Evaluation

Graphic Design

This project-involved creating a number of different animations, whilst producing in-depth research of the animation field. To complete this design situation successfully I created a weekly schedule where every week I did one post on the blog, and did a topic on my sketchbook. At first it took me a long time to adjust to the topic of animation as I was confused at what I had to specifically research as it is such a massive topic, but after breaking it up into many smaller topics I was able to progress through the work in small steps.

The project was structured practically with the lessons focusing on how to use the programmes and create animation forms (pixilation, stop motion, kinetic animation), and theory was researched and practiced independently, such as the walking cycle. Both forms of researching were incredibly useful as with the practical lessons I was able to practice and put forward the styles and techniques that I learned independently though theory, and through the practical I was able to see if there were any techniques I missed out on, and needed to research with more depth. Researching the history of animation and the roles involved was very useful to me as it made me understand not only the purpose of animation, but the beauty of animation as I didn’t know it took that many people and that much time and effort to make an animation. The fact that it takes teamwork to make an animation, to me made it just that more amazing and inspirational.

This is partially why making the cutout animation was my favourite to do, as I got to experience how individuals can work together and share their skills to create a piece of art, as everybody in that group was getting involved and partaking in the animation in some way, I was able to learn some skills and see the different ways a subject or theme can be approached just by seeing the way another individual reacts to The subject (theme) from the ideas they come up with. My negative experience with the groups I worked with before (pixilation animation) helped me learn how to encourage a group to work and take part in a project which I am grateful for.

I developed my ideas mainly through the experience of the digital programmes (such as Adobe after effects, flash, cinema 4D)  and what I thought was the most effective drawing approach to slowly come up with the best solution of what would make an effective, rememberable and visually inspiring animation. Whilst researching, seeing the way directors and animators comment on their own productions helped me understand the moments where my work was lacking in quality, and weather I was just being lazy, for instance when making the final animation I first used flash and was planning on having a simple motion tween animation, this was very easy for me to pick up and with doing this I wasn’t challenging myself, I also remembered how dedicated everyone involved in an animation usually is and this also inspired me to push myself to do something more, which is why I changed to using a programme I have never used before known as Cinema 4D. I had a lot of fun using this programme and am looking forward to continue using it and improving my skill with it.

Overall I do believe I achieved my objectives as I explored animation and all the topics involved within it as much as I could. I also experimented with a range of media to create a solid combination of digital and traditional (drawing) media.  I really enjoyed looking at animation, mainly because I always wondered (when seeing animations) how it was done and am beyond happy that I am now able to understand it. My own target now is to continue practicing with these programmes as in modern day having an understanding of digital media is essential.