Self-reflection on simulation work experience and professional animation practice

In the past few weeks, we have successfully concluded cooperation with a Year 2 student Bhavna to support the graduation project as Year 1 students. It was a very valuable experience. This blog will focus on the work I completed during this collaboration and record my observations and reflections.

First, we contacted via email and exchanged showreels. This allowed us to better understand each other’s painting styles. After that, Bhavna sent me a brief that included the work’s script, character design, color matching, and work schedule. A clear work plan is the beginning of efficient cooperation. So that I can deepen my understanding of the work through this and better complete this cooperation.

Through discussion, I participated in the following aspects of this cooperation: do the live action reference video, completing the design drawing of one of the characters, and helping to complete the audio recording. Bhavna developed a detailed worksheet for work, listing all keyframes and using different colors to distinguish completed and unfinished work items. This allows us to clearly plan our work to ensure everything is carried out efficiently.

We shot about 20 reference videos. Mainly about body movements, camera movements and clothing and fabrics as reference. When making animations, it is very important to have a reference video as a physical reference. Once I’ve determined the body movements, then can add expressions and details.

After completing the reference video recording, I helped her draw the five views of the character. Bhavna sent me the color palette and brushes so that I could better suit the character style of the animation. During the drawing process, I gained a better understanding of character design for animation. Most of my previous work experience was in static character design, so the characters had many accessories and details, and it was also very time-consuming to draw five views. Through this work experience, I realized that using simple shapes and representative features to design animated characters can achieve better results.

When it came to record, Bhavna informed us that she had made a studio appointment for Wednesday (February 28). But unfortunately due to her sore throat, her voice was not in good condition. So we have to suspend this plan. But Before that, in order to complete the recording work smoothly, I asked my friends for advice on how to use recording equipment and edit sounds. Although we didn’t use it this time, I believe it will be of great help to me in my future work.

Overall, this animation collaboration journey was very enjoyable. We experienced effective communication and everyone got the job done smoothly. At the same time, I accumulated a lot of useful work experience:

• Before starting the entire project, organize the work to be done into a clear schedule. Once I complete one of the items, mark the corresponding items. This will provide a clear picture of all work to ensure it is completed before deadlines.
• Make sure I have a suitable reference video when make a animation . I can perform the performance first according to the animation’s storyboards and actions, and then record it. This can better grasp the rhythm of animation.
• The animation character design needs to be simple and memorable. When designing characters, it is necessary to consider the adaptability of the character style and the overall animation to achieve better results.
• Before starting a project, I can preview and understand the work to be done in advance. Even if I may not use it in this job, I will gain more experience for myself.

In conclusion, I really enjoyed this animation collaboration. This not only taught me how to work better in animation teams, but also taught me many necessary animation work steps and workflows. I will use these experiences in my future independent animation work or team collaboration.

Mingyu Deng

04/Mar/2024