Showing posts with label Workshops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Workshops. Show all posts

Car Modelling - Mustang 03

Third workshop continuing the car model, refining the front and side door.


Generi Guy Lipsync 03 - Tongue/Blink

Final part of the lip syncing process adding tongue and blink animations, along with subtle movements of the brow and eyes for added expression.

Character Design Workshop #03

In our latest character workshop, we looked further into the differing shapes between male and female characters. We began to de-construct some well known characters to identify their fundamental shapes which is essential in developing to a strong character design. Later, we also began to gender swap these masculine characters into female versions by adjusting the various shapes and forms respectively.

Here are the basic shapes of Yoda, Obelix, Jafar, Mushu, and Hercules, along with an alternate female form.


Here is a great example of gender swapping with the character Obelix by our lecturer Justin Wyatt. Notice the smaller nose, larger lips and raised bottom for a comedic female quality in such a large character.

Car Modelling - Mustang 02

With the basic shape of the model done, we next moved on developing the front of the car refining the shape and details.


Generi Guy Lipsync 02 - Phonemes

Next step in lip syncing. This piece now introduces the Phoneme movements of the mouth along with the previous jaw movement.

Character Design Workshop #02

In our second character design workshop, we began to look into the forms and shapes of characters in more detail.

Generally, circular shapes create the impression of friendly and safe characters. They can do no harm and are also associated with younger characters. Winnie the Pooh and Pixar's Russell are prime examples of this.



Square shapes can be used to give positive and strong characteristics to a character. With the hero Mr Incredible, the combination of square and circular forms create the impression of strength and heroism, whilst appearing warm and friendly.



Where triangular shapes are used to symbolise danger and evil, while emphasising their power. This is a common feature in Disney villains with sharp pointy silhouettes.



While these principles are often used, they can be combined, broken or adapted to suit different purposes. In the upcoming Dreamwork's film Megamind, the character of Megamind bears all the qualities of a traditional villain with a triangular sharp silhouette, yet he is ultimately ridiculed and powerless as comic relief becoming a parody of the traditional villain.





From this, we began designing a variety of henchmen for an imaginary villain from basic shapes and forms, including some non humanoid designs.

Car Modelling - Mustang 01

The next stage of our Maya workshops involve car modelling, as they stand as the mid-ground between structures and organic shapes. We've begun by establishing orthographic references of the car while forming the initial base of model.




More to come as we continue to develop the model in the next few weeks.

Generi Guy Lipsync 01 - Jaw Bounce

Maya workshop introducing Lip syncing. This first video focuses on the movement and rhythm of the jaw when speaking

Character Design Workshop #01

For our first character design workshop, we began to identify reoccurring elements in traditional heroes, villains and sidekicks with several examples.

Heroes often wear bright primary colours and are usually human-like so the audience can relate to him/her. They are confident and capable, or later learn to be through character development. In the CG film Robots (2005), the main hero bears the most human-like features of the group while wearing bright colours.



Villains predominantly exhibit dark colours such as purples and black while possessing vast power. They often have long elongated shapes that are sharp and angular, while acting melodramatically in their actions with deliberate hand movements/gestures. Maleficent from Disney's Sleeping Beauty (1959) is a prime example of this.




Sidekicks usually have no specials powers where they are there to provide comedy relief to the scene. The sidekicks are often very physical in their actions as well as being flexible with a sort of rubber hose animation to emphasise their idiocy.




Later, we began some quick character sketches combining random elements together. Nothing too serious - just some fun to get into the swing of things. I drew the cards for 'Super Ninjas' (drawn on the left) and 'Galactic Cowboys' (drawn on the right).