Hello Kitty & Probe Droid Killer

 This was the demo for today's Background & Layout Digital Paint class. In this demo, we learned how to separate our background into different layers for depth illusion, atmospheric perspective (mist), quick techniques for fire, rock texture, silhouette detail and adding glows to objects that are giving off light (HK's heart and eyes).

The illustration turned out better for me when I added the blade gun to Hello Kitty, it made her look badass!

Nature By Numbers

In many of my classes, design and composition becomes a main point of discussion primarily because many students, especially animation students, never consider it. It impacts your work in how it is percieved by making the work tighter and more comfortable for the viewer, and it also makes you look more mature. This video uses animation to convey the many processes by which design is found in nature, some of which we can use in our work.

When you watch this, pay attention to the following:

• Composition and layout
• Camera ease in ease out.
• Animation of concepts
• Compositing (layer complexity)
• Color harmony
• Animated glows
• Animated transitions
• Camera focal length for depth

Enjoy!

Robot Fish Underwater

 

Okay, I saw this and was amazed. The fish's movement is simple but looks extremely realistic especially when viewed in the water. The randomness and variety in the way the fish moves also looks just right. Nice project guys.

I wonder what's next. Perhaps develop Ai in the fish to enable it to catch a lure. Imagine programming a "fight" response once this fish is caught...it sounds like a lot of fun. 

Are These Nuts Moving? - An Optical Illusion

As visual effects people, animators, painters and artists, we are very keen with what the eyes see, sometimes our eyes will do things naturally that are just, well....plain weird. 

Check out this static image, would anyone care to articulate what's happening here? Does it look like its moving? 

Its too early in the day, and I haven't had anything to drink to elicit anything to move (I don't think). The image is moving right now as I create this post. Would you consider this animation?

Don't stare at it too long though, you might get sick, try showing it to the person next to you, I'll guarantee you'll start up an interesting conversation as some people I have found can see any movement whatsoever.

Thanks Mark, for the image!