Monthly Archives: April 2024

week 3 – Touch designer

2.1 Collaborative project＆Term3 session, 2.1 term 2＆3

Today, I learned about a fascinating new software called TD. It is a node-based program with many different node panels, primarily divided into 2D and 3D sections. It can be used to create interactive dynamic works and special effects animation videos.

Since we were beginners, the teacher started with some very basic nodes, teaching us how to build the overall node structure. It’s similar to other nodes I’ve learned before. For example, achieving real-time rotation requires adding a line of code like “absTime.seconds” to the rotation parameter channel. This allows it to continuously rotate over time, which is quite fascinating.

Finally, there are some settings involved in the exporting part.

In the end, I followed the teacher’s guidance and successfully created an overlay of geometric patterns, featuring a vibrant and colorful motion animation.

week12 – spline

2.1 Maya animation week1-20, 2.1 term 2＆3

This week we’re going to change Bloking to spline. The process of change is not simply to change the curve mode to the automatic tangent line, we need to modify the key frame, and copy some of the maintained key frames to ensure the rhythm of the animation.

When modifying the details of the curve, the most important thing is the movement of the center of gravity, which plays a decisive role in the rhythm of the entire animation

There are also serious slippage problems after converting to spline, sometimes requiring frame-by-frame alignment.

Week11 – Bloking

2.1 Maya animation week1-20, 2.1 term 2＆3

Last week we made a animation as a bloking and teacher gave us great suggestions to modify our Bloking.

Bloking has created a keyframe pose that requires precision. I have a large displacement in the position of the foot fall, and it does not match the actual want.

Special attention should also be paid to the posture of some keyframes, such as some details about the direction of the toes and elbows

In addition, I want to add weapons to the character this week, as well as motiontrail to help me show the path of the final weapon swing.

week 2 – motion capture studio

2.1 Collaborative project＆Term3 session, 2.1 term 2＆3

Today we visited a motion capture studio, a vast workshop filled with green screens and lights, equipped with VICON systems specialized for motion capture across various industries.

This system accurately tracks the movements of characters, providing precise data efficiently for animation, film, and gaming, becoming an essential tool for animators. Users first wear a motion capture suit and attach markers to specific joints.

They then enter the green-screen environment, using a trapezoidal device to activate cameras at various angles.

Once all preparations are complete, cameras and joints are synchronized before recording can begin.

week 1 – reviewed the FMP project

2.1 Collaborative project＆Term3 session, 2.1 term 2＆3

In the first class this week, the teacher reviewed our plans for the FMP project, including what we completed last semester and our future intentions. Regarding my animation storyboard, the teacher noted that the overall pacing lacks smoothness and suggested adding humorous dramatic conflicts.

For instance, suggesting at the end that the character picking up the gold might not be their accomplice, but rather a police officer, could bring a surprising twist for the audience.

I also informed the teacher that I intend to complete the animation in Maya and handle all rendering work for the project in Unreal Engine. I feel that leveraging the strengths of both software packages will allow me to achieve both smooth animation and artistic rendering effects. The teacher expressed support for my idea.