Critical Evaluation Anim3005 Amy Moss

Throughout this module, I have effectively been able to produce a series of

maquettes, cut-out characters and a head bust. I have enjoyed the creative freedom
from producing my own designs and turning them into 3D models, 2D animation
tests and a head bust that I initially thought I wouldnt be able to animate. I have
progressed as an Artist and as an Animator by completing the weekly tasks I set out
for myself at the beginning of this module and I believe there were no elements that
prevented me from having artistic control.
My initial ideas for the production of the maquettes was to be able to identify which
aesthetic style would work better to use within the Documentary Joey. I have learnt
about the development process for creating maquettes; including researching
characters, creating mood boards, observational drawing and generating
turnarounds for the characters. In my personal opinion, I believe my maquettes all
resemble the turnarounds which Im very pleased with.
The head bust was loosely based on the work of Madame Tutli Putli (2007) produced
by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szcerbowski; I wasnt disheartened with the outcome of
the head bust design, however, I do feel as though I should have produced more
reference images as I would have been able to compare the 3D design to a flat
image. This is in reference to when elements of the production process didnt adhere
to my weekly plan.
Moreover, I was disappointed that I was unable to bake the head bust in the kiln
towards the end of the production process, nevertheless I wasnt defeated and
continued to attempt to animate the head bust. I persevered and was able to test the
head even though it hadnt been baked. This allowed me to compare techniques of
maquette modelling and cut-out animation. I have realised I prefer producing work
within a 2D digital platform due to the technique of stop-motion taking up a lot of
time, mainly referring to the movement and concentration needed for each frame.
Although the outcome of a stop-motion animation is rewarding, I dont feel as though
it would connote the message I wanted to portray with the characters I now have for
the Documentary.
The cut-out characters I created for the government tests exceeded my original
drafts; this is because I decided to create two contrasting versions of the character to
animate. I produced tests within After Effects and Toon Boom which facilitated
process in deciding which one best suited my skill set to then attain the movement I
desired.
Personally, I feel as though my work is stronger in Toon Boom than it is within After
Effects. This is due to a number of factors; I struggle with the way the key frames
work within After Effects and I do feel more at ease with making changes to a
selection of body parts rather than being confined to only pivoting the characters
limbs. With that being said, the process of After Effects is a lot quicker because you
don't have to draw the in-betweens of the movement, however, I do enjoy making
sure I have perfected each frame myself, rather than having a computer doing it for

me. Therefore, I would probably suggest that working with Toon Boom for character
movement lowers my probability of using After Effects.
The research and development process for this module was trouble-free as I believe
my strengths lie in a more theoretical and analytical sense. Although my work is
strong within a practical means, I feel as though I can always improve by supporting
my work with research on the topic I am presenting.
My personal review of my weaknesses within this module were most definitely time
management, as I know I got carried away with producing a strong series of
maquettes and I didnt approach the cut-out animation the same way. Although the
propositions I set out at the beginning of this module are complete, I do consider the
possibility that I could have delegated my time wiser to be able to focus on each task
in a more meticulous manner.
In addition, from a technological perspective, I have gained many insights into how
After Effects, Toon Boom and Photoshop work and have surprised myself with how
resilient I can be when elements dont work in my favour. I believe I have exceeded
my expectations in my work and most definitely in relation to being able to produce a
knowledgeable body of relevant research to support my practical work.
To conclude, in spite of my time management, I have achieved exactly what I wanted
to within this module, my aims clearly stated to produce a series of maquettes, which
I believe I have surpassed by also combining this with a body of research work to
support them all. For future purposes, I will make sure I have delegated my time
when multi-tasking to equal amounts to allow for any mistakes or unaccounted
problems. This will enable me to make sure I complete each task with diligence and
keep within my time boundaries throughout.