Masterclass Wrap up

"you should forget that computer, that's just a glorified pencil."

Overall it was fulfilling. The information and tips shared are quite adequate and i've learned a few new things:

• injecting your own flair into your demo reel - give some originality to it and avoid stock rigs.

• different techniques on blocking your animation:

1. import in your 2D layout or thumbs into Maya (plane) and block accordingly.
2. draw your animation over a flat image of your 3D background in 2D to check the general arc, timing and composition - and then, use it as reference to block in 3D.

• going through quick design sketching based on simple shapes you see around you for half and hour (a few seconds per image) can help train your creativity in designing characters - pushed designs.
• create a "life library" - take picture of anything interesting, things you never noticed, or designs you see - be it trashcans, pipelines, anything. you'll notice small little things - often forgotten since it's a part of the norm but will make your work incomplete (lacks life) with its absence. be more observant.

These are basically some of the main things that are latched onto my mind.

Extra Notes:
Andrew Gordon's (6th July)

• explore cultural gestures - avoid cliches.
• gesture space - it helps with arc planning.
• never 'stack' your pose - have a clear silhouette.
  
• analyze the script properly - learn what the character is feeling and the subtext.

Dan Holland's (7th July)

• "Freshness in design" - being different as if seeing the world for the first time.
• "Bring your passion to the table".
• Coals = researches. if you are bored with the project, research the heck out of it!
• Detail placement = a place for your eyes to go.
• Limitations - it's a powerful motivator to push your creativity.
• Nuts and Bolts of character design are basically research and exploration.

John Nevarez's (22nd June)

• "There's no right or wrong, just stronger or weaker."
• Feeding the needs and taste of director.
• Use negative space for focal point. (or reflection/strong light as well.)
• Always do something 'on the side' in sync with your current work for your portfolio.
• Good references - check out Road to Perdition and Visions of Light - Cinematography.
• Acting - main focus point mostly revolves around Eyes, Brows and Shoulder.
• Personality and practicality compliments each other.
  
  

Thank you so much for coming all the way here  Andrew, John and Dan! :)