Aim
This week’s exercise is based around Assumptions.
I am using traditional frame-by-frame animation as the tool to develop the final sequence in my 3d exploration game, mainly using Photoshop or Harmony.
I assume that 2d frame-by-frame animation will not go well with the 3d environment. Also, I assume that frame-by-frame animation will lack in character as the main purpose of the final sequence is to simulate certain emotions in the player, hence, fluid motions are required.
Method
Here, I attempt to create a short ‘idle’ character animation to be incorporated in the game and try to find a way to make it look like three dimensional.
I looked at several references on pinterest.com and found some very interesting looking drawings. It seemed as if the human figures were moving across three-dimensional space. The charcoal look seemed very compelling and the contrast between dark and light helps to guide the eyes onto specific elements such as hands, head, feet.
Result
I imported a short looping sequence into Unity to test how it would look along with camera depth of field and motion blur. When moving left to right, it gave a sort of parallax effect. Because of the volume built upon particular areas in the figure such as arms, head, hands, and combining that with camera post-processing effects in Unity, it mimicked the three-dimensional look.
Discussion
There are many possibilities for how 2d can be incorporated in 3d to create compelling looking imagery while limiting the use of strokes and colours to a minimum. I think it would be interesting to see how this method can be used or manipulated to create intricate details.
