Access VFX event and Tools of the Trade
Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet some people in the London and Glasgow VFX scene. While for many people VFX might not seem that related to animation, the special effects in movies are often made by people behind computers (if they are not practical effects that is). Even practical effects need to be enhanced by 'photoshopping' actors to look better or flames to go higher. The idea of making an animation is thus not dissimilar in practice from VFX, especially if it is computer based. In many cases the same software is used between the two 'disciplines'. Personally, I am very passionate about the recognition both disciplines receive (or better stated, do not receive) within the wider media and entertainment industry.
While I was at the event, I had the opportunity to ask questions to those in the industry about techniques, software and funding. One of the most important pieces of information i have taken away from this is that Photoshop is considered a good basis to start from as an animator. This made me more solid in my choice to use Photoshop and other Adobe programmes as my animation tools within this project. By not needing to learn new software, but instead learning new techniques on software I already know I will be saving time in production. This is especially the case as I am not looking to make a 3D animation, for which Adobe software is less suitable.
I also had a chat with an animation/VFX producer, who was kind enough to tell me about funding opportunities within Scotland for artistic media projects. He gave me his business card and we have been in touch since with more information about funding being exchanged.
Another point that came up while I was talking to these people was that everyone within the industry, no matter how high up, still uses tutorials from time to time. As someone who sometimes has trouble asking for help, but is also the only one within the department making animation, it is very encouraging to know that tutorials are a part of the animation/VFX life, no matter how long you've been doing it.
The idea of experimenting with 3D animation (especially considering I still get free educational licenses) still appeals to me. I want to experiment with 3D animation and modelling, but I am aware of the time constraints of this project. While I'm unable to take the time to experiment with 3D computer animation at this moment, I hope to find time in the second semester or during the summer to try it out.
While I was at the event, I had the opportunity to ask questions to those in the industry about techniques, software and funding. One of the most important pieces of information i have taken away from this is that Photoshop is considered a good basis to start from as an animator. This made me more solid in my choice to use Photoshop and other Adobe programmes as my animation tools within this project. By not needing to learn new software, but instead learning new techniques on software I already know I will be saving time in production. This is especially the case as I am not looking to make a 3D animation, for which Adobe software is less suitable.
I also had a chat with an animation/VFX producer, who was kind enough to tell me about funding opportunities within Scotland for artistic media projects. He gave me his business card and we have been in touch since with more information about funding being exchanged.
Another point that came up while I was talking to these people was that everyone within the industry, no matter how high up, still uses tutorials from time to time. As someone who sometimes has trouble asking for help, but is also the only one within the department making animation, it is very encouraging to know that tutorials are a part of the animation/VFX life, no matter how long you've been doing it.
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