USC vs. ND – Rosebowl Spec.

Because my reel header is still rendering, I figured I might as well finish a piece that was never finished.  I think I will be able to finish this piece in 2-3 weeks, just in time for me to include in my newly updated reel. This was a spec. piece for the Rose Bowl 2010…

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Robopig Update

Here are the nearly complete modeled characters as defined by the concept art.  This is a rudimentary pre-viz snapshot of the models, as I need to correct the proportions, apply the correct textures, create the real scene, etc. The larger style of the animation may not look like this because Elena and I are still…

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Polygon modeling vs. NURBS modeling. Reel Header render update.

I began working on Robopig and began using the box-modeling technique, which uses a simple polygon primitive and where detail is slowly added via extrusions and edge loops. I didn’t add in much detail and will show post the early phase of the modeling here.  The snapshot below shows the un-subdivided model.  I attempted to…

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RoboPig and ChickenBall – Concept sketch

Taking a break from motion graphics, my next project is an animation and a collaboration with Elena Stojanova, an artist and a very intelligent person whose taste and sensibilities I respect.  We are working towards more of a proof of concept rather than a final animation, which is to say we are developing a pipeline…

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New reel header/footer status update #2

Since my last update post, which is dated a week ago (or approximately 146 hours and 40 minutes).  My renderer is working on the 126th frame out of a total of 260 frames.  I regretfully accept that I will have to wait another week and a half before I have my sequences.  I hope that…

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Reel header/footer progress update

A frame of my reel header/footer.  Note that this is a render-test, so anti-aliasing, final-lighting, post and other final touches haven’t been addressed.  I rendered out a quick frame to check geometry, composition and lighting.  I added smoke, which is proving to be the render hog.  Without smoke, I would have the reel header/footer complete…

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Creative Integrity

I discovered that someone not only stole a chunk of code from my portfolio website but also left the wording pretty much as I typed it (At least change the words!).  This person was someone whom previously copied one of my works for her final thesis project. The secret to good work is very reminiscent…

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Back from break

Apologies for the long break!  I had trouble with the camera I was using to record and put off addressing the issue for a while.  That in turn, led to me not posting regularly and also affected my productivity. I’ll consider this a break as I did spend my time hanging out with old friends…

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Final Cheetos Spec + Flocking

Hello!  I finished the Cheetos spec piece.  It took longer to complete than expected (about a week longer), but I am happy with the results.  I have been focusing on streamlining my workflow for efficient production.  It seems that these days, more and more clients are always under pressure and will give you a month…

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A. McQueen/Puma Ident + Commercial vs. Artistic Projects

Hi!  We’re a little halfway through July.  Things are looking up in terms of me finding the time to work on my projects.  My main priority is to finish an updated reel.  The focus of my work has primarily relied on my skills with motion-graphics, which mainly deals with subject matter that is commercial in…

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12 Principles Talk + Timing/Spacing in detail

This video was for a presentation class, the subject matter was too valuable for a posting for me not to use. I discussed the 12 principles of Animation and then proceeded to explain timing and spacing in detail.  Someone recorded my presentation for review.  I see what I need to work on, in terms of…

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Sketch/Cartoon Fundamentals

Hello all, As I mentioned in my last post, my postings would be less frequent. I am very very busy and cannot find the time to pursue my personal projects and personal lessons until the end of July. Feeling a little guilty about slacking off, I decided to loosen my hands a bit and picked…

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Cartoon Network Ident + Next Project Brief

I finished the Cartoon Network Ident and am happy enough with the finished piece. I say happy enough because almost all motion designers or animators will “baby” their projects and they are never truly finished in a sense where they will keep polishing up their projects. I could identify several areas of the Ident that…

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Cartoon Network ident progress

I’ve been working on a TV ident for the past couple days. I decided to do a spec piece for the Cartoon Network, mainly because R&D into developing my own station ID/ Brand was too time-consuming and I don’t want to spend more than 2 weeks on this piece. This piece consists of two parts,…

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I’m back from my vacation

Hello, I just got back from my 2 week break. I feel re-energized and ready to work. I will finish some freelance assignments and then begin working on my projects. I realize that I have not added on to my motion graphics projects (see: Luminance-Dynamic Breakdown), but those projects are definitely on my work list.…

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Password to view videos

Hello, A quick note: Because my videos are only meant for the blog, I have temporarily enabled passwords for the videos. To watch a video the password is: password This is only temporary and the password protection will be removed shortly.

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Multimatograf VI, Russia- Film Festival Update

My animated short Small Talk recently finished screening at the Multimatograf VI Festival in Vologda, Russia. Multimatograf VI sponsored by Kaspersky Antivirus and Studio ToonBox ran through the end of March and recently finished. Unfortunately I was not able to place in the Cartoon category as there were deserving winners for that. It was fun…

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Missing in Action, next post forward

Hello Guys. It’s usually not a good idea to re-commit to a blog to only not update. And believe you-me, it has been on my mind for a week now. I’ve been in California without access to a scanner or any screen-cap software so I haven’t been able to use the means to post an…

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Compositing: Straight Alpha vs. Premultipied Alpha? My take.

http://vimeo.com/11099771 I am not saying that one is better over the other, I know there are those who will swear by straight Alpha channels and some who will stand behind premultiplied Alpha Channels. I prefer Premultiplied Alpha channels as I feel it is more a more robust and durable alpha format. Straight Alpha channels on…

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Luminance-Dynamic Breakdown

http://vimeo.com/11061991 Hello! Here’s an update that provides an explanation of the Luminance-Dynamics video breakdown (below). I explain very briefly what each shot was about and how it ties in to the overall larger projects that I’m working on. I also explain that I might throw some ‘process-notes’ in to the update mix, so I can…

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Root Beer Floats are good for you!

http://vimeo.com/11015237 The blog is back up along with my commitment to chart out my progress. It’s been awhile, I know. I’ve been working alot and have had a hard time keeping up with the various projects but i’m back now and in the clear and will try to keep this blog a part of my…

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