Rebirth of Cartoons

Animation is a very complex series of events that ends up making something truly beautiful. I never thought that I would get the chance to go back and enjoy cartoons today like I used to. Partially because my brain thinks a lot different than it used to back in my childhood. It was fruit snacks and fun, and now it all seems like bills and bullshit.

Anyhow, I watched cartoons for the first time in I don't know how many years this past Saturday. I was too tired to blog then but I got the strangest feeling when I started watching this cartoon and thinking about how it was animated. I'm sure I was smiling like the Cheshire Cat when I realized what i was doing. I was animating this cartoon frame by frame. To be honest, I have no idea why I watched some of the programs I did as a child. They seem dull and void now when I try to watch them. Almost as if they were never interesting in the first place.

Editing and Camera angles play such an important part in animation. You can do things you never thought possible to a animation in Final Cut Pro or Premiere. This cartoon wasn't up to speed but it gave me a look back on animation and how far it has come. I can't wait to see what the future holds. Maybe reality TV won't be reality anymore. Who knows what's to come...

Disney's twelve principles of animation

First and foremost, I have to give respect where respect is due. Disney has been way ahead of the animation game since the 1930's. His team of "Nine Old Men," were the equivalent of super heroes to designers young and old. Until I came across these principles in a class project, I had never heard the "full story," if you know what I mean. The simple fact that most animation companies follow these principles to this day is amazing to me. You really have to have your ducks in a row to have that kind of longevity. But then again, you have to pay the cost to be the boss.
Disney was really onto something with the twelve principles of animation. Just one man and a design team making a standard for their own work, created a standard for the industry itself. I hope that I can contribute something of that caliber to the field of design. The only problem is that I am not always confident about my work even if it seems like I am. Guess I've got something to prove. Any how, maybe I'll just stick to practicing my C4D for now, rule the world via computer later.

Blog #2

After being held at gunpoint by my own girlfriend, I finally caved and took her to see the latest installment of Harry Potter. The Half-Blood Prince was the subtitle to be exact. Any how, much to my surprise, there was a lot of 3D work in this movie. In fact, there was a lot of 3D work done from the magical wands to the mythological creatures created by casting spells. I really took an interest because of the C4D program we are currently using in class. So, with the right amount of practice...it would only take me 10 to 15 years to complete. LoL. 

After we left the theater I immediately bombarded her with questions about camera switches, back lighting and how realistic the 3D work really was. I must give credit to the animators involved with the production of the film. Very realistically animated characters attacked  Harry and the wizard towards the end of the film. I could not even tell that they were digital images. The textures were awesome as well as the actual animation itself. With that being said, I suggest this movie to any animator looking for ideas or inspiration. I know that I was inspired. I also made my girlfriend happy, so it was worth it.

Blog #1

The subject of animation started off as a class. Now, it has grown into a monster that wreaks havoc on my weary mind. Key frames, F-Curves and three point lighting are just some of the many options available for tweaking on the version of C4D we are currently operating through on my latest class. The 3D world is so much different from what I am used to. To be honest, 30 frames per second has never seemed so long. I have a new found respect for 3D artists working with this program. Although, it may seem tough at times, I still find it amusing. It's always fun to challenge yourself with new things. That seems to be the best way to learn. 

With that being said, our group in class has taken on a new project. We are creating a solar system documentary using C4D and Final Cut Pro. The idea came very quickly amongst our group, much to my surprise. LoL. I felt like this project was going to be a good one considering the subject and the rock-solid team we have. If anyone reads this and has any tricks or tips, please feel free to let me know. All in all, I am starting to love this program that once drove me up the wall. Guess that is a step in the right direction. Gotta get some sleep now though, busy week ahead.