Amanda's Animation Blog

La Vieille Dame Et Les Pigeons

2010-01-06T15:09:00.002Z

First of all I want to wish all of you a happy new year. I hope everyone is well.

Sorry I havent posted in a while. Im just waiting to get funds together to start the escape studios maya training then my regular posting will be back.

In the mean time I wanted to post my favorite short of all time. Its called "The Old Lady and the Pigeons" or "La Vieille Dame Et Les Pigeons". I remember seeing this short when I was very young and its what really got me interested in animation. It was the usual happy ever after animation I was used to seeing and it intruiged me.

The short is by Sylvian Chomet. For those who dont know he is also responsible for belleville rendezvous another amazing animated feature which any fan of animation should watch.

Watch and Enjoy!

Decisions

2009-12-03T14:54:00.003Z

Hey everyone. I deleted my last post entry as I didnt want the hole world and there mothers knowing about my problems and I figured it was up long enough for people I know to have read it and know whats going on.

Ive been home for 2 weeks now and ive had to think about what im going to do. So here is the plan for now.

Im not doing anything until after xmas. Nothing. Ive been put on new meds and its going to take a while for my body to adjust to them so the next few weeks need to be as stress free as possible.

After Xmas I will be doing the escape studios maya core training. Ill be reviewing things ive already learned and learning new techniques too.

I will be doing that for a few months and saving at the same time to do the Animation Mentor course.

Ive always been really impressed by the work that comes from that course and it seems to be the right one for me. Its expensive but worth it as I believe it will help me gain the skills I need to put together an impressive reel.

If you want some info on animation mentor here is the link to there site

www.animationmentor.com

Also here is the latest student showcase

Narrative Task

2009-11-19T15:53:00.002Z

Our task was to create a story using a series of images. I was inspired by last weeks class where our lecturer cycled across Mexico and filmed as he went. His clips were only a few seconds long and each one had the color yellow in the frame.

These restirctions helped him to keep the clips interesting and it feels like a story because there is a theme running throught.

I wanted to try filming something boring in an interesting way. I had to take a walk to Asda so I did some filming along the way. I too set myself restrictions:

* Clips cant be more than 3 seconds long
* Each frame must have the color blue in it.

I didnt edit the video in anyway as I didnt want to miss anything I might later find interesting. I like this way of filming as I feel it can make ordinary subjects more interesting. Im sure ill find myself using this technique again.

Life Drawing

2009-11-14T15:13:00.005Z

Improved walk cycle

2009-11-10T14:41:00.002Z

I really want happy with my previous walk cycle so I kept my critique in mind when animating this one. I think there is a big improvement.

Walk Cycle Critique

2009-11-10T11:46:00.003Z

I decided to stop looking at my animation for a while. I find that I can give a pretty valid crit on other peoples work but when it comes to my own im useless. Not because I think my work is great (Its far from it!!) but because I spend so much time looking at it.

I got some advice from my teacher and my classmates and I tried to just look at my work and jot down the first things that came into my head.

* The knees seem to pop on one or two frames because there is no bend on them
* The rotation on the hips is wrong and it needs to be more gradual.
* I need to add a flop to the toes to give it a more exaggerated feel.

Im working on the cycle again now so Ill hopefully be able to fix all these things.

Life Drawing

2009-11-08T13:31:00.001Z

I wanted to experiment this week a bit in life drawing so I used a stick with some ink and paint. Im quite pleased with how it turned out. I also did a collage which I will post up when I take a pic of it.

3D Walk Cycle

2009-11-03T15:59:00.007Z

This was my first attempt at a walk cycle in Maya. Its not bad but im still unsure about the rotation on the hips. Im going to stop watching this for a while and come back to it later when I might tweak it a little

3 Blind Mice Animatic

2009-10-28T07:02:00.005Z

Our group got together yesterday and did the final storyboard and animatic for our short. Its a little rough in places but it does the job.

Improved Berkswell Model Sheet

2009-10-26T14:03:00.001Z

Based on some suggestions from James suhr and my teacher I drew up another Berkswell model sheet. I think this design is much better and will translate well into 3D.

