Using some standard animation techniques (numbering frames and drawing an ease diagram). I got some interesting motion by simply drawng one reed reversing and staggering it to create the other two reeds.
I would like to get a little more snap out of the reed. By moving the bend in the stem towards the top I believe it will give it a little more realistic effect.
Soon I’ll have some more ellements to post, but until then enjoy this one.
I’ve been doodling some quick sketches. Finding out the best ways to use Photoshop to animate. It’s a little clunky, but without having to pay for new software I think Photoshop is my best bet, not to mention direct integration with After Effects, great brushes, and texture options. At least for this project Photoshop is the way to go.
I’ve been following the work of Alex Grigg. He has some excellent hand drawn animation AND he uses Photoshop to draw it! He even got his hand on a project for Cartoon Network. I love his simple style and great use of texture and color. I found an incredibly in depth tutorial Alex made on Photoshop and animation. Watch the tutorial here.
Alex also animated a short called “Phantom Limb” The whole thing is amazing and even more amazing after reading how he made it. (He even lets you download some of his PSD’s to see how he made it)
Another site I have been hounding is PhotoshopAnimation.com. This site is completely dedicated to animating using photoshop. And the author Patrick Deen even built a photoshop tool bar just for animating in photoshop.
All that to come to these little doodles.
And finally a look at what the opening of my short might look like.
There will be more to come and hopefully more organic looking than these contrived little monsters.
So I spent all day Monday sketching, learning animation, and refining some old projects and after 6 hours of doodling I thought, “All this time and I don’t really have anything to show for it…” Feeling pretty depressed and angry I got in my car for a long drive home.
I’m always working hard and trying to improve my skill set, so I get down on myself when I feel like I haven’t accomplished enough in a day.
“What am I worth? I didn’t even get anything done today.”
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3-10
This was my reminder that I am worth more than what I can accomplish, more than what I plan to do, and more than living up to the expectations of those around me.
I had to give up my pride and was just be glad to be alive. As I drove I realized I had accomplished something. I had put in my time, I had figured out some new techniques, and it was worth it because I was practicing my discipline.
Since then I have some more simple animations that I will post, but I am thankful for the opportunity to be doing what I love even if when “I haven’t accomplished anything”
Joey Wright: MFA 