Animation Documentation - Western Style

This blog has moved

2010-04-30T15:36:00.001-07:00

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Site is moving...

2009-08-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

Heya folks! Just a quick headsup... I've decided to be frugal and let the domain name "www.theprospectorproject.com" go. I own a few too many domains and want to cut back a bit.

That doesn't mean the blog will become defunct. Instead, it will be moving to a much longer and more complicated URL: www.theprospectorproject.twotoedtoad.com.

Not dead, yet

2008-08-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

So, it would appear that I'm about as fond of updating my blogs as I am of getting cancer (knock on wood). Not really, but maybe.

Anyway, I have been sooper busy since I graduated school over a year ago. Worked a few months freelancing as a storyboard artist for Halifax, NS based animation studio, Copernicus. It was a fun things, while it lasted. Then I hopped on board with Annapolis, MD based game studio Blue Omega as their sole, in-house animator. It took me a few months, but I managed to wrangle hold of the lead animator position, and the rest is history. I've been doing some freelancing on the side, which has kept me busy, busy, busy. In fact, so busy that I've neglected my online presence.

But, as far as this project is concerned, it is about to get some major retooling. I intend to revamp the story a little. This will in turn call for another pass or two at the animatics - which are a little slow (now watching them two years (?) later). And, dare I say it, I have been redesigning the artistic style of the project. I've gots me some interesting ideas on paper and in the noggin, so, please, stayed tuned. At least, make sure you check back in next year.... or sooner....

Still around

2007-09-04T11:12:00.001-07:00

I honestly can't believe that it's been over a year since I last updated this! Holy cow crap! Anyway, obviously the prospector has taken a back seat over the last 12 months. I got wrapped up in other things - graduating (unfortunately this didn't end up being my thesis project - other things popped up), searching for a job and preparing for another "little-un." But needless to say, this project is on my heart, if not my mind and will see the light of day in the end.

Last day of the quarter

2006-08-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

Pulled an all nighter last night, and I've got the baggy eyes, headache and generally lack of enthusiasm to prove it! But anyway, today is the last day of my final Grad studio class. And I can't believe I never had this posted yet! Here is (a slightly poor photo) of a bust I sculpted weeks ago of the Prospector. Always an excellent exercise, plus it helps me to be able to draw the character more consistently after having sculpted him.

I probably won't get to really work on much for the next week or so. I have an insanely busy two weeks coming up - complete with two weddings (one in Orlando, the other in North Carolina), some friends moving (need help packing) a life size two-headed baby maquette (to be painted and suspended in a two gallon specimen) and a week long trip to Wisconsin. Guh. My headache just worsened thinking abou it all...

However, things will definately be rolling as to this project. I've built studio time into each of the following 3 quarters to work on things. Plus, I've gotten the interest of a number of my teachers, who each are willing and eager to help me through my process. So, adeus!

The Animatic!

2006-08-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

Alright - as of right now, it's a tad rushed. But, still I'm pretty happy with how it has turned out. Here is the visual component of the script I posted last week. When I do my storyboards, I do them directly with the animatic in mind as the final outcome. I work on layers to imply movement, etc. Go ahead and take a peek!

Prospector Animatic

I'm no switcher!

2006-08-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

I just like to facilitate things every now and then. I'm currently in the process of switching this blog over from the "www.theprospectorproject.blogspot.com" to simply "www.theprospectorproject.com." However, I've had a few problems getting the domain name to stick with the host server. So, possibly very soon, you'll need to update your bookmarks or links or whatever.

Just warning you.

Script Version 1.0

2006-08-08T23:17:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I didn't do this until now. But, either way, I've finally got a script put together. I think it's the first time I've ever written one for an animation. Either way, my Exploring the Narrative classed actually paid off! (That was intended to be sarcastic. Ha ha.) It was a different approach to storytelling than I usually take, but I think it helped me think a little harder (or at least differently) about my story. I'll need some feedback on it - so if you're up to it, PLEASE!

Here it is:

Word document format

HTML format

On another note, if you ever want to purchase instructional gold panning material, don't look for it in Barnes & Noble. All you'll get in a derisive snort and sarcastic, "You're serious?" What do you say to that?

And finally, some original artwork

2006-08-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

Finally... here's some original drawings and such that I can schlop up here for your viewing pleasure.

Firstly, here's the prospector - from the initial drawing to more of the direction that I'll be taking him. I want to start the animation off possibly showing the harshness of the wilderness in which he has taken up his residency. I want this to reflect in the gauntness of some of the varmits, as well as the prospector himself. Oh yeah. Secondly, there's an "image dump" of the varmits that will hopefully, effectively set the stage. Most likely I'll be updating each of the links, though when I do, I'll be sure to let everyone know.

Our Protagonist

The Varmits (and to a lesser degree, possibly even antagonists)

The Image Dump of Mamoth Proportions!

2006-08-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

Alright then. I've taken the liberty of uploading my reference library to my webspace. Please note that the images that will be linked to this entry were acquired via an google image search, and thusly are not my photographs. As such (the disclaimer) they are © their respective owners. (Hopefully this gets me out of any potential lawsuits...) I know this may be the boring part of the documentation - but seriously check these images out! Some (especially the scenery) are amazing!

Scenery Reference

Varmit Reference

Miscellaneous Reference

Ah, what a glorious day!

2006-08-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

This day marks the humble beginning of what I hope to be a interesting documentation of my creative processes regarding animation. Hopefully when all is said and done, I'll be able to go back through the body of work that I will lay out here and will be able to analyze and improve my process.

The basis for the animation is as follows:

Tagline: An old and grizzled prospector pans for gold at the edge of a desert stream, gold is found and mayhem ensues.

Premise: An old prospector sits on the side of a small stream, panning for gold. The landscape is barren, reflecting the untamed wilderness of the western deserts. As he pans, he whistles/hums a tune. A glint catches his eye and he fishes a small gold nugget out of the pan. He bites it and expresses and enthusiasm unbefitting his age. In this moment of triumph, he drops the nugget back into the stream.

I still have quite a few things to iron out. In the meantime, enjoy some Hobart Smith. I know I do.