Life Drawing

2009-10-26T12:52:00.000Z

Some life drawing from this week. Im still a bit rusty. Plus I need to experiment with better ways to photograph my bigger drawings. Comments welcome :)

Rough Storyboards

2009-10-25T20:27:00.001Z

I forgot to post this last week. No time to scan stuff really. This is a rough (emphasis on rough) storyboard for our short.

Berkswell Design improvements

2009-10-19T08:54:00.000+01:00

James Suhr, an artist I greatly admire on here was kind enough to take some time to look at my character design and give me some pointers.

I really like the way he pushed my drawing. This is something Im still trying to get to grips with doing.

Im gona draw up another model sheet with the changes shown here. If you have time please visit James' blog. Youll find his link to the right :)

Mice Sketch Dump

2009-10-14T14:45:00.000+01:00

I forgot to post this. Some concept sketches that led up to the final design and model sheet.

Click for a bigger view.

Blinkin from "Men in Tights"

2009-10-13T17:00:00.002+01:00

I wanted to do some research on blind characters and I remembered Blinkin from "Robin Hood : Men in Tights". I really love this film and the blind guy blinkin is hilarious. I think it we could adopt some of his mannerisms for our animation.

This is probably the best bit :D

3 Blind Mice

2009-10-13T15:20:00.000+01:00

Again sorry its been so long between posts. I have been very busy with work.

Our CG project for this year is a group project. We have to design characters with a story to fit them. Our theme is the 3 Blind Mice and The Great Escape. Its been fun working on this so far.

Here is my design for one of the mice. An old guy called Berkswell :)

Please click the image to see a larger view.

"Prison Camp": Food Tray

2009-10-02T08:16:00.000+01:00

A prison tray with some food on it. Modelling and UV Mapping by me.

UV Map

In game pic coming soon.

"Prison Camp": Cafeteria Table + update

2009-10-02T08:05:00.000+01:00

Sorry I havent posted in a while. I really havent had 5 seconds to sit down and update this since I started back at uni.

Work on "The Citizen 2" is almost done so modelling has started on a new game. As of yet the game is unititled so I will Just be calling it "Prison Camp". I am working with the same team of people.

Also I see I have some new followers which is great. Thank you and I hope you enjoy my posting :)

First model is a Cafeteria table. All modelling and UV Mapping by me.

Clean and dirty UV Maps

In game pic to come soon.

"The citizen 2" : Tram Model

2009-09-09T18:01:00.000+01:00

Modelled, Uv Mapped and textured by me.

UV Map

In game model coming soon.

"The citizen 2" : Sofa Model

2009-09-09T17:52:00.000+01:00

Modelled UV Mapped and textured by me.

Uv Map

In game pic coming soon.

"The citizen 2" : Poker Chips

2009-09-09T17:44:00.000+01:00

Modelled and UV Mapped by me.

UV Map

In game pic to come soon.

"The citizen 2" : Roullette Table

2009-09-02T20:49:00.001+01:00

Modelled, UV Mapped and textured by me.

Uv Map :

Model in game :

Click Image to view a larger size

"The citizen 2" : Water cooler

2009-09-01T19:07:00.001+01:00

I had to model a water cooler for the game plus a clean and dirty texture.

Modelling Uv Mapping and texturing of the bottom part by me. Top part by Dennis Glowacki.

Uv Maps

The model in game

Click Image for a larger view.

Jasper

2009-08-31T15:14:00.000+01:00

For a friend as a birthday present :)

"The citizen 2" : Mailbox Model

2009-08-31T09:15:00.000+01:00

Modelling, UV Mapping and texturing by me.

UV Map :

Model In Game :

Click Images to see larger views.

"The citizen 2" : Headset Model

2009-08-31T09:10:00.000+01:00

Modelling, UV Mapping and Texturing by me

UV Map Model In Game :

Hippy Lama

2009-08-29T12:46:00.002+01:00

Peace.

A drawing waiting to happen?

2009-08-27T20:20:00.002+01:00

I was at a fair at in a town near where I live when I saw this guy. I really must draw him :)

"The citizen 2" : Candle models

2009-08-27T15:53:00.005+01:00

Modelling, Uv mapping and texturing by me.

UV Maps :

Models in game :

"The citizen 2" : Theatre chairs

2009-08-20T18:04:00.006+01:00

I had to model some chairs for a theatre in the game.

Modelled, UV mapped and textured my myself.

