Here’s where we are with the internal project we have in the works. I have finished the storyboards and low poly models with which I will begin blocking tomorrow. The goal thus far has been to create characters and an environment with the lowest possible poly count for creating the basic animation in order to preserve precious computing resources. For the characters I will be using simple mannequins while I finish up modeling/rigging the high-poly models.

I have managed to remove almost all usability from my new desk by breaking the only chair I had that was tall enough to reach.

I’ve debated whether I want to post anything to my blog as to the status of any animation projects, but I’ve decided that since my current project is simply to build a portfolio, and is being funded internally I don’t really have anything holding me back from making announcements as to my progress. Earlier this week I got to a point which I am happy with for my character models. Here’s a test render of one of them: I haven’t started rigging, yet. Mostly because that’s a step which I am not terribly familiar with. I’ve seen it done, and I’ve worked with rigged models, but I haven’t actually set one up myself, so that will be interesting. I’ve also taken a couple steps back and written down some of the formal paperwork involved in a project such as this. I began writing out a project proposal outlining my objectives, any specific goals I wish to achieve, a timeline for completing the project, and a budget for any supplies that I may need. The animation didn’t really have a plot when this project first picked up, but while I was re-imagining the setting I began to wonder why the events are taking place within the animation. So I started writing down a proper screenplay so that I can have a reference to return to when I begin to feel burned out or lose the sense of creativity.

Writing code gets boring, and just about anyone will be easily distracted after a few hours. Here’s what happens when I get bored… I start playing with some cool new app. Today’s “cool new app” happens to be Sketchbook Pro from Autodesk and I made some drawings. If you pay close attention, you may notice a certain progression in artistic style between the drawings below. The girl was a sketch based on a picture I found somewhere on the internet… I can’t find the original now. The cartoon head happened after I was so bored that I couldn’t draw anything serious. This was just based on my own stupidity. The toon character did serve to remind me that a friend and I had wanted to start making a comic series. Maybe I’ll start working on one of those now… if I can concentrate, that is.]]></content:encoded>

I had mentioned before that I needed to get some kind of desk/work area set up in the new apt. After dealing with a built-in desk for a couple weeks, a friend and I came up with an idea to build a desk. As it turns out, the idea was pretty good. We got a piece of 3/4in plywood, some chain and all the little bits needed to connect everything and hung a desk on the wall.

I wasn’t really sure what to do with some of the space left to the side of the desk, but as it turns out, I have a set of shelves that fit perfectly in the space available. I’ve stacked up most of my computer literature and set up my workstation and server on the shelves. I even left some room for a sign which I had... liberated from a trash heap after my church had restructured my high school service and gotten rid of the old signage.