Steven Woods: Animator Welcome to my blog. Here I will provide you with updates about myself including; what I can do as animator, where I studied and which software I use, through to what inspires me and my future aspirations. A Walk Through the Media City Campus with the Duke I am very fortunate to have access to the extensive modern facilities at the Media City Campus. In the following video, I take you on a tour with my walk through the Media City Campus, with a touch of Duke. My Software Skills Whist studying Animation, I have become fluent in the following programs;
Non-Core University Workshops The non-core workshops available in University have been an integral part of my learning. I have taken advantage of many of the learning and development opportunities in the form of non core workshops. My progress as an animator has benefited from non-core workshops covering the following:
Areas of Interest
With these areas of interest, I have begun to seek out studios within my local area that could possibly provide me with the opportunity to apply my skills and develop them further. I now have the confidence in my own abilities, something that I lacked in my previous years as an Undergraduate. I have collected a considerable amount of books and publications to support my learning during these past 3 years. These have also been invaluable to my understanding on some of the programs I found more challenging such as when first using Maya. Additional Development In addition to the modules within the Animation BA and the non core workshops, I have also committed to my own learning outside of university:
Portfolio Development Creative Portfolio Development Here I will provide an outline of my areas of interests in the animation environment. I have completed a significant number of both University and personal projects using '3DS Max' ( see 'Final Year Project', 'Home' and 'Animations' tabs). I am able to create recognizable geometry with reference. I have pushed myself to learn as much as possible with online tutorials and help from my tutors. I am also strong with key framing and animations with the hot key. I have benefited from hints and tips I have found in the publications I subscribe to; '3D World' and '3D Artist'. 3DS Max is currently my strongest tool in 3D design. My learning curve in 'Maya' is beginning to level out after initial teething problems. I have created characters (see galleries on 'Home' tab of 'Cyborg' and 'Siren', ) and environments with this software. I would assert my main strength using Maya, lies in my key framing abilities especially character animation (see 'Animations' tab for 'Limp', 'Wall, climb & Throw'). My modeling is stronger in 3DS Max but my animation is stronger in Maya. I aim to have an equal measure in both software’s. I studied application of 'After Effects' in year 1. I am proficient in use of green screen (see 'Animations' tab 'Head in the Clouds') and animations with After Effects. I am also able to track targets in 2D and 3D. I enjoy experimenting as much a possible with the effects and have created numerous personal projects to get better in this field. 'Adobe Premier' is a very important tool for me. I use this regularly to edit my projects. As a consequence, I have become very competent in this area. I have dedicated my spare time to strengthening my skills using Photoshop through online modules. I will continue to study Photoshop, to enable incorporation with 3DS Max and Maya for UVW unwrapping and texturing. Adobe Flash was going to be the principle tool for my final year project until I changed teams and began working on a new idea. I can create complicated scenes in Flash. I have created a sting for an E4 project (see 'Home' tab and 'Animations' tab) with this software which required an animatic. Additional Workshops To further strengthen my skills, I have taken part in workshops at University. I am currently attending an After Effects workshop that helps cover the modifiers. I have also benefited from participating in 'Nuke', 'Visual and Audio Mixing' and green screen workshops. Positions of Interest To begin this list is a difficult task as there is so many different positions available in the animation world. I would like to keep as many options open to me as possible because it is more than just a job, it is a passion! Game Designer I have a great passion for computer games and own numerous consoles from a Sega Mega Drive to a PS4. My dream aspiration is to work as apart of a team to create a successful game and now in my final year at university I have that chance. 3D Modeler I have researched a great deal of positions online. The majority of these ask for necessary experience. I began my search with 3D modeling as it is one of my strengths. To work in a studio creating stock for them to use in animation is appealing, as is the opportunity to grow as an animator in the professional environment. Animator I watch 'cbeebies' regularly to learn more about animation. To be involved play in animating with the team who create “Ra Raaa the Noisy Lion” is certainly an aspiration. Motion Capture Unfortunately we have not had any chance to use any motion capture equipment within a University setting. This is because the technology is not yet available. This hasn’t stopped me from wanting to try! I would love to build experience in this area. Green Screen Through working with After Effects, I have come to really appreciate the tools available. I am eager to use them in a professional environment. I capabilities with this software are strong and I have a strong desire to apply them in a professional setting. Scene Creator My final aspiration is that of Scene Creator. To be involved with a team that could produce a high standard of work and create complicated scenes in which to add animation is an area probably a little out of my reach for now, but very desirable! Summary In the process of researching the positions available to Animation Graduates, I have tried to narrow down options based on my capabilities and interests. The exception course being motion capture, which is more of a desire! I will also include in this document a link to my website which does include a more detailed analysis of what I can do and create. Sol Invictus Computer Game |