Texture

The model In game

"The citizen 2" : Time Bomb Model

2009-08-18T17:33:00.005+01:00

I have been asked to do some environment modelling for a game called citizen 2.

This is a time bomb I modelled. Modelling by me. Textured by Dennis Glowacki.

Rendered model. It had to be kept low poly.

The model in game.

First Mudbox sculpt (W.I.P)

2009-08-14T08:52:00.006+01:00

I did the base mesh in maya and imported in into mudox and upped the subdivisions

Using the sculpt and wax tool I slowly buit up the basic shape of the pirhana and sculpted a hole for the eye. I also used the stencil tool to add some texture.

I added a sphere and used the wax tool to get the shape of the pupil. Its just temp until I start painting.

I added some more texture and went in with the knife tool to exaggerate some of the texture.

More to come soon :)

The Recession...

2009-08-08T16:27:00.001+01:00

..Its hitting everyone..

Parrot Gesture Drawings

2009-07-30T15:04:00.002+01:00

I felt like doing some drawing today so I did some gestures of my grey parrot.

Garden Bench

2009-07-28T18:16:00.002+01:00

Please click on the image to view it in full size.
Modelled and rendered in Maya.

Castle Stairway

2009-07-22T12:42:00.002+01:00

Completion time : 1 Hour

Rendered with mental ray

Alleyway

2009-07-20T17:00:00.002+01:00

Please click the images to view them in full size.

Completetion time : 3 1/2 Hours

Old Well

2009-07-19T11:48:00.002+01:00

Please Click to full view.

Modelled and rendered in 2 1/2 hours.

Normal Mapping

2009-07-17T09:30:00.002+01:00

I downloaded a programme called crazy bump that makes normal mapping and I wanted to try it out in maya.

Here is the Normal map.

and here is the result in Maya. Its very effective and quick.

Maya Globe

2009-07-16T17:49:00.003+01:00

Click on the images to see them in full view!

Modelled in maya using a few of the new techniques ive learned.

Modelled and rendered in 1 day

Planet Animation

2009-07-15T14:23:00.002+01:00

I found this texture of a planet on the internet and I wanted to see what it would look like animated. Im thinking of modelling and old style globe soon so this was just a test to see what it might look like.

Now that Ive seen what bump mapping can do I think this model could use some.

Bump Map Test

2009-07-15T14:17:00.005+01:00

Ive been trying for about 2 weeks now to get the hang of bump mapping and I finally have. I created a simple cube and textured it first without bump to see if I would notice much difference.

Then I applied the same texture grayscaled under bump and the difference was huge.

The bump texture doesnt alter the actual polygons so it doesnt slow down rendering which is good. The only flaw is that it doesnt work when your up very close to the model. For that I will have to try displacment mapping.

Bowing Animation

2009-07-03T18:35:00.001+01:00

Bow Animation from Amanda Horan on Vimeo.

I downloaded the model from High End 3D and animated it in maya for practise. Please feel free to critique :)

African Grey Study

2009-06-30T18:25:00.003+01:00

A quick mixed media study of my parrot using watercolors, ink and colored pencils.

Summer Time :)

2009-06-22T14:55:00.002+01:00

So summer is here and Im done with first year. It went so fast and I really enjoyed it. It was hard work though and Im glad I have a chance to take a break for a little bit.

I will keep working over the summer but Im not sure what exaclty Im going to do yet. Probably some nice mixed media work from life. Maybe some painting too.

I wont be updating as much as I have over the past few weeks. I need to take a break from bloging as Ive had to so much of it for my recent project.

The Domino Effect

2009-06-10T14:39:00.003+01:00

The Domino Effect from Amanda Horan on Vimeo.

This is my final domino effect. I am proud of what I have done but as usual I always think I could have done better but I simply ran out of time.

I was thinking about lighting my scene but then I thought about it I realized that thats not really whats important. | decided to really concentrate on my modeling and my animation. Especially my animation as this was I needed to improve on. I have animated before in CG but not very successfully.

I feel I have achieved my goals in this project. I tried hard to animate the objects so that they feel like they have weight to them. I also learned alot of new modeling skills which I added to the ones I already had.

I learned alot more about texturing objects too and how to us UV mapping which I didn't know how to do before. This will be very useful in future projects.

The one problem which I feel I have not overcome yet is that my models always look too clean and new. I will need to do more work over the summer with regards to texturing and photoshop to get my models to look more realistic.

