SIGGRAPH 2010 - It's no NAB!

SIGGRAPH is an annual conference held in Los Angeles for computer graphics and things related to computers and that industry. SIGGRAPH stands for Special Interest Group on GRAPHics and Interactive Techniques. It's something I've heard about for years, investigated things via the net during or after it happens and only dreamed of going to. Is it nerdy? Yes. Is it my cup of tea, mooooost definitely.

So, about 3 months ago I applied to be a student volunteer (through Animation Mentor) for SIGGRAPH 2010. I found out on Monday that I was accepted and I will be out there from July 24th to the 29th. Basically it involves me working for 30 hours over the course of 5 days with people who work in the animation, effects and motion graphics business. My payment is friendship, connections and a free pass to the exhibit and everything that's being displayed for when I'm not "working". It sounds absolutely awful.... but I guess I'll go. Hehehe.

I don't have a lot of info yet, like my schedule, free time, what I'm doing or whatever, but I do know I'm going! I'll keep this blog up to date about my trip and when I'm out there. No, really, I will. I swear, better than my assignment updates... maybe. :D

Stewie Soccer Throw In - Polish

So here's the final pass I handed in. The arms are "hitchy" to say the least. I talked a few things out with Marlon, both in the Q&A as well as letting him know when I turned the assignment in, and he gave me some great advice. Another cool thing was the video lecture this week actually talked about a few things the AM rig has to counter act my issues. I plan on redoing the arms for this animation in the next few weeks, so expect an update!

Overall, I'm not satisfied with this one, mostly because I didn't give myself enough time to finish it. It's something I do not plan on doing again! Animation-wise, if I hide the arms, I really like it and think it has some potential. I'd like to work on some of the easing, maybe speed up the throw and also do something with the end of the throw in where his arms extend (offset them so they don't hit at the same time, etc).

Final... for now.

Until next time... and let's hope that isn't another 3 weeks!

Blocking Plus -Soccer Throw-In

Man, I have been slacking when it comes to posts. I can't even make my once a week! **sigh** Sorry to all 4 people who read this blog! Anyway, here's my blocking for the soccer throw in, part of my AnimJam for class 3. I've received very little in the way of critique about this, in a good way. Marlon really dug it and thought it was going to be a really strong animation. I like it myself, but I noticed a serious issue with the arm controls and how Maya is handling the animation (you'll see it in my polished phase, and I think I learned a way to combat it for further assignments!). Anyway, without further ado!

Stewie the All-Star Soccer Guy

Oh yeah, and I left my reference video on the end of this one. Marlon asks us to submit it every weeks tacked on after our animation so he can show us where we may have strayed, issues to work around, etc. I seriously think not shooting reference was one of my biggest issues before AM. I would just wing it and, well, we see where that got me!