Sketch2Photo

My housemate Elliot just told me about this amazing new software now being called Sketch2Photo. It uses algorithms from the same principles of compositing to make brand new images!
You simply download the program and start using the digital sketch pad. Draw the what you want and give them a name - the name is like what you would search for in google.
The program then searches every image on the internet with the name and tries to match similar shapes from your drawing. Finally it composites everything together and VOILA, you have yourself a perfectly stitched and very unique image.

When the full program is available I think it will be awesome to use for research so for things like a mood board!


Soundtrack: The Mars Volta - Ouroborous

PRP Artefact 1 - Blocking The Animation

From the original 52 second animation I have decided to start working on just the first 10-12 seconds. This is all I can do with two weeks and several other projects on the go at once. So far it's going really well. I love using the Andy rig to portray Ren and Max rig is doing a fine job of depicting Stimpy.

So far i've come across a couple of issues but it didn't take me long to solve the problems. Right now i'm blocking and hoping that tomorrow or Saturday I can start completing the proper animation to be ready and finished for Monday. I am also updating the evaluation as I go along. I think this is good practice for the nature of the project because it would be too hard to remember everything I did if I left it until the end of the animation.

Here is a quick playblast video of my scene after blocking a lot of the poses and Stimpy's (Max rig) facial gestures.



Comments please! =)

Soundtrack: Ralph Towner with Glen Moore - Suite-3 x 12- a

The Mill - Work Experience

Today I received the great news that I will have a week work experience at The Mill in London during the spring holiday. I'm so excited about doing this because they are probably the best post, CG and VFX company in the UK at the moment. Their work is very good and inspirational.

Their most recent work in advertisement is the new - slightly creepy, yet visually stunning - Orangina ad


I wondered who is working there at the moment and what is the standard of the people they employ. So i've looked into who is working in the CG and 3D department at the moment and found some very cool videos...

Janak Thakker

Juan Brockhaus - nice introduction!

James Spillman


Aidan Gibbons

Tyre Sculpture

Some of these images were sent over to me today and I think they're fantastic. I've seen one or two of them before I think, but when I saw them in a group like this, in one area, it just makes more sense and appeals to how great they really are. I'd love to have a go one day!











Soundtrack: King Crimson - VROOOM

3 Part Tip For An Impressive Animation Show Reel

Taken from Animation Tips & Tricks blog post...

Part 1...
Your first shot on your demo reel should really grab your audience. It should be the shot that best represents your talents -- the one you are most proud of. If the viewer does not like your first shot, chances are, they are going to turn it off and put in the next demo reel.
I would suggest starting with a strong acting piece -- a line that shows a character's emotion change over the shot: sad to happy, worried to relief, anger to acceptance. This will enable you to showcase your range.

Part 2...
The second shot should show physical animation. "Physical" does not mean a walk cycle, but rather, getting the character from point A to point B in an interesting way. For example, instead of showing a character walk over to pick up a newspaper on the floor, perhaps the character is sipping coffee as he uses his behind to push open the front door and picks up the paper and puts it under his arm while still sipping his morning brew. By giving the audience something completely unexpected but still very much grounded in a realistic performance, you are showing your creativity and your ability to bring something new to the table.

Part 3...
Your last shot is just as important as your first. It's the last thing they are going to see - the last impression you are going leave with the viewer. I wouldn't base your decision on what the shot demonstrates as much as how memorable it is. This could be a catchy line that the viewers will be saying over and over again after they have watched your reel. Or maybe it's a moment that will leave your audience laughing. Whatever it is, the goal is to leave them wanting more.

The most important thing to remember when putting your reel together is that it's about quality, not quantity. One minute of really strong animation goes much farther then five minutes of so-so animation.

by Aaron Hartline


Soundtrack: The Beatles - Strawberry Fields Forever