493 Week 1: Planning

 

8/30/25

Post 1: Planning

            For me, the goal by the end of this semester is to have produced one strong animation and one rigged character that I could feel proud implementing into my portfolio/demo reel. Throughout my previous semesters, I've done many short animation clips and ball animations, but none of them I was proud enough on to put them in a professional reel. I always caught myself running out of time before the assignment was due or being too meticulous on the details in the beginning to properly finish the project. So, this semester, I want to take my time producing two impressive pieces that I want to proudly show my peers. 

      

            Since this was the first week of classes, I've been working on a ton of assignments and hadn't gotten around to thinking so in depth on the first project I want to do. What I know at the moment is that I want to start an animation project that reflects a cartoon yet realistic style of movie, similar to Shrek and Tangled.

            During the second half of the semester, I will be changing sides and joining Frank's side to work on a rigging project. What I would like to accomplish is a fully rigged character that you would see in studios like Disney, Pixar, or Dreamworks. I don't have many of the details for that project, but I have 8 weeks to figure it out so I'm good for now.

• Timeline:

• Week 1 & 2:
• Introduce the project to Mark.
• Work out the shots and the film I want to recreate.
• Research more on the animation style used.
• find and import models matching the film.

• Week 3 & 4:
• Insert edited sound piece.
• Block the basic movements.
• Maybe use the Mocap room for parts of animation.
• fix any animation/rig issues.

• Week 5 & 6:
• Start filling in the details between the blocks.
• Check in with Mark about keyframe timing.
• Work on facial expressions and blinking keyframes.

• Week 7 & 8:
• Polish the Animation and make sure it matches sound clip.
• Record polished product.

• Finished Project 1!!!

• Week 9 & 10:
• Join Franks side to start on rigging project.
• Explain what rig I want to work on.

• Week 11 & 12:
• Start rigging the basic skeleton.
• Refer to cyclops project or videos if stuck.

• Week 13 & 14:
• Skeleton and parent functions should be done.
• Start on the IK/FK work.
• Work mostly on the feet, hands, and face.

• Week 15 & 16:
• Bind the skin to the skeleton and fix any movement errors.
• Finally, submit both projects to be checked out!