My modeling has has really improved and I feel I now have a better understanding of how to translate an object form real life into a 3D space.

I would have liked to go with a more over the top idea but I felt with the time I had it was better to do something simple, but well.

Overall I was happy with my planning and the results and I feel like I am steadily progressing and becoming a better CG artist.

Note Texture

2009-06-10T14:26:00.003+01:00

I needed a texture to go on the piece of paper that would be shot up on to the notice board. I downloaded a grungy texture from the web and a paper texture. I put the grunge layer on top of the paper layer and set it to soft light and reduced the opacity.

Then I applied it as a planar map in maya

Locator Animation Test

2009-06-02T15:42:00.005+01:00

I want the alarm clock in my scene to vibrate as it sounds off. So I did this test using the locater and the expression editor.

I set the editor to translate z rand (.5,-.5) and this was the result I got. I think its just about right. This was a really useful tool to learn and I think ill be able to use it lots in the future.

Book Model

2009-05-28T15:14:00.004+01:00

I learn a few new techniques to make this model. First I modeled one half of the book and I used the bridge tool to close the gap at the top. Then I edited the vertices to make it curved.

For the indent i inserted and edge loop and then I used the crease tool. Then When i was happy I moved the edge in to emphasize the crease.

I then created a cube and put it in the center of the book and I curved the vertices at the end. I downloaded an image of a book and edited it in photoshop to get the texture for the pages

Chest of drawers update 2

2009-05-27T14:23:00.003+01:00

I deleted my old chest of drawers model because the wireframe was too messy and there were other little things that needed to be improved.

I think this model is alot cleaner. I also changed the handles to make them look better. I added cylinders to the ends of the spheres so that they look more like actual handles now. The texture was the same as before.

Bed model update

2009-05-27T13:40:00.005+01:00

I was advised to tweak some of my models so I started with the bed. I wasn't really happy with the cover so I deleted it. I then drew a curve and then cloned it . I edited the vertices so it would look more like cloth and then I used the loft tool.

I think the result is a big improvement on the last model. I think it looks much more organic and natural like cloth.

Rotating Camera Test

2009-05-25T19:35:00.005+01:00

Here is another little test just to see how far I can push the camera before it looks odd. I used a camera and aim this time. I had the camera pan down and then rotate around the cylinder. I think these tests will be useful as I can use some of them in my final animation

Camera Pan Test

2009-05-25T16:42:00.003+01:00

I wanted to try and get the hang of using camera in maya so I did this simple pan. We were told that its best to think of CG cameras as real camera's and not to go to crazy with the movements so Im just trying out some simple things.

Domino Animation

2009-05-24T20:29:00.002+01:00

I wanted to have a go at animating a domino effect to see how I could do it. It was fairly simple in the end it was just a matter of organising the way I want them to move and setting key frames. Im going to play around with the dope sheet and see if I can adjust the timing slightly.

Bouncing Ball 3

2009-05-23T16:52:00.004+01:00

On this one I scaled the ball to to exagerate it and add some squash and stretch. I think it looks alot better now.

Bouncing Ball 2

2009-05-23T16:37:00.003+01:00

I made an improvment on the bouncing ball. I opened the graph editior and moved the curves around until I got the speed right on the ball. I also got it to slow in and out. I will try exaggerating it a bit more now.

Bouncing Ball 1

2009-05-23T13:33:00.004+01:00

This was my first attempt at a bouncing ball. I created a sphere and then moved around and set it using key frames.

At the moment the movement is too smooth so I will work on that.

CD case and CD models

2009-05-23T13:08:00.004+01:00

To make the cd case I made a cube and then slected the front face. I downloaded a pic from the net and applied planar mapping to the front. Then I applied lambert material to the sides and the back.

I thought it would be fun to have a mission impossible CD come out of the DVD player as the mission impossible music is playing. So I downloadeda pic from the web and applied a planar map.

For the back of the CD I used another image I downloaded from the web and applied it as a bliin material to make it look slightly shiny. Then I used boolean to make the hole in the center of the CD.

T.V Model and Textures

2009-05-22T18:56:00.005+01:00

This was a fairly straight forward model. Its a basic cube with the vertices moved around. I extruded inwards to make room for the screen.

