Weekly

The end of the year fast approaches and im relatively comfortable with where I am academically, I wish we had some more time off before the year is up though. I have been learning a lot about After Effects especially in terms of applying some of the pre-made effects correctly. Im a bit upset with my computer though, I have only had it a short few weeks and the motherboard is already screwed. Oh well it gives me something to work towards. To wrap things up I thought id mention that i have been learning how to use a dj tool in my spare time known as the "launchpad". It makes my fingers feel stupid but here is an example of someone that knows how to use it...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vC5TsSyNjU

Shots and rhythm

Holy crap a video? instead of a huge list of does and don'ts?! It really has been a while... Regardless the information was much better received via this platform, because if it gets boring i skip ahead. Though I was careful to pay attention to what seemed to be important which was in this case, the ability to make the audience feel like they are a part of the conversation. The most highly recommended shot was a wide angle single shot, It makes the audience feel as if they were taking part in the conversation. The other shot frequently mentioned was a distanced shot of the character speaking, this makes the audience feel as if they are spying on the characters; which can add tension to any scene.

Drawing realistic humans

I should start by saying that I am the worst kind of perspective artist, almost everything I do has a little bit of an anime/manga influence in it. The over-exaggerated reactions and motions of an anime character differ greatly from a realistic one, but they don't necessarily have to. Several of the realistic tips recommended  by the link provided this week can be applied even to my own style without it losing its form.

Between counting heads, following the line of action, and various other tips provided, there is nowhere to go (metaphorically) but up. While I do tend to make taller thinner characters Im sure these tips will allow me to smooth out the rough perspective issues I have been having lately. So I cant wait to put em' to use.