Making Cardboard Prototypes/Alchemy Studio

This semester the Multimedia students are collaborating with the Architecture students. We learn how to make models and they learn how to use software like After Effects. So we both learn something new. On Thursday we had to  create 3 modular structures out of boxboard. We weren't allowed to use glue or any other adhesive to connect the pieces together so we had to come up with a seperate technique for each of the structures. I used the slot, the tab and the groove techniques and I also used scoring and that helped me to bend the thick cardboard into a more desirable shape. Unfortunately, I misunderstood that we were actually supposed to post pictures of our experiments on the blogs, so I actually threw mine out, thinking that I won't need them anymore. 

Later in the day we were formed into groups to work on the first part of our assessable assignment, which is going to be a stop motion animation. This is what one of my group member's modular system looked like:

The group decided to use the prototype that was already made in class. The prototype pictured directly above, offers many manipulation possibilities. It is simple on its own, but is capable of being constructed into complicated shapes. Each piece joins to another via slot system, in other words, each piece is fitted with multiple slots for greater shape possibilities.

The 30 seconds of animation that we are required to shoot, is to explore the potential of the modular system through a visual narrative that our group has to come up with.

Shooting day - Saturday

Update: ...And a bit on Sunday due to horrific weather today in the second half of the day!! :(

 

Special message for the blog! :)

Hi Blog. I didn't write in you for a while. Been neglecting you (not good). But I will rectify the situation starting from today. I went through some ups and downs and bumpy rides and a long pause (the process kind of aged me in the process too, lol!) Now it feels good to start the year from a clean slate and with the mind in the right place. Here's to a good year! :)

Ed Benedict

Gene Deitch

Walt Peregoy

Walt Peregoy was a color and background artist for Disney. Famous for his color concepts for Disney's 101 Dalmations. I am mostly fascinated with his background designs as they are very modern looking and rely heavily on texture in combination with geometric shape and color.
His style is very effective in depicting any certain mood or ambience of a place, as well as describing the place itself for that matter.

Amanda Visell

I came across this illustrator whose work I fell in love with straight away. It is the very style that I am hoping to achieve in my final animation. Lovely texture use.

Check her out at http://www.amandavisell.com

Second Semester and My Project Statement!

Second semester has officially begun today. I feel rejuvenated and fresh and ready to go! We are to work for nine weeks on a final, self-directed major project.
I am to produce three animated spots produced for broadcast. These will be an educational series on safety and general awareness of the world around us. Aimed mostly at small children, each episode will deal with things as simple as road safety and as complex as environment awareness. The animation will be heavily character driven and will employ the modern style of cartoons from the 1950s and 1960s, inspired heavily by the studios from the likes of UPA (United Productions America) and Terrytoons.