For the screen I used half a nurbs circle. I got the texture for the screen from the internet.

I also had to make my own textures for the dvd part and the buttons.I made them in photoshop using fill layers and the pen tool.

Animation test

2009-05-22T18:25:00.004+01:00

This was a small animation test we did in uni today. I learned how to use a skeleton to animation the cylinders to swing like a pendulum. First we created 3 skeletons. Then 3 cylinders. I parented the the skeleton to the cylinder then I animated them as usual.

Alarm Clock Textured

2009-05-20T19:07:00.004+01:00

I loosley based the clock on this model.

I found what I was doing wrong when I was texturing the alarm clock. I wasnt editing the settings in planar mapping. I used planar mapping and the UV editor to fix the pic of the clock face.

The other textures are colored lamberts.

Mannequin Model

2009-05-20T18:32:00.003+01:00

This one took me the longest to model. I started with the foot and the leg. I used cylinders and shpere's and scaled the vertices to get the shape I wanted. I made one leg and then cloned it.

The main body areas and the head nurb sphere's. I originally used polygons but I couldnt get the shape I wanted. Nurbs are better for modelling these types of chapes.

I used the same technique for the arms as the legs.

I used a lattice to scuplt the chest a bit more and then I added a wooden lambert material.

Bed Model

2009-05-17T19:54:00.003+01:00

To model the bed first I started with a cube for the base of the bed. For the matress I made another cube and bevelled it.

To make the pillow I created a cube then I edited the vertices until I got the rough shape of a pillow. Then I put mesh smooth on it and edited it a little more until it looked like a pillow. The material is a lambert material.

It was quite tricky to do the duvet. I dont know how to use ncloth so I decided to just try and model it using polygons. I created a cube and pushed the vertices to either side of the model and then I rotated them. I then used the move tool to bring them closer to the bed. Then I added mesh smooth. I downloaded a fabric texture from the internet and applied it.

Thumb Tac Model

2009-05-17T13:09:00.003+01:00

The thumb tac is simply made out of 2 cylinders. I extruded and scaled the top an d bottom to get the shape of the tac mark. I them applied a simple blinn red texture.

The needle was made by creating another cylinder. I scaled in the bottom vertices to create a point and then I applied a grey blinn material.

Clothes Peg Model

2009-05-17T11:49:00.003+01:00

I found this really tricky to model. I searched for a couple of images on google and eventually found one I was happy with.

I modelled one side of the peg first by editing the vertices and scaling the ends. Then I mirrored it. I created a cylinder and used boolean to get the circle in the middle.

I used another cylinder for the metal part but I think I may need to use another texture as im not sure if it looks right.

Cork Board Model and Texture Test

2009-05-17T10:13:00.005+01:00

I modelled the cork board for the wall using cubes and extrusions. I was modelling it based on the one in my room.

The one in my room has blue fabric in the middle so I decided to try that first.

Then just to see what it would be like I switched the texture in the middle to a cork board one.

I dont think this one really works. I think the texture looks a bit odd. I like the top one but I think the texture may be a bit dark. Ill leave it for now and I may adjust it later.

Desk Model

2009-05-17T09:19:00.003+01:00

I found some images of desks on google and I used them to create this. Its made up of different size cubes that I put together and textured. I added a bevel too. Again I used the same texture as the other wooden furniture.

Wardrobe Model

2009-05-16T12:42:00.003+01:00

I was having trouble getting the textures right on my alarm clock so I decided to move on for the time being and model something else.

I modelled this wardrobe by looking at the one in my room. Uts just a simple cube. I moved the vertices to get the gap between the doors then I extruded outwards to creathe the gap.

I usef the same texture as I did for the chest of drawers to make the objects look like there suposed to be in the same room. I applied them and then used planar mapping to adjust the image.

Alarm Clock Model

2009-05-14T18:10:00.003+01:00

I modelled the alarm clock using cylinders and spheres. I extruded the front of the clock inwards and use the scale tools for the legs of the clock.

The hands of the clock are cubes that I modified. I changed them to a red color so they would stand out more until I put textures on.

Im going to start looking for textures for this now.

Wood Texture Test

2009-05-12T19:27:00.002+01:00

I wanted to try altering the texture on my chest of drawers. I wanted the texture to look different on the drawers. I created a planar map of the surface of the drawers and pulled and pushed them a little to get this effect.

