Flickr and then some

So I've been looking into getting myself a new camera. Mostly for Stop Motion, but also for regular photographs. I have a friend who has been quite encouraging with said goal, to the point of lending me his (quite out of my price range, but only if I DON'T win the lotto) camera. With that and my old one I have been putting up a lot of pictures up on Flickr. I had actually opened that account a while ago, but now I'm finally putting it to good use. I'm not sure if I want to use it to showcase my other art, that's why so far it's just my photographs. The good news about all this is that it's been helping my eye in framing. I feel like now I can get a better idea of framing any of my shorts so that they don't look too much like a stage play with wireless puppets and more like an engaging narration. That, I think, is sometimes the hardest thing to learn. The camera is a narration tool, and using it wisely can make or break your story. With that in mind I'm also taking a course in Maya (finally right!), which I know is like going over to the dark side for stop-mo. But basically I want to be able to use my skills in the widest range of mediums to better the animation. Ultimately that is what we all want right? To be better animators or artist or whatever it is that you do and want to be good at. I guess I just take a more wholistic approach which also usually means a longer more round about road. Now without further ado here is a sample of my photos as well as the link to see my Flickr gallery.

The Creation of the World

So the title should speak for itself.

This was one of the first projects that I had to do for Dancing Diablo, based off of my boss's design of how to create a globe out of cardboard. The animation is complete and it is currently in post. The color was continually tweaked until animation day so the final will probably not look like this, but it is still one of my favorite projects. I was very happy that I was aware enough to take these pictures after every stage. It looks cool to see it come together. Hopefully before the new year I'll be able to show you the spot. For scale look at those tape dispensers on the bottom holding the globe up. Nice, no?

What I've been up to: Evolution of DNA

I've been working at an animation studio that has a client that asked for a model of DNA. We thought first to make it out of paper as such:

But i don't think it really worked. Didn't say DNA. So we went another route, cutting out small slivers into each strip of paper before folding it, so it looked as such:

But the client didn't like that one. They wanted it to look more realistic (if a model of DNA can ever truly be realistic). And so after thinking it over much I remembered how cutting cardboard on a diagonal and twisting it, it would stay twisted, I made this:

I think it is the best one... and so did the client.

This is what I have been up to lately. Working with a studio that allows me to make things, build things and paint things. I haven't really been drawing much, but I've been a whole lot more creative than I have been in a while. I did have to do a series of basic illustrations as a child, and construction of a man running (this I will be throwing into iMovie? or Final Cut Express? later and making an animatic of).

I so much more to show, but this is a teaser for now. Enjoy.

After dinner with a friend the other night, we came upon this as we walked on St Mark's. I had to take pictures, but all i had was my phone. A woman came by as i was doing so and kept trying to convince me that the vines were evil.... like nature taking back it's stolen territory is evil? Living in a concrete "jungle" seeing something as raw and powerful as this was awe inspiring. I need to go back with a proper camera and take better pictures. But i figured it's still nice enough to share with you. Enjoy... and may nature always inspire you.

Sometimes you just don't want them anymore

Or at least that's how it seems. I always feel bad for abandoned
toys, don't you?

Cloistered engagement

A side view of an awesome sculpture at the Cloisters with a profile of
a freind. The museum was so inspiring, I think I may go more often.
You'll get more drawing from there and based on images from there. You
can go, do.

This is what I did yesterday.

I had to work as a Prod Coordinator at a Photo Shoot for a local campaign. It was fun, hectic, crowded, and went all super smooth. I was very proud of the work i did and all the people i met. Once the campaign is out, i'll post a sample on here and let everyone know.

I had hoped to be able to show you animation as: "what I did
today." But, alas it was not meant to be. Maybe tomorrow after work. I
also owe you scans of drawing class... Tonight!

Happy Gobble Gobble Day!!

Since I will not be having turkey today, I give you this photo. I will
be gobbling up a load of food though!
Today I am greatful for great friends, a wonderful husband, and a
large and supportive family. I hope all of you have that and much more
to be greatful for. Have a great thanksgiving!

Veteran's day a week late!

Happy veteran's day! Saw this drive by my house over veteran's day
weekend. It is as real as it gets driving down the street.

The stage is set!

So after much hair pulling and hand wringing, I have finally built my
stage. It's not pretty, but definitely practical. Motion tests soon to
come. Any suggestions for simple actions?

I want to take this home!

Saw this on justice ave and thought "what a great bell!" if I only had
a bigger studio...

Testing testing 123

Just seeing if this works.

As I was walking home late at night....

I saw this image in a window. And i thought of the Halloween parade that had just gone by, and the fact that i still love playing with my Barbies (and buying them) and thought why not. So i took the picture and here it is. If I could figure out how to post from my phone it would have been up the next day. Though having blogger post it sideways is really interesting. Do you think the dolls are at the moment right before they fall to their death? or are they doing a Batman-esque climb DOWN the wall? You tell me.