Thank you very much

Thanks Mr Ken Loh for the guidance and also being so patience with us. You are a great teacher! I enjoy myself this semester and i have been through all the obstacles and overcome it. Yeah! (:

Once again Thank you very much !

Reflection for IN3D Project 2

This is an more interesting project compared to project 1. I have learn a lot of new things and skills here and this will help me or is useful for the future. I feel that this project is challenging however it is fun when you see your own animation moving. It is tough. But whenever i am done with one part. I will feel satisfied with my work and i know that i have done or try my best. I think that there are still a room of improvement in my project animation. Like the timing and the squash, stretch and also the key framing and key poses. So i must try to get it right and correct myself, so that i am apply in the future. Although it is stressful at time, frustrated at times. But i am able to manage it. Being patience, having determination and the right attitude is very important in everything we do. Not just 3D, animation and so... Thanks Mr Ken Loh for the guidance and also being so patience with us. You are a great teacher! I enjoy myself this semester and i have been through all the obstacles and overcome it. Yeah! (:

Self Critique ( IN3D Project 2 ) Animation

Discuss the success of animation

Before I start on a brand new term on what is animation and learning what animation is? For this project 2 I have learn many interesting thing about animation. What an animation can do to bring or act out for the audience. Indeed happiness and also bring us entertainment. At first, in my mind. I never thought of the hard work and perseverance behind the cartoon or the movie I have watch in cinema. With the experiment on what is animation in this introduction to 3 dimensional module in my course, I had understand and experience it myself, how hard and tough doing animation is. It need a lot of patience, hard work and the most important thing is determination and attitude towards this (animation). Ii can say that it is not easy. Comparing it with my project 2, slowly I realize that animation is not an easy task. It is difficult and challenging for me as a beginner to create an animation out of a mechanical arm give. But I must feel happy that I do not have to do it from the start with the brand new scene. So before I started working on my animation. There are a few criteria or steps I have done or need to be done in order for me to complete my project. These steps are compulsory and it helps me efficiently, effectively to the success of my animation.

What are they? Actually, they are the key steps which are planning. Planning can be challenging and difficult too. As I had plan for different project. However, each project requires different planning. So the steps taken to complete it can be different. But the technique is the same. It is to help out to get a clear and understandable idea on what we need to do. A clear list of things that is important and noted down to prevent us from forgetting it. Hence we will be more prepared and a lot of time is save up. This is because we know what we are doing already. First, I have to choose the scenario given to me. There are total 3 scenarios. Base on the scenario chosen, I Have to prepare an interesting storyline for my project. Animation couldn’t work when there are no storyline to star with. An interesting storyline may bring out a good animation. Next, the most important part, which is the story boarding that need me to sketch out the key poses for my mechanical arm. Key poses are the most important part of our animation. A good key pose express what the character is doing. This is because the character cannot speak. Therefore key pose is used to act as a body language of the character. It expresses their feeling too.

It is a hard time for me to sort out a good pose and being able to draw them out. However, I manage to overcome this challenge with the help of the references video of other good animation and the references posted up by my teacher. With the key poses done, I need to provide it with description to clearly explain the point/ action of each key poses and how it react/ act out. It sounds easy. This is the first time experiencing it. So I face a lot of difficulties when setting up my plan and what I am supposed to do in order for me to get ready and continue on with my animation for the project. After everything is done, I have to start working on my project. I am glad that I can use the mechanical arm that my teacher had rig. This is because my rig has problem/error when I follow step by step in class and it does not work normally although it is check and everything is done correctly. (The cargo magnet face down and it is adjustable) It not supposed to be like this. It should face down and not face inwards. This barrier or an obstacle is solved. When I can use the mechanical arm my teacher had rig.

Next, this is the start of my animation. First, I would bring out my storyboard. It comes in handy this time. This would allow me to refer on what are the key poses I should do and take note of. It gives me a good picture and flow of the sequence of animation.

I can say that it is difficult to start, I need to overcome and take a step forward. So I started to figure out and play around with the rig. This provides me with a better visualization on the flow of my animation. As I am able to imagine the picture in my head. I tried to refer to the Luxor lamp short clip, this would create a great opportunity for me to find out what is the action and key poses use. I watch the video repeatedly. Slowly spotting out the key poses and drag along the time line to see how the timing works well with the key poses. This allows me to get a better idea on how to work on it and also add encouragement to myself. I started to picture the image in my mind.

Then, first I started with 24 key frames. It is simple. Duplicating the box and move the box in, is what I do to start my animation. After the cargo box is animate, I then click on frame by frame to set the key for my mechanical arm. Slowly, everything continues on smoothly. I decided to do the animation in a more organized way. So I decided to do the first 4 scene for my storyboard. After that, I would check for the timing and the right key poses. Follow on, by showing teacher, for him to give me comment for improvement. With the comments gave, I improved on it and show him again. With the good improvement made, I continue on with the rest of the part of my animation. Whenever I am in doubt, I will email my lecturer or to ask my friends. ( Some of the problem are the squash and stretch for the cargo box and bouncing ball). Even referring to tutorials and reference video online would help me to complete my project.

