August 15, 2020 : After Effects Expressions
This week I finished animating a series of sequences totaling about 20 seconds, and I am pretty stoked about it. The animation itself was standard fare, but it requires some fun accompanying elements in After Effects.
One of these is a timer that is precise down to hundredths of a second. To easily keep consistency between sequences, I used a Slider Control to set the start and end times. Parts of the graphic even changes color based on the time.
To get all this to work (and look good visually), I only used Expressions. I have a base knowledge of them so this required some research. It was a fun challenge, and I’m happy with how robust it turned out. Here’s a screenshot pf the Comp in After Effects:
I still need to add a little more to the design of the timer, but it’s coming together. I also need to create another graphical element for the sequences, and that should be equally fun. That I haven’t started yet, but is next up on the docket
posted by Pi Visuals at 11:38 pm
Tags: After Effects , MeAndMeComment
July 25, 2020 : Short Update – After Effects Work
I haven’t mentioned it much the last few weeks, but things are moving along with the short. More days than not, I am able to squeeze in an hour or so of work on it; and while that doesn’t sound like much, it adds up. In a given week, I have been able to animate anywhere from 5-10 seconds.
This week I wasn’t able to animate anything. Instead, I spent all my time in After Effects, working on three consecutive sequences that was animated last week. This 12.5 second stretch had a lot of effects; and it not only took time to get those done, but I also had to ensure consistency between the shots – adding extra time on top.
With it done, I’m not quite ready to get back into animating new sequences. Instead, I will review the completed footage to see what needs adjusting and tightening. I also want to add in more sound effects as the first part of the short already has them, but a good part does not. Ultimately, I am happy with my progress the last month or two. While I anticipate revisions for the existing footage, I only have about 50 seconds left of new animation to do… not too shabby.
posted by Pi Visuals at 11:32 pm
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July 22, 2020 : Happy Pi Approximation Day!
This year has been a tough one, that’s for sure. Well it’s “Pi” time to raise those spirits because today is Pi Approximation Day!
It’s a real shame about the Pandemic. I had the party to end all parties lined up, but it had to get cancelled. Oh well, such is life.
By the way, if you got the reference to the pun at the beginning of the post… kudos to you!
posted by Pi Visuals at 4:47 pm
Tags: PiComment
July 18, 2020 : BaM Animation – Industry Tips From Pros
I recently stumbled on a cool YouTube Channel, BaM Animation, which feature two animation artists (Brent and Maximus) discussing their craft. It stays pretty technical, which I enjoy, but is still presented in a fun way.
The video below talks about how to make clean lines with digital drawing tablets and Cintiq’s.
The part on tablet exercises was very nostalgic. Back when I was still using my Wacom, I always found looking at the monitor but drawing on the tablet very jarring. I did similar exercises daily to get more used to the process. It’s good to know I wasn’t off base with my use of time.
As for the channel, there are several other videos I highly recommend – including character design and coloring. They also give shout outs to other channels about animation they appreciate, which has lead me to more material to watch… because, you know, I have all this time.
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:21 am
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June 20, 2020 : L & J-Cuts And Animation
L and J-Cuts are commonly used editing transitions to make two shots more seamless. Fun fact – I first studied them while watching Star Trek: The Next Generation. They are prevalent in that show because there is so much dialogue; and those cuts help the flow of a scene, preventing it from being too rigid.
However, I’ve realized L and J-cuts are not commonly used in animation, and I am still not sure why. Perhaps it’s because animation tends to be a more visual medium that needs to be more rigid and that expectation contradicts the cuts’ effect?
I’ve been thinking about this recently since I’ve been able to get a few more sequences done for my short. I’ve used these cuts in previous projects, but very sparingly. There have been times when I thought they would work, but during editing they seem off. As such, I don’t use them.
With the current project, I have identified a few potential spots; but I’ll need to see how things look in editing. It’s very possible they get nixed. Bottom line: we’ll see.
posted by Pi Visuals at 11:50 pm
Tags: MeAndMeComment
May 31, 2020 : Oh Yeah, A Live Action Bebop
I totally forgot that Netflix was making a live action Cowboy Bebop. Announced about a year and a half ago, production actually started in 2019 but was halted due John Cho injuring his knee during production. It resulted surgery and rehab for about 9 months
In a recent interview with the show’s EP, it sounds like a few episodes are already in the can from before the injury, and they have started writing scripts for a second season. While it doesn’t sound like we’ll see a premiere until Summer or Fall of 2021, it’s nice to see a commitment from Netflix on the series.
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:34 am
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May 17, 2020 : Work On Short Resumes – Revisions
Animation has resumed on the short. It’s been in small doses – a little here, a little there; but when you string along several days of that, it adds up.
I needed to address an issue with the story. Specifically, the visuals didn’t effectively convey something in the script, and it was a key part of the short’s premise. I was worried this was the case, and asked others for their input (thanks Moridin Urban Exile).
Sure enough, I needed to tweak a few sequences to better solidify what was going on. Doing those revisions were necessary; and now with it done, I am happy with the first quarter of the short – ready to move on to the next part.
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:13 am
Tags: MeAndMeComment
April 23, 2020 : Lightwave 2020? I’m Considering It.
This week, New Tek announced the release of the newest version of Lightwave 3D, and I have to say… I’m thinking about getting it.
I don’t want to imply that I am floored with the new features. In fact, I have only skimmed what it has to offer. Some of it looks pretty cool, but honestly my usage of the program is pretty esoteric so I am not sure how much of it I would actually take advantage of. As it is, there is so much of the program already I don’t utilize.
That said, I realized it has been 5 1/2 years since my last purchased update, and I might be due for one. To be fair, I believe I went even longer before the previous update. Still, the $495 upgrade price is reasonable, plus I did a few extra freelance projects earlier in the year that will allow me to justify (as well as write off) the cost.
Either way, I probably won’t pull the trigger for another month or two; and I definitely won’t install anything until my current personal project is complete. Speaking of which, I have done next to nothing with that for the past nearly two months; but I do expect to have a little more time moving forward to resume work on it. I even looked at some of my notes earlier this week to remind myself where I left off – so stay tuned…
posted by Pi Visuals at 9:17 pm
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April 4, 2020 : Lessons Learned About Creativity
In case you’re looking to fill a little extra time you might have these days, here’s a cool series of comics from The Oatmeal talking about Creativity.
Like most of his work, it’s both entertaining and insightful. The articles provide some much needed perspective. Hope you enjoy it as well.
posted by Pi Visuals at 8:42 am
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March 14, 2020 : Happy Pi Day!!!
Time to sharpen those pencils, add new batteries to them calculators, and all in all nerd it up. That’s right, it’s Pi Day! While most like to celebrate this time of year with the amateur hour that is St. Patty’s Day, I choose to focus my attention to more sophisticated endeavors.
Interesting fact: the symbol for Pi has been in use for nearly 300 years. It was first introduced in 1706, by William Jones, a Welsh mathematician. However, it was made popular by Leonhard Euler – those Swiss sure know how to make things sexy!
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:19 am
Tags: PiComment