I think its a big improvment on the previous texture on the model.

Chest of drawers update

2009-05-12T17:24:00.004+01:00

I wanted to improve my chest of drawers so taking what Ive learned in class I added a bevel to it which makes it look alot better. I also took the texture off because it didnt look right and I need to figure out how to apply different materials to the same object.

Modelling List

2009-05-12T16:03:00.002+01:00

To get organised I made a list of all the items I need to model. Ill model the easiest ones first and cross them off the list as I go.

Alarm Clock
Desk
Rope
Spoon
Screw
Ball
Wardrobe
C.D's
Wire
Clothes Hanger
Mannequin
Shelves
T.V
DVD Disc
Books
Posters
Clothes Peg
Tac
Rubber Band
Paper
Cork Board
Carpet
Window
Door

Floor Plan

2009-05-12T15:55:00.003+01:00

I made myself a floor plan for the domino effect animation. Its to help me plan where all the models should be in relation to each other.

These are just the basic components of the room.I will be adding more things as I go along as props and such.

Domino Effect Animatic

2009-05-12T15:25:00.002+01:00

I wanted to move on with my prject so I can start modelling things I can use in my animation.

I decided to go with the alarm clock idea. I had a look around my room for ideas and I came up with the idea that the alarm clock would go off and start a chain reaction that would pin up a "To do" list for the day.

The timing is not exactly right, its just a rough estimation. Some parts will be slower and some will be faster. I might tweak some of the camera angles aswell to make it more interesting.

Its just above the 30 seconds but id rather do 30 seconds and animate it well than rush and do a medicore job on a 60 second animation.

Chest of Drawers Model

2009-05-06T17:27:00.004+01:00

Seen as Im thinking of basing my contraption in the bedroom I thought Id try modelling some things that would be in almost every bedroom, a chest of drawers.

First of all I created a cube. I then added more vertices and moved them until I got the shape roughly right. To get the drawers I selected the faces and extrued them inwards a little and then I scaled them in. The I extruded again only this time it was outwards.

The handles were just simple spheres. For the top I created a cube and moved the edges out a little to make the shape more interesting.

I got the texture from google and uploaded it. Im not sure if it looks exaclty right. I will look more into editing UV's and try and fix it in the near future.

3D Artist: Fabrico Moraes

2009-05-05T19:39:00.003+01:00

I scanned this image from the 3D artist magazine. I found it really charming. I love the tone in the backround and the shine of the light against his armor.

The image was made using 3ds max, mental ray, mudbox and photoshop. The artist was inspired an antique spanish statue. He also looked at classic paintings to get a better understanding of light and compostition.

I think its good to learn that 3D artists always take references from real life. It makes the images more striking and believable.

3D world : Sven Geruschkat

2009-05-05T19:08:00.002+01:00

I was reading the latest issue of 3d world. I love looking at the images created by other artists but this one in particular caught my eye.

It was made by Sven Geruschkat. He has years experience in the games industry and decided to model this image after a visit to Altes museum in Berlin. He took photos of the original bust as he wanted it to look as realistic as possible.

I have great interest in egyptian culture having visited the country many times. I have seen this bust and I cant believe how he managed to take the photos and turn them into this. I am really impressed by the level of detail.

He used 3d hair for the detail, Peach fuzz on the skin and fibres on the cloth. He used camera effects such as depth of field and chromic aberration to emulate a realistic photo.

I love how he says he is inspired by everything - even textures on bathroom tiles!

Wine Glass Texture Test

2009-05-05T12:50:00.003+01:00

I wanted to try turning the wine glass into a rusty goblet so I downloaded a texture from the internet.

Then I opened up maya and imported in my wine glass model. Then I added a new lambert material. I opened up my rusty testure file and I added it to the model.

Then I added a simple point light just to show up the detail a little more.

I think it wold look a bit more realistic with a bump texture but I havent figured out how to do that yet.

Anyway here was the result.

Mind Map

2009-05-05T12:33:00.003+01:00

To help me think of Ideas for the domino effect project I did a mind map.

I think Im going to go with the idea of the channel changer in the living room or the bedroom. I think its a simple Idea but it will allow me to make an interesting contraption.

I could use things that are found around the living room and I could also model built contraptions from things you would find around the house.

