Telling Tales: Final Evaluation

At the beginning of September, I was panic when informed to use maya through out the whole module. Although we had maya induction last year, I was not really enjoying it that much as it seems so difficult and complicated and 3D does not interest me as much as 2D does so I was not paying much attention. I need to push myself hard at the beginning. The strike a pose project is a good start which I can attempt to model a model in maya, learning different tools like translating tools, different hot keys and the concept of maya that gradually build up a small interest on the programme. I really appreciate the capability of 3D character, which is discovered during experimenting; working in 3D is convenient for example changing the pose just in a second without any hard work; have the consistence of volume through the whole animation; and allow previews before the actual render.

After that, we have induction in lessons teaching us how to make a model from scratches. I was petrified because it sounds so hard and my inner self is rejecting this module but at the same time I know this is an opportunity to gain so much new knowledge and would be useful in the future career so more pushing to face this challenge. During the inductions, Mat explained well and very easily understand also there are video guides uploaded on E-studio which and I can refer to assists efficiency of learning. I learn effectively by referencing the video while trying to remember the steps to construct a model character at the same time. The worse part of the project is UV mapping. I struggled so much because there are too many buttons to click and I have made a total mess eventually need Mat to fix the model. Although the model finally manage to have some clothes put on, I would not like to do it again and I noticed that delicate computer work is not appealing to me.

During the middle of the modelling project, we are told to work in pairs and use maya to make a one-minute long animation using the modelling skills we are learning currently. It sounds so impossible when I even struggling in the basics and do not mention about making animation which build up so much pressure and doubt about my ability of using 3D and communicating with group mate. I try not to show my weakness when working with others and in the animation so I just start the project without thinking too much. Joe is my teammate and he has a unique art style and interpretation of story, which I am so excited to see the chemistry between our styles. With the help from Sarah, we decided to use the topic path to nowhere, a story about pigs escaping the farm. There are so much details of the story need to be taken into account like the numbers of pigs, the geography of the barn and the catalyst of the events etc. that I would not pay attention to if Joe did not bring them up. Working with others like working with a mirror that shows my strength and weakness at the same time allows myself to reflect on the current status.

By the interim crit, we have already had the storyboard, the animatic and some tests on maya done which were shown to the class. The feedbacks like the story is not so clear and included too many useless scenes are constructive and really help reconstruct our story. Hence we came up with a lot of ideas for the ending and struggling to come up with a conclusion with that so I suggested talking to Sarah who pointed out the weaknesses of our story and provides more ideas that we both agree with. At that time, I realised how important is to talk to professionals when struggled or just simply ask for opinions which I gained so much talking to Sarah and Mat and by their interpretation of building a story. On the other hand, there are some significant pros and cons when working in group for example exchanging information when we are at home may cause confusion and transferring maya scene too often could easily crash the file which has happened at least five times during the production time. This could be improved by seeing each other more often and we should have spent our Saturdays together just as to improve our communication levels with better understanding of each other’s ideas and schedule. What I enjoy working in pair is the efficiency of work when we have the same goal to aim for. We switch the job of a group leader constantly to lead the workflow and I enjoy working organised and harmoniously when being in a team.  Comparing with solo project, group work also allows me to talk to more people since there has been a good working atmosphere full out the class which is probably the most valuable achievement for me this module.

Time management of this module is not bad after all. We have about three days left before final submission, which allows us to final check and house keeping everything from the animation to blogging. The only element we have no control on is the rendering time that is taking way more time that expected and tighten our schedule but I manage to pull it off luckily. After this module, my interest of using maya has grown hundred times and it is no longer intimidating after I have tried which proof there are nothings I cannot do when stepping out of the comfort zone. On the other hand, it is a great experience to collaborate with classmates that enable a taste of teamwork in actual animation industry and I will like to embrace these experience and possibly fusing 2D and 3D in my art in the future. I really enjoy this modules and this is probably the most productive section I have ever had and hopefully this can be experienced by the next second year as well.