Hey class! Here are some notes on creating characters:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/18QAjlnYwV5d4fBB06H9yDKlVQr5LpWTCapvkQO1Z3DI/edit?usp=sharing

Here is Alex's email address:
alexander.honeywell@gmail.com

Blender Shortcut Keys

Here are some keyboard shortcuts we know so far:

g = move object
r = rotate object
s = scale object

control-z = undo
shift-s = place cursor in center
tab = change between EDIT or OBJECT mode
w (in edit mode) = subdivide
control-r (in edit mode) = add loop to model

control-p = parent object
alt-p = remove parent
control-j = join 2 or more meshes together

Blender Animation Assignment

You have been learning Blender basics thanks to Alex and online tutorials. Finally, here is the 3-D Animation Assignment:

Create a character and 3-Dimentional environment using Blender and then animate a short narrative sequence. You can work in groups or on your own:

Character Modeling- Combine shapes, edit points and sculpt to create a character. Use colours, and textures to create a character with personality.
Spatial Modeling- Establish a simple scene for your character. Either urban or rural interior or exterior. Start with a plane and see where you go.
What happens? Narrative storyline. Establish an introduction, conflict and resolution.
Movement- Animate your character through the space.
Lighting- Create the mood through lighting- angles, distances, types of lighting.
Creative use of 3-D Space- Unique, Eye catching and Entertaining.
Sound-  This is for bonus marks.
Credits- Opening/ Closing.

Theme Prompt-  Journey, Surprise, and/or discovery.

More Tutorials

Hey everyone!

Here are a more tutorials and places to get useful tutorials. Pick a few from below and use what they're teaching in your own animation.

Skin Modifier: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4pSjOd94Lw
Another skin modifier tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezZjV6yfbbE

Another Way to give Characters bones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-rhD4PV1Fc

Character Animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGvalWG8HBU

Particles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8cluXxEK6E

Explosions: http://cgcookie.com/blender/2011/12/02/tip-creating-quick-explosions/

Crumbling simulations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHVYYMG3QVY

Trees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5qQNq_T8eI

Modelling a Building: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJJRC2ebvSE

Modelling a human head: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOc4ATqZetk

Sculpting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2unpm-Gr5I8

Basic Animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0VspDUOErE

Animation Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj44hGZj3y8
Another animation tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0VspDUOErE

Bouncing Ball Animation: http://cgcookie.com/blender/2010/09/29/creating-a-bouncing-ball-rig/

UV Texturing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6t3tehdsHU

Painting textures onto mesh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPkqbpoTgD0

Lighting: http://bensimonds.com/2010/06/03/lighting-tips-from-the-masters/

Adding Sounds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKcCR2d7PtE

Render an animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd5RT8rEPqU

Here are awesome places to get many great tutorials:

The Blender Website: http://www.blender.org/support/tutorials/
Blender Cookie: https://cgcookie.com/blender/category/tutorials/
Blender Guru: http://www.blenderguru.com/tutorials/
BlenderArtist: http://blenderartists.org/forum/index.php

Always look for new things!

Good Luck!

Animation Sharing

Save your Stop motion animations to the Computer AnimationShare folder, or save the links here:
Animation Google Doc

Claymation Ideas Development

1. Develop your character(s).
2. Brainstorm your animation ideas
3. Sketch out your idea, props, expressions, background.
4. Write a short "pitch" of the story idea.
5. Storyboard your animation in sequence/order significant frames or changes. This is the most important time in your creative process:

• Make sure to establish your scene, consider medium shots to establish your character, and close-ups to show details and expressions, cut aways, and frame composition. 
• Also plan your mood: lighting, background details, texture, and movement within and between frames. 
• Consider the space between, pauses, and thoughtful moments.

6. List out what you will need for your set-

• Materials- Recycled paper. Clay? Paper? Whiteboard? String/yarn? Lights?
• Image capturing device? Camera needs.
• Equipment needs : Tripod, lighting equipment, background stand...
• Backgrounds: Paper, fabric, or location.
• Location: School, home, room?
• Additional ideas:

7. Test shoot, lighting, scene, composition.
8. Create an X-sheet for timing, sound ideas, and production notes.

ClayMation Project

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irOecGxh36g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTFI7_tAgm4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrZMpA2DSe4

1. Start with a Story Idea
Brainstorm a simple idea. Keep your story basic, short and to the point, but meaningful to you. Maybe document an uncomfortable experience and make it funny. Jot down points, scribble notes about ideas.

2. Write a Script
The first step to making a claymation is to write a script.  While your clay figures are unlikely to be very talkative, that doesn't mean you're not telling a story. It doesn't have to be long or complex, in fact if it's your first attempt it's best to start simple to get some practice so you won't be overwhelmed. Also consider a pitch about your story- a one line description of what your story is about.

3. Develop your Character
Sketch out character ideas. Figure out the expressive potential of your character, Clothing, props, shape, Consider how your character will move in the space that you will be creating. You may want to pick up a ball of clay to shape and experiment with.

4. Storyboard your Idea
 Not frame by frame, but draw short changes in your sequence or story. Significant movements each. Sketch out your idea. Consider shots- Long establishing shot, medium shots, close-up, and extreme close-up, and angles. Also plan your background, props, and lighting.

5. Share your Story
Tell your story out load to others. Hearing your story will help you consider believability, logistics and sequence. Encourage your listener to ask questions. Take notes. Consider making changes to clarify your story idea.


A note on the music/sounds:
Music/sounds can have a huge impact on the mood of your animation. If you want to create a sad or eerie mood, try using music with a lingering piano or a lone violin. Upbeat and cheery music would be appropriate if you wanted to create a blissful mood. Be aware of the mood your claymation is displaying so you can match music with it. You can't be showing a sad scene with benny hill playing, it just doesn't work.