Semester Progress

                      The Creation of KringleClaws

Over the course of this whole semester I have been working on a project that has given me quite a bit of trouble. This is not only my first time making a human like figure in Maya it will also be my first large scale project in a 3d program. I admit I probably bit off a little more than I could chew. So far I've been able to make a decent character model. I'm here today to show my progress throughout this semester and explain my process.

As always I started by making some sketches of my character and by creating a storyboard. This took much longer than I expected. This was because I took time to make it useable as a reference image. And even while I was using it as a reference I still changed many details about my character.






Once I started creating my character I used tutorial videos made by James Taylor for extra help. The creation of the body and face took the longest time.  Whenever I came into class I tried to
get as much done as possible. Unfortunately there were many times where I ran into some kind of problem with Maya and I couldn't get anything done. But when this happened I usually worked on modeling the room that my story will take place in or I worked on a side-project. Only a couple time can I remember taking a break for a day or not doing any work whatsoever.

Over the course of this semester I've learned how to do many different things using maya. I've learned how to use many of the tools in Maya such as the bridge, mirror, and combine tools. I feel that my ability to model in maya has improved greatly. However I do still need work on texturing models and rigging them.

After a semester of work all I can sow is the room and the character model. And I am still not completely done with my character either. I still need to finish painting weights and some minor adjustments to his head. Hopefully by the time I get back after winter break I will be able to start animating and complete my story.

Animation Article Review

                      Beware! Past this sentence I will be referring to an article that you can find here
-> http://www.creativebloq.com/digital-art/art-creating-cinematic-cg-trailers-41514644 <- So I would suggest reading the article first then coming back here and enjoying my post in its full context.

           For those of you that didn't click the link then Ill give you a quick synopsis. The article describes the recent success of a CG animation studio called RealtimeUK. It also goes into detail about how RealtimeUK provide full length animated trailers, concept art, and fully rendered cut scenes for video game publishers.

      The article shows how animation studios create more than just cartoons and animated movies.  The field of animation is spreading into different types of multimedia. The author is doing this by showing the readers past works from the studio and quotes from members of RealtimeUK.

      If I had to give any critiques of the article it would be that the author does make any final conclusions or statements. It leaves the reader confused as to why the post ends so abruptly.

         Overall it is informative and I personally find it very interesting. I have been researching many diffrent types of animation myself and I didn't know many of them even existed so I feel that posts that show the growth of the industry should be welcome.

         

"Take Me Home" animation review

Hello and welcome to my first post on this account. Today i will be reviewing the animated short film "Take Me Home" by The CGBros. The story is about a dog trying to get adopted. A little girl comes into the adoption clinic and meets the four legged protagonist.  When the girls attention moves to a

poodle the main dog attempts to impress the girl. This continues until the girl eventually decides to adopt the poodle, but when she reaches for it, it attempts to bite her. In the end the girl adopts the main dog. You can find the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_Rx4qZ8QRc 

It was made using 3d models, this gives it a slightly more realistic look but with this film they did a good job of stylizing the models so they don't look hyper realistic.


The animation is smooth and has a good flow of motion. Although i found that some of the girls motions seemed robotic especially at 5:53.

It told the story of a dog looking for a home and family that will accept him. This was told in a way that did not need dialogue and relied on facial expressions and body posture. I am still learning how to animate 3d models and I wish I could make this level of fur and hair textures.

 I do have the capabilities of making the 3d models themselves but I still need to improve greatly. The creators did an excellent job at making and texturing the models. The animation itself was good, but I feel like it could be improved.


If you want more information about "Take Me Home" or its creators be sure to check out www.thecgbros.com or check out the actual video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_Rx4qZ8QRc.