Texture Test

2009-05-04T19:10:00.002+01:00

I have never done any texturing in maya before so I wanted to give it a go. I watched a tutorial on VTC on texturing.

Then I opened maya and created a plane. I rotated it until it was upright. Then I left clicked and added a lambert material . I clicked on the checker board then on file and uploaded the brick material. Then I hit render.

This was only a very basic test but I just wanted to start learning about how textures work in maya.

Wine Glass Model

2009-05-04T15:01:00.003+01:00

I found this tutorial on youtube and I wanted to try it.

I modelled the glass using the curves tool. I was suprised how easy it was. I followed the video and this was the result.

The glass turned out good but I got the glass material a bit wrong so I need to work on that.

Domino Effect Videos

2009-05-03T11:09:00.003+01:00

For my next project at uni I have to do a 30-60 second animation on the theme domino effect. I did some research on youtube to help give me some ideas.

I liked all the different items they used in these video's. I also like that the contraption moves at different speeds in different areas.

I love the colors of the cd's used in this one. It also gave me a good idea of how fast items move in the domino effect. I think this will take alot of planning to get it to animate and look believable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk6zbY8i4_8&NR=1

I think everyone loves the contraptions in Wallace and Gromit. I like how they have a contraption that does almost everything for them. This kind of means that my idea's dont really need to have limits which leaves room for experimentation.

Chair Modelling

2009-05-01T18:49:00.004+01:00

Today we were given a task to model a chair in 2 hours. We were given this picture and we had to model the chair to match the picture.

First of all I drew out the chair from different angles to plan out what it would look like.

Then I created a cube for the seat. The legs were also cube's. I tapered them in t the ends a little to match the picture. To save time I just modelled one leg and duplicated it 3 times.

For the back of the chair I made a cube again and pulled the vertices so I was slightly curved like the picture. Then I duplicated it and mirrored it to make one on the other side.

The rungs on the back were made in the same way as the sides. I made one and duplicated it 7 times.

For the cushion I extruded the chair seat and then used the scale tool to create the top.

This was the result.

By modelling this chair it helped me become alot more familiar with maya and its tools. I was very used to max so this helped me make the change.

First Maya Model

2009-04-29T15:34:00.003+01:00

This is my first attempt at modelling in maya. I just wanted to do something simple to get to grips with the differences between maya and max.

I created a cylinder. Then I moved the vertices and extruded the top. I pulled the vertices up and down to make it look like melted wax. I extruded some of the faces at the side then I pulled the vertices in and out to make it look like dripping wax.

I then used the sculpt tool to make the surface more uneven like an old candle.

Finally I used mesh smooth and this is what I got.

I havent rendered it yet because im still messing around with settings.

Acting and Animating

2009-04-15T17:41:00.002+01:00

I found a very interesting article on animation arena. It talks about the importance of acting to the animator and how you can apply good acting to your work

http://www.animationarena.com/acting-and-animation.html

11 second project Final ?

2009-04-14T10:26:00.002+01:00

I think this may be the final version. I added the beak, cleaned up the line a bit and checked the volumes. I also placed the character to the left slightly as I think it makes for a better composition. Im unsure whether I should add anymore detail to the character. I dont think it would benefit the animation in anyway.

Im pretty happy with the animation but im afraid that I might have added too many pauses. On the other hand i think the animation in the eyes makes up for it.

Anyway and comments/critiques are welcome :)

11 second club test 6

2009-04-13T18:13:00.001+01:00

I decided to move on and start adding some of the features one by one. Here I have added the eyes. Ive tried to animate them in such a way that they aid the animation instead of taking over it. I think ive suceeded. Ill have to watch it a few more times before I decide wether im right or not.

11 second club test 5

2009-04-13T15:33:00.002+01:00

This is the 5th line test. The sound is a little off because movie maker is acting up on me. I think the animation is flowing well although I want to put in and take out a frame or 2 here and there. I thinking the acting is working well so far without any facial features so thats a plus.

11 second club test 4

2009-04-13T12:56:00.002+01:00

I added some more inbetweens on this one. I decided not to in between the "huge" part as Im not sure it needs it at this stage. I Think ill wait till its finished and decide then.

