Folio Plan 2 - Xipeng Niu (Xavier)
Rationale:
In folio 2 I will carry on the game I designed in folio 1 which is a platform game with a simple gameplay. The character can only move by jumping which will consume energy. In folio 2 the concept I want to examine is how can a platform game be replayable or extending its playing time. I would examine that by exploring potential directions like:
- Increasing difficulty
- More levels
- Randomness
- Rewards
- Different endings
- Score
Context: Field
- Platform games and replayable games
- Outstanding platform games like Super Mario and outstanding games with great replay value like Isaac.
Method
By exploring different directions and put them into prototype, I can compare the feedback from testing. When I finish the game design, I can send the prototype to others in order to examine the replay value of my game.
Production: Tool
Unity
Researching on replay value Unity prototype Testing Feedback
Outcome
A replayable platform game
The factor(s) influence a platform game’s replay value
Magi Studio 1
Folio 2 Plan – Rahul Masakorala s3907305
Rational
Looking back at folio one it is very clear to me what worked and didn’t work. The abstract character designs and their animations were what gave the folio a unique voice, rather than my early attempts at imitating realism. Interestingly enough though, I also find what I am doing now closer to the intention of my original folio plan than when I began it. By working on these creatures non restrictively, I’ve been able to build a sense of personality in them.
What I want to do for this folio is to hone in on the designed characters and build a narrative around them, a world that they inhabit. Up to this point each of the creatures I have explored in a singular way, how they move and some actions along with that. As a starting point for folio 2 I want interaction to be the main theme going forward.
Context
My field of practice with the folio has changed since the first folio, as it now focuses more on the animation aspect, as well as looking to more outwardly unique character design for creatures. I also found myself looking backwards towards the origins of animation, specifically the work of Max Fleischer and his early animation work, which set a benchmark for the animation process as we know it. This kind of dynamic animation is something I hope to be able to incorporate into my work for folio 2.
Method
In terms of objects, what I am looking to make are a series of short animation clips using 2D animation, using the characters I created (and maybe some new ones). The key thing that I will be looking to convey is the feeling of uniqueness in movement that matches the characters outward appearance. hope to have a series of 4 – 6 shots completed by the end of the semester, which could be collected as a single piece set within the world.
Production
In term of tools, I will be using TV paint to create the animations as it speeds up the work and is far better suited to animation that photoshop, which I was using before. I might still use photoshop to work on backgrounds and other static objects if the need arises.
I think weekly, the cycle will be looking at some of the underlying animation principles, applying them to simple sketched shots, and then spending the week refining them.
Folio Plan 2
1, Rationale:
At the beginning of this semester, because I just got a cat, I was planning to make an animation for my cat, but I do not have any 2D animation making experience before. That is why I did some practices in folio 1. In folio 2, I feel more confidence about what I planning to do, time management and scale of work as well after those practices, so I will focus on make a 2D animation with a complete story to record what happens between me and my cat.
2, Context:
I will keep checking and watch those 2D animation artist’s work not only on the Youtube, and also funny story and things about owners and cats. The other important thing is that instead of using the ‘dream idea’, both Uyen and Max suggested me that think another way. So I will keep looking for interesting ideas for an inspiration.
3, Method:
Mainly using TVPaint to make the animation. For those ideas that I cannot sure, I will draw them into manga form first and talk to Uyen,
Max and Emmett first.
4, Production:
In week 7, I will make some changes for the beginning part of that animation, because I would like to try an new idea, but I am not satisfied with the outcome, so I will try to make some adjustmaents.
In week 8, I will work on the first section after the opening, the environment and part of the boy’s body should appear.
In week 9, the body and the room will be totally completed.
In week 10, I will work on the turning point which is the cat disappears, and try to finish the ending.
In week 11, I will finish the animation and working on the adding sound to the animation.
In week 12, finish the animation.
FOLIO 2 PLAN
Rationale:
I intend to continue surrounding my project around ‘Anne’s Wombat’s and Weaving’. This story is about a middle aged woman exploring the practice of weaving, in a spinners and weavers club with other women and wombats. I want to develop this concept into a more cohesive story, potentially following scenes and creating a character arc for the titular character. I think it's important to express a story which celebrates the warmth in an old craft and in older people, and I have found myself developing more interest in the composition of scenes and stories visually.
