Creating my short animation, The Masterpiece, was my first time creating a short film using 3D software. I’d been independently learning how to use Blender for a little over a year now, and this was when a friend of mine, Jeremy, had seen what I’d been learning and wanted to pitch a story that he could add voiceovers to. I thought it sounded like a great idea to create it so as to embolden my portfolio. He agreed to do the voiceovers and offered ideas throughout production.
Six weeks, countless hours, and numerous challenges later I was done. With a running time of 1 minute and 52 seconds, I had to reflect on what I learned from making a short film.
Six takeaways from making a short film:
1. 3D Animation Requires Expertise in many fields
From the way Modelers create line flow for topology, to the way Riggers create rigs, to how Animators time their keyframes, I have a whole new level of respect for the responsibilities of those involved in animation. Additionally, this includes the way Lighting artists, Cinematographers, Concept Artists, Editors, Writers, and Directors work together in unison to create animated works of art. With this in mind, I learned that I loved the modeling, rigging, animation, and concept design processes the most. This is important because it guides where I should place research and education in going further.
2. The importance of a strong storyboard
I had never drawn a storyboard before, but I knew that it would be extremely important in planning and creating my shots. With that in mind, I had created a basic template and filled it in upon reviewing story details with my writer, Jeremy. All seemed fine, but little did I realize that storyboarding is an art unto itself. For as much as it had helped me along, I also noticed that I did not take into account the actual moment-to-moment shots and how those would influence and impact the viewing experience. Moments that needed more dialogue, timing adjustments, or additional scenes were areas in which I was unskilled. With strong storyboarding skills, my job as an animator will be much easier.
3. Learning while not knowing what you're doing
On numerous occasions, I would happen upon a task I had never done before and would have to figure out how to complete it. This would slow down the production process considerably, and would often lead to frustration and less than desirable results. With that being said, such tasks would require me to come up with solutions and to learn new techniques. One such example would include the moment where the main character would grab a brush. I did not know how to attach it to the character's hand after I had already rigged it. The solution was actually much simpler than I had realized and has expanded my knowledge for future situations on how to implement such a technique for various other situations. The moral of the story, just do it! Don't let what you don't know prevent you from doing something you want to do.
4. Rigging the Face
The face can do so much to express how a character feels and for translating emotions to the viewer. I had built Vinny's rig with the idea in mind that I would not have to create too much dialogue for this short film, and with my limited knowledge/skills in this area it was actually a good thing, I thought. Now that I’ve seen the final results, I realize that I need to create something that is about three times more robust to go for the professional results I’m looking for.
This includes adding bones to the corners of the mouth, additional bones for the eyelid, and the same for the eyebrows.
5. Realizing my Strengths and Weaknesses and general knowledge gaps
I realized that I am very fast and comfortable with the 2D concept drawing aspects of production. This shouldn’t come as a surprise as it is the area I had the most experience with as I’ve been drawing my entire life. I also realized that I love sculpting and that I like retopology as I find it relaxing for some odd reason.
As for my weaknesses, I realize that I need to continue working on my understanding of rigging. It’s an area that has a lot of trial and error and that I seem to overcomplicate quite a bit. From using drivers to switch IK to FK controls, to adding bone constraints, to child parenting errors, I often bump into situations where I would completely break my rig. With that being said, it’s an area I really love that I want to continue to research and learn more about. I also want to learn how to create visual effects and improve my node wrangling skills.
6. Animators cannot Animate without a proper Rig
This kind of ties into my previous takeaway where I realize that I need to get better at rigging. I had a hard time making movements look natural because of the limitations I had placed on my rigged character. Even basic things like turning, walking, twisting, and tilting were made more difficult because of the rig I had built. I had no switchers for FK to IK controls for the legs and arms, no hip movement, no shoulder movements, no forearm twist, and only basic facial controls. And here I thought that I had created something pretty advanced, but I now realize that I am only getting started and would like to improve so much more.
Reflecting on the process of creating an animated short, and subsequently writing these six takeaways is something I recommend every aspiring animator to do. It not only helps you understand the process, but also reveals areas that you should practice and learn more about. Until next time, happy animating!
~Joe