I am in the process of creating my final project. I had the idea to do a self reflection. I am going to focus on my beliefs, my interests, my image and create an abstract piece using multiple techniques. I had a very difficult time starting this project, because while I had an idea, and many images floating around in my head, I just couldn’t get a grasp on where to start and where I was going. I sat down to work and drew a blank. So... for the first time in my life I created a story board. It helped me ALOT! I have a path of imagery and transition between ideas, however I strayed further and further away from the “Me” part of my self-reflection. I am using images of myself, and a lot of photoshop techniques to abstract them, but beyond that I wasn’t sure how to incorporate the rest. So I thought that I was already using nearly all of the techniques we used in class, why not try something else! I decided to use a technique like mothlight after seeing Brittany using celluloid in class. I am just going to use tape, though, and I am just using it as a “container” for things I want to be seen in that style. I haven’t made it yet so I am not exactly sure where that is heading, but I want it to be far different than the previous examples, but I want to keep the hands on feel. That is something I loved about animation from the beginning. There are a lot of opportunities to do physical, tactile work that used the computer only in the end. While new media is growing on me, it gets very monotonous. As far as sound goes, I am going to (also for the first time) try and create my own mash up in garage band... or sounds from garage band and use final cut to compose it because I have taken on a bit more than expected and the last thing I need to to try and learn a completely new program! I hope everyone’s projects are going well, and am looking forward to critique!
It is hard to learn a new program and be completely satisfied with your results in a short time period but it is one of the best ways to learn. Time restraints will either motivate me or make me feel like giving up. Whenever I have something else that is due like studying for finals week, I make some of my best edits.
ReplyDeleteKudos for you and venturing off into the unfamiliar! First your story board now techniques and GarageBand. The good thing about programs on Mac especially within CS they all work somewhat similarly in the way that there are always layers and almost always a search button on the top right hand corner of the tools bar to guide the confused (me).
ReplyDeleteAs far as a self reflection, I like that in art a self portrait isn't always a picture of a face from the shoulders up. And it could be a series of pictures or in this classes case animation. I believe it was that one video (if anyone can help me out) of a bunch of collaged cut outs and it was the artists voice telling his story from then to where he was. I don't know if you would consider that a self portrait but as part of a reflection, there was definitely an essense of the artist there.
The more you work with the programs the easier it gets, especially if you are using programs from the same "family." Not to mix metaphors too much, but I liken this to learning different languages and dialects, with the apple or adobe suite of programs each being a language, and each of their individual programs being different dialects (eg iMovie & iDVD are different dialects within the same language of apple; photoshop and aftereffects are different dialects within adobe). Not sure how great this analogy is, but there you have it.
DeleteAlso, I believe that "Frank Film" by Frank & Caroline Morris qualifies as a self-portrait, and I think the artists would agree.
I like how you started off your thought process of wanting something that reflected your beliefs and interests in your work. I thought of that very same thing when brainstorming for my final project. Since we had a lot of freedom with this last project I wanted to use all my favorite techniques and express images or sequences that I like or find interesting.
ReplyDeleteUltimately, I am looking forward to your final critique. I think it's always great to try new programs or styles, because you'll never know that you might become an expert at one.
That's great you are using different techniques to get to the final product! It seems very interesting that you are doing a self reflection piece. You brought up that you are using tape as film..are you taping the pictures of yourself and scanning them? Likewise to you, the hands on approach to video is a relief for me as well. I think we are the same in that we rather do the crafty side of film rather then the computer aspect which is all technical. I'm really excited to see what you'll have to present, you have me really curious!
ReplyDeletewell bravo on trying your hand at everything for the final project. also seems like you are thriving far better under the freedom of this final than I am. good luck on it, and i hope it turns out close to what you were going for. (some times we can be the most disappointed when a self portrait misses its mark)
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