AB Sequence Video

Going From Point A to B

The Video Brainstorming 

For this project, along the previous one, we needed to use the 6-shot system to get the clips we needed. To decide the main ones, for this was a longer and more complex video, we used a storyboard, at the end it being 2 pages. My group decided that this video was going to have a more suspenseful theme, as one person tries to find another. We didn't have a true establishing shot, but the beginning fit the give a general location and the subjects. We had to sequence the film as a journey with obstacles, so we were sure to add in a few missteps in it and notes to drive them along the correct way. Once we got done the basic movement, location, and shot style, we moved on to filming.

The Creative Process

The filming took place over multiple days, seen by the changing lighting, but we tried to get them to look as similar as possible to meet the deadline given. The story is seen from the entrance of the auditorium, to the orchestra hall, going down the way to the band hall, stop at the gym doors, then back to the auditorium. As mentioned above with the obstacles, we wanted her to go down the wrong way before the notes direct her back, efficiently starting and ending her journey. Once done with shooting, we had over 30 clips to chose from when editing. On Premiere, first you have to input the shots, and then begin going through all of them to best convey the story. At one put, the shots jump due to a missing one, but we made it work the best we could. Once it was laid out, we locked the clips to trim the sound. The song I chose for this did come off strong, but I liked how at some points it aligns with the movement, so I decided to keep it. Finally. we uploaded it to YouTube, and then embedded it within this post.

Thoughts and Conclusions

The collaborative process of this project, with 4 people in a group rather than the 2 for the printing video, meant more opinions and while it did make the story more interesting finally decided upon a storyboard took more time. Though the work went well in the end, you had to put in effort into this to be an efficient group. Next time, I will be sure to more involved with the storyboard instead of going with the flow to make sure I leave a mark in the video, even though I did get a lot of say in this. Also, I will be sure to make it clear which job I want, and guarantee that everyone has a say and doesn't just do something to please the rest. Along with this, we all need to play with our strengths and find our weaknesses. This project was more informative than the last, which was just to get us comfortable with video, and now I know what to work on and how to better provide a video and what challenges you'll meet along the way.

How To Print Video

How to Print A Document Video

The Creative Process

After learning the basics of video and photography, which included the rule of thirds and the various shots necessary for the project, we began storyboarding. This was to get a general idea of the video and to ensure that we had all the items needed in a blueprint of sorts. My group decided to have the video consist of the library's entrance, a shot of walking to the computer, one of logging on, then pulling up a document to print, walking over the to printer, stapling the documents, and at last holding up the finished item. To tell the story, we wanted to make sure the viewer understood how we got to each step and to keep the video moving. In this process, I was the one being filmed, while my teammate filmed; we both decided upon matters together, however. learned how to work as an even more efficient team, and then edited the clips together separately. 

The Skills Used

To take the video, we checked out an iPad and a tripod to have the shots leveled. When shooting, we often had to manipulate the height of it with the legs, but mostly had it steady. Once done with filming, we downloaded them onto the computers and opened Adobe Premiere Pro. The clips were imported, clipped to a time limit, and then the audio was removed to add our own. If there was time, you got to add some opening text. During all of this, many other teams often collaborated to help each other with editing, and as I was done earlier, I helped a few and then my teammate when she came back to school. To be successful in this project, one had to be willing to ask for and give help, understand the basics on how to work computers and Premiere Pro, and watch your time to stay on top of everything.

Thoughts and Conclusions

Throughout this project, there was a lot of mistakes to handle and reshoot, however this would help you out in the end when editing the final piece. Though, from these errors, I have learned what to do next time, including have a clearer storyboard, watching the spacing of the subject, and being mindful of the lighting. Next time, I would make the shots have a better transition, but I would keep the chosen topic of each shot as they portrayed what we needed. Overall, the filming itself wasn't difficult, instead the setting up of the video was. I will be sure to remember the difficulties of some filming and beginning aspects to better focus my attention on what was truly needed, but this first time project went smoothly in the end.