Context:
In terms of technical context, a focus on character animation would place this work amongst practitioners like Barry Puvres and Hiroyuki Oikura. Although, in terms of concept it also sits amongst live-action films like 9 to 5 (1980) and First Wives Club (1996) due to the nature of the cast. Although it may be out of the scope of this project, it would be interesting to explore this as a screwball comedy, and I feel like there’s an intersection here with some of the elements of Pom Poko (1994).
Method:
I’d like to start by working on generating scenes ideas and storyboards, then experimenting with different iterations of the scenes composition and colour trials. I enjoyed working with 3D models and experimenting with the stylisation of these models, so I’d like to attempt that further in my work. I’d also like to formulate some level of story and potentially a character arc, so there may be a level of writing involved in the process.
Production:
I will be continuing to use Blender and OpenToonz in my production. I’d also like to potentially branch out into using programs like AfterEffects.
Outcome:
This project will take an animated form, potentially a series of vignettes that may hint to a larger story.
Rational/intention
I want to keep going with what I have done within the last 6 weeks
Keep thinking the character concept and improve if it is necessary.
Thinking background concept
Refine the live2d model in different aspects ( physical calculation, edit mesh, set parameter, rigging)
Make character motions
I want use live2d technology to offer more entertainment and interactive elements for 2d casual games (mobile game).
Context Field
Many 2D casual collect games do not offer too many interactions with the thing they collect.
I want to use live2d system to offer an experience of interacting with the collected characters, and the characters will also give player reactions.
While interacting with the characters, the trust value of this character will up, when the value reaches a point, the player will unlock a small story or information about this character.
Enjoy the casual collection, meanwhile get in touch with the character and get some interesting tales of Chinese traditions.
Method
Character concept design
Live2d model
Live2d animation
Background concept design
Tools
Week 7: Refine 2.5 character models in live2d cubism.
Week 8: Improve physical calculation and rigging
Week 9: Use SAI, Photoshop refine character concept if is necessary, making character motion in live 2d cubism.
Week 10: Background concept
Week 11: Make Pretend animation to show how the game will run
Week 12: Refine and improve what have done and prepare presentation.
James Elms s3707557 Folio Plan Post 2
Project:
POST PRODUCTION: 2d animated short (single action scene/ dynamic animatic)
1.RATIONALE: Intention
My focus for this project is to continue working on my animated scene from folio 1, this time with a focus on post production methods to enhance my original project goals of stylistic direction and dynamic action shots.
2. CONTEXT : Field
At this early stage of development, I am looking at recent watermark designs and art direction and post production in animation. Some early points of reference are..
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Sony Pictures Animations Spider-man: into the spider-verse
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Shigenori Soejima and the post processing of Persona 5’s animation production.
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CloverWorks studio and the colour theory / scripting of their animated series Wonder Egg priority
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Disney’s limited series “Gravity Falls” does some interesting work with particle effects and transitional shots.
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The synergy of soundtrack and atmosphere conducted in Supergiants game “Transistor”
3. Method? (iterative loops and reflection)
Necessary period of clean up, inks and flat colours.
Further tinkering with previous animated scenes both in pre and post production to further flesh out the dynamic nature of the shots.
Research and experiment various methods of colour theory and visual effects.
These include
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Motion blurs
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Colour scripting
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Post processing
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Matching visuals to themes (Chromatic aberration, camera lens effects, use of slow motion etc)
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Create, input music and sound to match the flow and mood of the project.
4. PRODUCTION: Tools
Software: After Effects, Blender
My schedule for this period of development is to clean up and colour some smaller scenes in the animation. I will then use these scenes and the basis for the beginning for my experimentation in After effects and blender to establish a visual style and determine just how much I wish to push the colour and editing dynamics.
Once this is established, I will use this template to develop the larger scenes and project as a whole, leaving time for possible innovation and experimentation to further push the art direction I hope to achieve.
OUTCOME
After Folio one, I have attempted to scope the project fairly small, with the hope that once the necessary work is complete, it will allow for a comfortable period of experimentation. As outlined previously, the focus now really is to take the potential of the animated roughs and polish them up in a way that they can conceivably be used as a finished, polished folio or showreel piece.