Project Reflection and Working EQ

1. I think the most positive thing to happen to me since I started my senior project was being able to observe at a real, live animation studio. Seeing the documentaries on television and actually stepping foot into the studio are two completely different sensations. I was lucky enough to see from up close every step the workers take when animating; starting from the initial rough sketch, going through clean-up artists, in-betweeners, and several scanners, then finally ending with a beautiful; computer rendered, fully animated feature.

2. I think the most useful piece of research I currently have is the article from the website Animation Arena.com. It states the importance of learning how to draw if you want to become an animator. This is actually the most basic piece of advice given to people who want to get into the animation business. The article recommends taking life or figure drawing classes to improve your skill set.

3. So far, the thing that has worked out most for my senior project was how I was able to find Duncan Studio and be able to interview their head animator.

4. Unfortunately, what has worked out for my senior project is also what may not work out. I was lucky to get into Duncan Studio in the first place, as they are a small studio in Pasadena and do not normally allow minors. In fact, many animation studios do not allow minors, only college students looking for an intern.

5. The biggest question I have regarding my topic is: how could I create and animate my own television series? Most animators simply draw and animate other people’s characters, but I have my own idea for my own show. How would I even get started?
    My goal at the end of senior project is to have a better understanding of animation (both 2D and 3D) and hopefully use what I have learned to get me into a good college so I may one day fulfill my dream of creating a cartoon series.
    I am to take CG animation classes very soon, so I plan on talking to the instructor of the class and see if I can learn everything about 3D animation. Though I am more fond of 2D animation, 3D animation is usd in video games, which is another branch I am interested in.