Set Back

Let's only briefly go over last semester. I know I haven't updated in way too long, that last you heard o was only a few weeks into my first semester in school at Pratt...

Well that's over and done with.

In summary: Animation Narrative was a joke. We had 3 assignments, class was spent going over things I already knew, but hey, I got the credit I needed and it allowed time for other stuff. Practicum was also simple as we where mostly left along to do our animations in ways we wanted. Most of the projects, while new to an animator, where old rides to me - with a motion design background. Seminar was confusing for a long time and it is still difficult to get a read on the teacher, Kane. Languages....I was so glad when that class ended. Everyone, including the teacher, thought I was great and new everything but I was just making a lot up as I went. Finally Animation Studios. We started a project last semester that carries to now (see here for weekly progress) so I won't go into everything.

Still, I ended with a 3.83 so I'm happy. (I'm trying to stay above a 3.8 to graduate with recognition - Pratt also doesn't do the Latin system......)

Moving on to this semester.

I have 6 classes. Yes, that is as crazy as you think it is. We might not meet as often as undergraduate, but we have just as much, if not more, work. 

Let's start with the new stuff quickly.

First up is 3D Computer Modeling, with Kane whom I still can't read. It's going okay so far. We're starting off in ZBrush which I know how to use but will be moving into Maya next week.

Storyboarding is also a class I'm taking. Easy for now, but demanding new storyboards every week which is adding up fast.

Model Shop is my elective outside of the DDA department and is with Industrial Design. We've only had 1 homework assignment so far but have spent every class lecturing on materials and adhesives.......It is obvious that this class will be picking up soon and when it does we are going to run.

I'm taking a class with the Education department as well. Basically it is a class on how to write a lesson plan. As like in Model Shop, I am the only on from a different department. I get a bit lost here sometimes, but everyone is very nice, so even though the amount of reading is crazy - it's going okay.

Now there are 2 classes that continue from last semester. The first is Animation Studio with Claudia still. Seriously, if you want to know all the little details on what is happening, follow the other blog. That one is updated every week religiously since it is part of my grade. Otherwise, I love Claudia, she is my favorite teacher by far. It might be that she tells it to you straight, or that she went to Ringling too, but she is still my favorite.

The last one, and second re-peat class is Seminar with Kane. Last semester towards the end we started writing ideas for thesis, though you could change it over Christmas. This semester the class is basically thesis prep. We have to have storyboards, animatics, style frames, character designs, color stories, and a proof of concept but the end of the semester when we give a big presentation to the faculty. 

Last semester I wrote a story that I really liked, but I knew it had a few issues so I brought it home to get some 'fresh eyes' and their opinions. 

.....It kind of back fired.

I came back this semester with the same general story, but it was completely different. I've worked and worked and worked this, now 5th, version. 2 weeks of drawing, redrawing, frames. A few all-nighters, countless hours spent planning, and I walked into class to play an animatic I was proud of.....only to have crItique basically say, "go back to last semester's version."

So, yeah, a bit of a set back. A bit of a big set back.

Thankfully Kane loved the amount of work I was putting into everything. And even though I am going back to the original, any issues or extra scenes I might need have already been figured out with the different versions. So it will work out. It'll be fine.

At least I can say that now that it has been a few days since I nearly broke down during critique.

Now, hopefully I'll be more regular - but I have a blog just for Animation Studios and need to make one for thesis.....so there is only hope.