Website Project

Designing A Website

Process And Overview

This project was to make a website using Dreamweaver. The website was our final assignment for first semester. We had to use our previous elevator pitch and former projects to make up our portfolio. For e9. this is to give us a look into web design as it isn't a section for Freshman.

To begin with, we had to get the home and style files and copy them to be used first. Then we took a photo to be added to the main page. Then we started setting the default website page by adding our name the header, our elevator pitch below the "Hello!" and our photo to float in the text. The date was added by going to Insert, HTML, then Date, so that it would update each time we worked on it. Then we focused on the sidebar by setting up the two sections and the designated links below.

 To have a link, we went into properties and put in the text needed to go to that page. For the Projects link, we had to make another copy of the home page by using Save As. On the projects page, we deleted the body text/photo, and added in some projects from both quarters and text from our blogposts to explain it. To add a video in, we first had to upload it to Youtube, then embed a html text into the code so that it may work.

Once the pages and their text was set up, we went on to design the page itself. We changed the colors used by going into CSS Designer and using the Selectors for different areas. You then had to go into Properties and change the background colors. For the text, we did the same process, but went into the text option itself in Properties, and also edited the text styles to be what we wanted. Finally, we changed the links colors for when they were active, hovered over, and already visited, seen in the Projects photo.

What Was Learned

For this project, we had to learn how to use Adobe Dreamweaver and a few basic aspects of code. Along the way, we learned how to make new pages, links, and how to give color to the web design. Also, we were now able to insert various objects, like pictures to float, embedded videos, and code to make different colors of the links depending on what happened to them. Now, we're able to make a simple site with a menu going to other pages in the sites and going out to other websites. Overall, we learned how to use Dreamweaver Files, CSS Designer, the ways of viewing them, and everything in between.

Experiences And Thoughts

From designing my site, I will remember the multitude of actions that go into making one thing for the whole. I thought that I did pretty well for it, and did it in a timely matter. If I didn't have what I needed done, I would come in after class to finish it, something we'll surely have to do as the years go on. The = experience that I'll be sure to remember is that if you're having trouble, watch a tutorial if needed, but always keep trying and editing to get what you want.

My General Response

This was nice to get a look at Web Design and what goes into it, as it's an option next year and we don't get a quarter in it as freshman. It was interesting to learn how the code looked and behaved behind the design side we always see. I enjoyed going through each section and completing it so that it actually looked and functioned like an every day site. Though it isn't what I would consider doing in life, it's a good skill to have in this technology based world.

Sketchup House

Sketchup House and Animation

The Project's Overview

For this project we had to create a house in the program Sketchup. The goal was to make it as realistic as possible using a model. Before this we had steps to make a chair, but for this we had to experiment and keep making errors to get the final project. We had to find our own textures to use then make a video to show it off.

The Project Process

First, we had to go to this website and find one that was over 500 feet and specific rooms and height. Then, we had to begin making it in Sketchup. I began with rectangles and the general shape of the building. Then I pushed them up to be 3D, and began to add the extras that came off of my base. Next was the doors and stairs, and thee roof, which had to be moved upwards in a point for the later, and changed planes to give a natural feel in both. For the final building process were the windows, which were rectangles, pulled out, then made into components so that they could be repeated and copied objects. The last design step was to find our own textures and color the home completely with seamless textures. Finally, we set up the scenes and made the animation.

What Was Learned

We learned how to better use Sketchup and to make complex shapes. We especially learned the importance of measurements and how to make the objects the correct length. Also learned and used was the push/pull tool, move tool, offset, components, measurement, and general movements. The main thing to learn in this project was how to use shapes and make them into a realistic house, with shadows, design, and how it presented itself.

Next Time: Different 

What I would do different next time would be to better follow the house I chose as a reference. Especially in the roof because I could never get it down correctly, and in the end decided just to make my own. Also, the porch was never separated as I made it a component too soon and couldn't edit it after that. I would also work the make the lines more precise and the figures more connected. There were little additions I wasn't able to do this time, so next time I would spend more time on the small things.

