What have a learned in these 2 years?
Unit 1 basics of animation/softwares
During unit one of animation course I have gotten a proper introduction into basics of animation, starting with its principles at the core and finishing with software learning pathways. I don’t regret choosing 2D pathway if animation, since it provided me with a lot of useful knowledge in softwares that I haven’t learned before in my Bachelors course, and it gives me a better chance at acquiring a job in a wider field. Since 2D softwares are not used solely for animation but also in other areas of visual design, UX, and motion graphics I think I have an advantage when searching for internship and a job. Also my background in design allows me to reach out into more commercial oriented areas, like advertising. However reflecting back on my time at the course, I do regret not taking a more experimental approach and valuing emotion over practicality. If I was to start this course over again, I would definitely try myself in stop motion as it seems like one of the fewer mediums that can be freely explored at the university, because in job prospects, stop motion path is incredibly difficult and even more competitive than the general animation market itself (which already is insanely unavailable for new animators).
Unit 2 tough me about working in a team, and the importance of good pitch. During the LIAF project and being the director of a short made me realise that I found my passion in being part of the creative direction and pre production. To me, solely animating is extremely tedious and uninspiring activity. I wish to be a bigger part of the creative process, making my own decisions on the visuals and the story. My long lasting passion for narrative illustration, still proves me that I cannot work mindlessly and executing one task over and over again, without having any creative input in it. Which makes it almost torturous for me to be part of cleanup team or any starting animation jobs. I want to be able to write and visualise stories, create worlds and lore which can only be achieved either through many years of emotionless practice at an entry level role in animation industry or going in a completely different direction. This course made me realise the importance of knowing your own strengths, and patience and obedience are definitely not part of my strengths.
Unit 2 was also a starting point in trying to make a first film on my own (using someone else’s script). That made me realise about the importance of writing my own script for the film, because it’s a part of my creative strength. However being able to control the visual of the film was definitely something that gave me inspiration.
Unit 3 is self directed project, where I was fully personally responsible for the graduation film. I could definitely sense the overwhelming pressure of being responsible for every aspect of my film. Sometimes too much responsibility can be jarring, and working in a team with a split responsibility is the best way to assure that outcome is to the best standard. However as unfinished as my film is for the submission, I can say that I’m very happy and satisfied with all creative decisions I’ve made so far. This project really pushed me outside of the comfort zone where I had to learn new software on my own, manage my own time with the help of schedules, and keeping up a conversation with people that aided me on this project such as composers and my first year assistant.