Stewie! Watch Out! The Continuing Saga

Well I was pretty pleased with what I had turned in last week as my blocking for Stewie getting hit by a dodge ball. But after watching my critique, it was clear that the boss (aka mentor Pete!) wasn't as enthusiastic about it as I was.  After retooling the blocking to try and get more of the flair he was looking for, I have to say (again!) I'm pleased with the direction its going in.  I was definitely a little bummed when he asked me to change nearly the whole thing but after the new blocking pass, I can see that its much more interesting to watch.  So lesson of the week: listen to your director/mentor! The school technically lets you work on your own ideas BUT the mentor still acts as the director.  If he doesn't feel its working, then its gotta be changed.  This was a great lesson in the realities of work and I think I took it pretty well :D Below is the second blocking of my shot.  Still needs work (of course, right after its turned in I can see a million things wrong with it) but its definitely more interesting and appealing and I thank my mentor for making me redo it :)

On another note: I'd also like to write something a little sentimental for me to remember as I continue this journey.  A year ago I wasn't a happy camper with how life was going.  I was bored at work (although a little less so as I had been promoted to the sales floor and finally got out of the box that is the cashiers desk) and very discouraged with school.  After the fiasco that was private college, I found myself wondering what to do with the rest of my life.  Animation has been something I've always loved, albeit not something I had always considered as a viable career option.  In the later years of high school (thanks to Ms. Sanzberro!) and throughout community college (shout out to Donivan Howard!) I came to the realization that this was something I loved and felt like I could really see myself doing.  So when I searched online for animation schools, one popped out among the rest: AnimationMentor.com.  I watched the student showcases and was completely convinced that this was it ...this was the place that would push me to my potential and really let me prove that this is what I wanted.  Since starting this amazing journey, I've met some incredible people and have had the most excellent adventures.  I can honestly say that I never imagined that I would have as many new and amazing experiences that have come out of this last year.  Animation Mentor, its amazing staff, the wonderful AM students that I've had the honor of meeting, my friends and family ...you all truly make me feel like anything I dream is possible and for that I am eternally grateful :)

Stewie! Watch Out!

Here it is! The first assignment of class 3 has officially been turned in :D All in all, I'm pretty happy with the blocking pass ....except for the arcs on the dodgeball (which is ironic, no?!).  Not to toot my own horn or anything but I'm really, REALLY liking the ball to the face reaction part the most :D This next week will be blocking plus (more tweeking will be done I'm sure!).  I'm excited and kind of scared to see what mentor Pete has to say about it :/ Oh well! Until next week :D Excelsior!!

Class 3 ...So It Begins!

Ah! Back at AnimationMentor.com and back on the computer!! The winter break was just what I needed to get a little relaxation in and rejuvenate my creative skills... Ironically, in the absence of AM work at the hardware store has become more ...colorful and full of creative projects lol I had to have an outlet for all that pent up energy! So tonight completes the first Q and A of Class 3!! I can hardly believe it really ...It seems like just yesterday I was learning how to use Maya. I feel like I've come along way in only a few months but I know I have so much more growing to do! My new mentor this class is Pete Paquette. He's worked at Blue Sky for quite a few years until just recently making the switch to video game animation.  He seems really fun and creative but also very honest, which is good as it may hopefully help me thicken my skin to critiques! I can't wait to start up animating again :D Excelsior!


http://petepaquette.com/