Next Time: Same

What I would do the same next time would be the textures I used. Keeping a set amount of colors and textures, then spreading them out with alteration, was something I enjoyed doing. I would also continue to have the windows differ on various rooms, and make the doors different. Also, I would start from the ground up because that made it easier to then add on in most parts.

Experiences To Remember

I will make sure to remember the complexity of creating objects within Sketchup. The time it took and the constant errors will never leave me. I was frustrated at times, but by persevering, I was able to make my project the best I could. Like with my previous projects, one of the most important things to remember that things will not end up as planned, and that's okay, giving you an opportunity to make something even greater.

My General Response

The idea seemed so simple and straightforward, but Sketchup had proven itself not to be in the slightest. Though some of the mistakes were funny to see, they were not welcome at all. The process was draining to a degree, but I still learned something from it, and to a degree, enjoyed it. I liked having an actual, complex product come out of all my time and errors, and making the animation was the most satisfactory part to it. It was difficult, but worth it, and I would do it again.

House Information

This is the house I based my project on.

These are the textures I used on some of my home.

Bounce Animations

Three Bounce Animations

The Project's Overview

For this project, we learned the basics of frame animation and using arches to create more movement. We used Photoshop again, but this time with more layers and tools. This assignment had three parts to it, them being an up and down bounce, a sideways bounce, and our own bounce, seen at the end of this post. We were guided on the first two to let us experience it, then the final one was up to us.

The Project Process

In the up and down bounce, we first used a special brush to create the design of the grass, and had to change the preset to get it more realistic look. Next, we used the ellipse tool to create the ball, changed the opacity, and began to copy and paste it down to create the motion. Then, once at the bottom, we added in a squish, then did the previous steps in reverse. When all the layers were down, we created a frame animation, and put them in order to create the final product. The steps for the sideways bounce are similar, having the same ball and background, but with a guideline of arches to mark the path. We followed it, added in squishes, and made other areas more dense for when it slows and spacier when it speeds up. Once both were done, we converted them to both gifs and videos.

What Was Learned

We learned how to set up multiple layers of frame, and how to copy and move objects using options-drag to create the movement. Also, how to set up frame animations and how to make each frame by making different layers seen. Mr. Netterville also taught us how to use arches to make bounces and how to optimize the effect of each. For these projects, we learned shortcuts in Photoshop and were able to become more knowledgeable and comfortable with the program.

Next Time: Different 

Next time, I would focus on making all the layers more fluid and flowing. At some points, the animations seem to stutter, so I would focus more on that too. Also, for my own animation, I would find a more creative topic that didn't so closely resemble the sideways bounce. I would also find a way to make a surprise ending for it.

Next Time: Same

Next time, I would keep the general guidelines and speed of the project. Also the shapes used and how they reacted when hitting the grass. The way grass was made would be kept, too, as it gave a nice background for all the events to occur. All of the basics of it would be the same, just fine tuned in the future.

Experiences To Remember

What I'll remember from this project includes the time it takes to get every layer in place and created. I will remember how to use arches in animations and the best way to make them. Like with the previous project, I'll be sure to keep in mind how long it takes when setting up and the completing an animation, and how much effort goes into each layer for one. Since we'll most likely focus on frame animations, I'll always remember that these focus on slight changes to the frames themselves to build up the movement entirely. 

My General Response

These projects were a good way to get use to making actual animations that didn't just rely on manipulating the text but with making individual frames. The first two projects helped to to make the final one, and were all interesting to complete. Though they took multiple days, and constant trials for any noticeable mistakes, they were worth it to gain more information on the processes that go into making assignments. All of what I learned, and will continue to use, is seen below in my final bounce project.

My own bounce animation, based on the sideways version.

10 Words Animations

Ten Words

The Project's Overview

This project was to take the ten words that we decided on in graphic design and to make them into a video animation. We used Photoshop to do this by changing where the words were and their opacity. Our goal was to have the words come onto the screen within a 4 second time frame to be 5 seconds in total. The project allowed us to get a glance into what we would be doing in animation and let us to take a test run on Photoshop since beforehand, we had only used Adobe Illustrator. 