The problems face

The first time I did on the first 4 scene of my storyboard. I forget to playblast it to check the timing to see whether the timing is accurate. In the end I playblast, the animation is very fast. The problem here is that I didn’t hold the key pose long enough and also never really estimate the timing. So I redo it. To make it a better piece.

Next, is the parent constraint with the cargo magnet and the cargo box. It is the most important part in the animation. Sometime when a key is not set properly on the correct part or even forgot to set may result the parent constraint not working. I face this problem too. So I decided to follow the tutorial provided by my lecturer and follow it step by step on every cargo box. This problem is solve

Follow by, the bouncing ball. Squash and Stretch. I can say that this is the most challenging part. My bouncing ball wasn’t done properly. This is because I didn’t set the key frame when the ball land on the ground and in the middle of this frame I just have to insert the squash and stretch. Therefore, I have a lot of problem. However, I am able to make the squash and stretch of the ball out. Although it is not very well done.

Animating the ball jumping onto the mechanical arm head is also very challenging. The timing is also very hard to catch it. So I have to slowly estimate and scrolling through frame by frame to see which suits the key poses.

This problem faced makes me even stronger to continue on, persevere on to work on the animation. I know that every obstacle can be solved. Although at the end, I have thought of giving up. But I know that I have tried my best for this animation project. I am proud for what I had done for my IN3D project.

This are the success of my animation, thanks to help of my lecturers and friends and also the many many video references posted on the blog. (:

Discuss how you applied the principles of animation (examples)

Principles of animation are very important. This is because this would allow the animation to looks nice and interesting/professional.

There are 12 principles:

1. 1)Squash and Stretch

2. 2) Anticipation

3. 3)Staging

4. 4)Straight ahead action and pose to pose

5. 5)Secondary action

6. 6)Slow in and out

7. 7)Arcs

8. 8)Timing

9. 9)Exaggeration

10. 10)Appeal

11. 11)Follow through and overlapping action

12. 12)Solid drawing

The principles I may have apply in my animation are :

Squash and Stretch, A bit of Anticipation, Staging is use, Straight ahead action and pose to pose action, Slow in and out. Timing is not very well catch, follow through and secondary action

Final Video ( Staging and Timing)


Staging and timing is use in this animation, I apply in a way that the stage is clear enough for the audience to see. This is done by adjusting the camera properly and placing the object like the cargo box in the correct place. However the ball bounces off position was not set/stage properly.

(Anticipation and Follow Through)



Anticipation.At the first part when the box looks out and follow through the flow of the box coming into the scene. I apply this in a way that it allow the audience to guess on what the mechanical arm is looking at, it is like an attention catcher. This would add interest in the animation.

Follow through is also apply when the flow of the box coming into the scene. The mechanical arm follows the speed of the cargo box that is moving. This would create a better and comfortable view for the audience. Comparing to pauses in the middle. A follow through would allow the viewer to view it smoothly from the start of the animation.

(Squash and Stretch, Anticipation)




Squash and stretch are apply to the cargo box when the mechanical arm carried it up. The squash and stretch is apply. Although it is not very huge amount of factor amount value. My point is to create a more fluid, dynamic illusion of movement, and is better for producing realistic action sequences and a more natural and realistic feel rather than a static hard box that does not move when it picks up. It looks dull. Squash and Stretch is also apply on the bouncing ball itself. It would allow the ball to be more real and in a rubber texture. This would create a better and more lively animation

Anticipation is used to prepare the audience for an action, and to make the action appear more realistic Anticipation is also apply at this part where the cargo magnet goes down to pick up the box. Although the anticipation is not much seen. Actually, the action shows a bit of anticipation apply.

(Slow in and Slow out,Pose to pose action )


Slow in and Slow out. I apply in a way that it allow the viewers to look at it where the mechanical arm is really curious on the ball. So I decided to put a small ease in, to show that the mechanical arm is really curious. It gives a more pleasant feel and adorable action.

Pose to pose action is applied. As for this, the pose of looking at the ball from the left then slowly to the right. I pose for around 3 second to let the viewer feel that the mechanical arm is actually thinking. It may be what is this? Why is there color on this circle object? Question may appeared from the viewer’s point of view.

(Secondary)


I apply secondary action for my mechanical arm, for it to express that he is sighing. I decided to add this in to make it more life. I apply it in a way like human being, when we as a human being saw a long box/ a lot of work to do we will sigh. Same as the mechanical arm. I am not sure whether it is an secondary action. Also the counting of the box and double checking the number of box is a way to add life and support the main action frame of the counting of the cargo box

(Timing)


Timing is the most important part of the animation, a good timing would allow the animation to play more smoothly and accurately (interesting). A bad timing may result the whole animation to look bad. The timing was alright at the first part. But when the ball started to bounce, the timing is hard for me to catch. I have already tried my best to work with the ting and the key frames.

