Evaluation of my First Year

Evaluation of my year-

Evaluation of my year-

On September 16th 2013, I was surprised to find on my very first day that I was to be presented with my very first module guide. I found this both exciting and terrifying since I had never had any experience with animation before, but that was one of the reasons I chose this course- to learn how to do something I was passionate about.

My first module required me to do some research into the history of animation, looking at examples of early animation techniques like the Phenakistoscope, Zoetrope and how entrepreneurs like Eadweard Muybridge set the wheels in motion of animation as we know it with his running horse sequential photographs.

As well as research I was required to make my first animation in the form of a loop so that it would play over and over, repeating the action. I was pleased with how it came out and if I compare myself now to what I knew about animation 7 months ago, I am astounded by how much I have learned in just over half a year.

Since then, I have tried my hand at programmes I never thought I would use (in my first year at least) for example, I have made an animatic in after effects, learned how to use Photoshop to create animations as well as enhancing my digital skills. I have even made and rigged a 3D character! Although there were some flaws in it, I am glad that I got the chance to use advanced software like Cinema 4D and will continue to use it to suit my needs. 

Overall the success of my first year is reflected through my marks which have been consistently decent throughout the year and while my drawing skills may be well developed I know I have a lot to learn about the technical side of things since it takes me a long time to get used to a new piece of software.

I have found my first year to be a mixture of easy and difficult tasks, the easy parts of my modules are usually coming up with ideas, sketches, research materials and creating an animation or illustration. However, the more difficult aspects are as I mentioned, new software but also having to independently manage my work flow and be able to develop good time management skills. Whilst they are not perfect at the moment I have realised how important they are to the success of a module and so I will do my absolute best in my following years so be more organised, plan my work through the use of timetables and of course, not leave large portions of work to the last few weeks before handing in.

As for future projects, it is my intention over the summer to become more familiar with human and animal anatomy as it is fundamental knowledge to have when it comes to being a good artist so that your work is accurate if you would like to try your hand at realism, but also it forms the basis for interpretation for character design. I only have to use my last project as an example for this since I looked as both human and fish anatomy in order to make my illustration work the way I wanted it to.

Furthermore, I intend to familiarise myself with programs such as illustrator and cinema 4D because I have come to the conclusion that I might want to peruse a more illustrative side my course. Illustrator obviously would be the best tool to have for my projects to come but I have also seen some lovely illustrative work done in Cinema 4D so to get to know both would be very beneficial. 

In terms of my strengths, weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, I think that my strengths lie mostly in my drawing ability and that has been a recurring one of my stated strengths in other modules since I find it is the easiest part of any module or project. My passion for what I am actually working on makes me want to create something to the best of my abilities which also helps with my motivation to work hard.

I would say that my weaknesses are my hesitation to branch out and try something new, take risks and think outside the box. I very much tend to stick to what I know and stay in my comfort zone. I am aware that if I continue this it will not allow growth and improvement since you need to learn from your mistakes to do better next time around. So, next year I might try not to be such a perfectionist and also use a process or medium that I am totally unfamiliar with such as Stop Motion or working with materials rather than being a purely digital artist.