The Project Process

For this project, we first had to get the decided words in their place with our first and last names. Then, the fonts and colors were chosen to go together and depict who we were. Next came the actual animation part and setting it up to be a timeline animation. Once that was set up, we could change the position of our words and their opacity to have them appear onto the screen and move around it. After we had done this and were happy with it, we had to convert it to be a GIF that could run on computers, and blogs like this one.

What Was Learned

In this project, we had to learn basics of Photoshop and setting up animations in it. Since some controls are different than those from what we did in Graphic Design, we had to learn and get used to them. We also had to learn how to transform the words and work with their opacity within the video maker. Along with this, we also needed to figure out how the movements would work and what would look the best once presented. Then once we figured that out, we had to place it on the timeline and make all words appear before a certain limit. Once all of this was done, we were taught two different ways to render and convert the Photoshop file into a video one.

Next Time: Different

What I would do differently next time on this project would to give it more organized movement. Since this was one of the first things I had done on Photoshop, it was more trial and error than actual working on the project, I would also find a new way to lay out the word themselves for a better presentation. Most of what I would do next time just comes down to layout, movement, and how these would look together.

Next Time: Same

What I would do the same next time on this project would be to keep the variety of fonts and colors used on the words. This allowed the project to have greater depth and creativity within it, while still having the words mix easily. Also, I would keep the different movements for each one to better convey the words' meaning. I would mostly try to keep the style and color scheme the same, along with the multiple fonts.

Experiences To Remember

The experiences from this project that I will remember for all projects to come include how the layers don't always end up how or where you want them. Also, that video animations focus more on manipulated the layers themselves, and not putting them in order, so their position doesn't fully matter, but it can help to have them in some organization. I'll also be sure to remember how long it took for me to go through each layer, change it and put it on the timeline, and to make sure it all flowed correctly. The one thing that I'll always keep in mind, however, is that things will rarely end as you planned, and that's okay!

My General Response

This project was a great way to learn more of Photoshop for our future animation assignments. I enjoyed finally being able to give e9 some motion, and though it was just words, this has been one of my favorite things that we've done in class. Though at times it was repetitive and not the most interesting, it was nice to see the inner workings of some animations. Overall, this project was simple but would help us to later do more complex assignments and we benefited in many ways by doing it.

Designing A Logo

Logo Project

The Complete Process

This project was to make a logo to represent us. We first started off with doing sketches to find a possible match or a way to go down. I tried to base mine on the J in my name, and tried to find ways to incorporate various shapes into the design. 

Then, we decided 4 possible designs, but would focus on 3, to put into Adobe Illustrator. Two of mine would be in a diamond shape, with the next one being in a circle. I tried to keep mine a sturdy, strong shape, but ended up preferring the unbalanced look of the first design.

Moving to Ai, we took the possible designs and attempted to remake it like how we imagined, but often went down different routes as we experimented with it. I had trouble the the font of the J and making it line up to make an arrow go up, and would finally get a close replica near the bottom. I had to play with the points, curves, and contrast before finally getting this after many days.

Next, we took the chosen design from above, and looked at versions of it with different colors. I focused mainly on cool ones, contrast, and what type of scheme would look the best and would fit my image. Being stuck between the gray/black and light blue/dark blue logo, I ended up taking the latter on popular vote.

 Finally, the look and color chosen out, I have my logo.

The Design Aspect

This logo was chosen for its font, color, and shape due to what we have been learning for the past quarter. I chose the font to be sturdy and set, yet still curvy and movable; moving towards fixed goal. Also, this allowed my to keep the top of the J and emphasis the arrow going up. The monochromatic blue is the symbolize the loyalty an trust I bring to an unbalanced, contrasting shape that would otherwise appear unstable. This shape also shows how I am a risk taker with connected ideas.

In Real Life

Here are some examples of my logo on actual products and in the real life to show how it might look.