

Personality

Lazy teenager. Moody, typical late teen, unapproachable, grumpy, introverted. Bullied a little bit in school for being a jester which makes her quite mean and quite unfriendly. Often bad tempered, unconventionally cool. Very tomboy ish.

Family

Loving mum and dad (also jesters). Mean older brother who picks on her in a brother/sister kind of way. Family dynamic kind of similar to 90's American family in California perhaps: Mum always cooking, cleaning, mothering, bossing, Dad fairly absent reads news paper etc. Also have a pet cat

Attitude

Grumpy, uninterested, monotone, layed back, cynical. A little bit shy, easily embarrassed. Often sulking or scowling at something.

Motivations

Likes listening to music, skating, reading books about adventure. Likes to secretly smoke cigarettes after school.

Appearance

Kind of medium weight, a bit gangly, quite tall with long arms and legs. Round face, slouchy, frowning mostly, leans on stuff, wears square boyish jeans with one pocket on the back and a baggy jester print jumper with red jester neck piece thing with bells on the end.

She has dyed purple hair in a big rounded bob kind of hair cut. Has jester make up/birth marks(?) often wears sunglasses and gold hooped earrings.

LAUAN 403 Task 2 - Straight Ahead and Pose To Pose

Cut Outs- I found this task super fun, a really nice technique. It was cool to incorporate craft work which I'm very fond of. I struggled slightly when planning but the use of a timeline was hugely helpful. Another step I struggled with was taking the pictures. I couldn't figure out which way round the background should go etc, but managed to wrap my head around it. I am actually really pleased with the final outcome. I think it looks really cute and the colours look great. It could definitely look more polished but as a first go I'm proud. (!)

Plastercine- I can totally see the appeal of plastercine and admire it as a medium. However, I found this task very unsatisfying and difficult! The plastercine didn't go where I asked it to, I could't undo my mistakes. Like leaving the craft knife in a couple of the frames. But hey hoe, it still works and actually it was fun to play around with. Never the less, plenty of room for improvement.

LAUAN 403 Task 1 - Timing

The pixilation animation was a fun little project with so much room for creativity it was hard to decide on one idea. I think my final pixilation was okay. I think the flow of it is a bit awkward and could definitely be more smooth. This would have been solved by more preparation and planning when shooting. Also some of the photos were not properly in focus, so I will pay more attention to that in the future. However, although it isn't particularly mind blowing, it does work. The lighting is nice and sound ties it together.