11 second club test 3

2009-04-13T12:13:00.003+01:00

Here is the third test. I think I may need some more in betweens on the "huge" part, im not sure yet. I also fixed that feather and I think the animation flows better now

11 second club test 2

2009-04-09T16:30:00.002+01:00

Here is my second test. I think I may have shot 1 frame more than once because some of it looks a bit jerky. Still havent fixed that wing yet. Ill go do it now .

11 second club test 1

2009-04-09T15:28:00.004+01:00

Here is my first test for the 11 second project. Just the first word with the sigh afterwards. I think it worked out pretty well except for one drawing where the wings are too big. Ill fix that at the next stage.

If you have any comments that would help feel free to add them.

11 second project animatic

2009-04-08T15:51:00.004+01:00

For my next uni project I have to take a sound clip from one of the past 11 second club files, design a character and animate to the voice.

Im looking forward to it but I know it will be a challenge as I havent done anything like this before.

Here is my Animatic. There are no details as I was told its best to try and get the acting down without using facial features first and then when you get it right that way, then add the details.
This makes for a better piece of animation all round.

I decided not to move the character around the page because to me he is feeling subdued and upset so hes is not going to be moving around much.

Jennifer Hagers Demo reel

2009-04-02T10:29:00.003+01:00

I was browsing moodle and I was watching the line test playlist when I came across this demo reel. i love everything about her animation. The character design , acting and timing is all perfect. I think anyone interested in animation should watch this.

My Vector Image

2009-03-24T12:30:00.008Z

Along with the raster image we also had to create a vector image in illustrator. I used the same lyrics as my raster image. I had never used illustrator before but i find it very interesting to learn.

I did tests and research in my RVJ and here is my final image.

My raster Image

2009-03-24T12:23:00.003Z

Recently we were given a projecy in digital media to produce a raster image based on a chosen lyric.

My lyrics were "Scarecrows dressed in the latest style, Frozen smiles to chase love away. Human Kindness is overflowing and I think its gona rain today."

I did may tests and lots of research which are in my RVJ. Here is my final raster image.

An interview with Chris Leavens

2009-03-22T13:35:00.002Z

This is one of the best interviews I have read of late. Im working on a vector project at the moment and I found this interview really helpful. Not many artists are willing to reveal the tools and techiniques they use but he is. Enjoy :)

http://vectips.com/tips/interview-with-vector-artist-chris-leavens/

When animation goes mobile

2009-03-22T12:55:00.002Z

Recently I attended an avent in Birmingham about viewing animation via mobile technology and this was the first time where i felt that something was for the "next generation" not ours.

I found the talk really interesting and i liked the ideas that came from suspicious productions especially life according to dinosaurs but i feel the ideas are getting ahead of technology.

Not many people have mobiles that can view such clips and even if they do they dont use it for that purpose. I have an ipod touch that I could view animation on, but I dont. If i had the choice i would much preffer to watch animation on my laptop or tv but maybe thats just me ??

Perhaps im getting old fashioned already !!

I do admire what they manage to do on a very small budget on "When good txt goes bad". It shows that you dont need a huge budget to create something entertaining.

I did however pick up some useful tips that an be applied to animation on any format , such as :

~ Think Big and small at the same time
~Think simple and repetable
~Try squinting at your work. If you can still make out whats going on then its working!

Anyway thats all I have to say for now. If you have an opinion on the subject feel free to comment :)

Bodies : The Exhibition

2009-02-09T12:27:00.006Z

This weekend I went to see the bodies exhibition in the Ambassador theatre in Dublin. The Exhibition contains real bodies preserved and prepeared in poses that show muscle structure, the nervous system and various organs and bones.

I believe every artist should have at least a little knowlege of human anatomy. Learning how the body works on the inside will help you portray this on the outside when doing life drawing, animation, sculpture ect.

The way the bodeies are posed could certainly be described as "art". As you can see in the picture above the layers of muscle in this man have been pulled out so we can see what they look like while the body is in motion.

If you have a chance to see this exhibit I recommend you do so.

http://www.bodiestheexhibition.com/

Beryl the Peril

2009-02-08T19:13:00.003Z

Here is my second short. Its called See Air Rescue. It originally appeared in David Laws comic. Animated classicaly using a lightbox and pencil. I kept the animation simple to emulate the feeling of the original comic strip.

All research and learning outcomes are recorded in my RVJ