Research for IN3D

Research Part 1

Animation- What is animation?

It is a fast display of images to create animation, to make it life and interest.
There are different kind of animation, which includes:

-Stop Motion, stop motion is when you move the object bit by bit one frame at a time ,In a very very small movement, each time you move, you have to take a photograph of a real object then to create illusion of movement. Under stop motion it includes- Clay animation
Cut Out, Puppet Animation. Go animation, object animation, graphic aniamtion and more.

-Computer Motion it is using compute techniques and skills to create animation that is digitally in the computer

-2D Motion are created or edited using 2D bitmap graphics or 2D vector graphics. Like flash and more...

-3D Motion is a digital order that is manipulate by the animator. In order to manipulate we need to give it a skeleton and mesh to make it look like 3D. this process is called rigging. Other effects that are being use are like functions, mathematical effects which include, gravity and particles stimulation to create a desirable effect. (:

Animation Research part 2




This animation applied the 12 principles.
After looking at the animation for several times i can see that the animator apply some of the principles in the animation, i spotted principles like exaggeration, ease in and ease out, squash and stretch effect and the timing is also very accurate.

Exaggeration is use in the pet dog. When the owner of the pet dog is trying to convince him to bath. But the pet dog refuse. It can be seen from the reaction. Where the pet dog move forward fast and scream then shifted very back and shiver. From the action, this show that it is afraid of water.

Next is the ease in and ease out, The blue character animated using easing in and out in its action walking and while his head move forward it will slowly ease out and in.

It also apply a bit of Squash and Stretch, when the blue character is walking and swinging his had. Walking part, the squash and stretch can be seen.

Timing is very accurate. As it can be seen from the animation. The timing when the pet run in after the whistle blow, the timing of the pet is afraid. This are some of the example of good timing.

Research Part 3

StoryBoard

With the planning stage of animation. Artist, animators or writers will come out with a script and story board , The story board is a drawing of what the script says and the action that is apply to illustrate the scene of animation.

Story Board is very important, this is because it help us to plan the scene first before we start doing the animation. Actually, Story Board is like a gaint and large comic strip , with sketches showing showing the action of the story and dialogue. After that follow by music and the pre-production of the animation begin.


Story Board Template


Example of Story Board

Project 2 IN3D (Part One)

Name to my robot. BoBo

Imagine that while it is doing its mechanical work, the robot is actually thinking to itself. Write a brief paragraph of what the robot might be thinking – write the thoughts from the robot’s point of view, ie. imagine it is speaking the thoughts out loud, if it could.

Bo Bo the Robot: I always have a good impression for this company and wish to work there The first day to work is an enjoyable one. This is my brand new experience trying on something new. Before I started work,. I thought that picking up boxes is an easy task compare to cleaning…selling things…So I decided to give it a try“ and I went for an interview…It was a smooth one indeed. BUT it was like a nightmare? A day and a day…Everyday! What a tired and boring job, I think that it has been years I am working on the same old thing in the same company. I think I am getting old ,as old as this company is. I can say that everyday picking up boxes and stacking them together. Again and again. Years passed and I am still here picking the box. The appearance of the boxes is the same Grey and dull in color. Still as heavy as the first day since I work here. Can't there be something new for me to pick ? I never been promoted by the manager to a better and relaxing job. How efficiency and effective I do, the manager didn’t see it or either he pretend he never see? but the other way round he saw my mistakes and pick on them . Never increase my year end bonus. Never increase my income. Haiis! I miss my toy pet SoSo, He should be bored at home without me. I miss him so much ! The time is still ticking so slowly!

Story Board ( Scenario 1 )

There is a long line of boxes, as if on a conveyor belt. (You don’t have to model the conveyor belt – just pretend it’s there.)The robot lifts the box at the head of the queue and stacks it in a pile at its side.Once the robot has finished stacking a box, the rest of the boxes move forward one place, and the process is repeated.Suddenly, a box appears with a BALL on top of itThe robot is surprised.The ball bounces onto the robot’s “head”, bounces two more times on the robot’s head as if teasing the robot, then bounces away.Animate both the bouncing ball and the robot’s reactions throughout the scene.

Each Scene breakdown

1. It is a normal pose

2. Shake his head to the left. Because he need to stack so many boxes.

3. Then shake to the left

4. He count the box. 1,2,3,4.

5.A big sigh. "Haiis" slouching

6.Continue picking the box.

7.Then saw a ball. He is surprised and curious. Therefore he take a closer look on the box.

8.Ball bounce and hit his face. He shift back and shake his head, maybe its painful. Then move forward again.

9 and 10.The ball jump up to his head and tease him left and right

11. The ball bounce to his head, wheb it hits the head of the mechanical arm. The force result the arm to move down

12. When it bounce up high, the arm go back to the normal pose.

13. After that the ball bounce off.

14. Stretch all the way to reach the ball that is bouncing away.

15. He topple forward

16 He use his head to regain back his position and continue picking the box.