29/02/23
-What were the roles you were given?
Creating a set for stop-motion animation can be a complex process that requires planning, design, and attention to detail. The year 2 student i worked with her name is Xiyulu (Cynthia) Chen, who is majoring in making stop motion animation After the first meeting we had with year 2, the animation she composed is in the preparation stage where just before the shooting. Therefore, I was given the job of making researching the set/background both the ideas and the process of making it, and then I will help her to create little set props for the animation.
-Did you complete the roles and what feedback did you receive? What could you have improved on?
Yes, I did finish my job quite well according to the feedback she gave me. Because it is nearly impossible to finish the whole set with her in such a short time so my job is to make as many as possible in the 2 weeks. I made a small corner of the set of mushrooms and leaves. During the process, I was told that my hands-on skills are really good and that I am able to obtain the correct shape/form of what the designer wants as well as with amazing speed in making things highly efficient. However, on the other side, there’s an important aspect that I will need to take into consideration is the usage of colour. Even tho I was given a colour sheet with the designers’ preference, my usage of colour tends to go too strong and dark and I need to be more sensitive to using colours because it’s one of the significant parts while we are making animation. The flexible use of multiple colours and combinations will make your work stand out.
-How do the roles you were given relate to industry roles?
yes, I personally think the role of set design/making in production is a significant role. And this aspect of the production team can be broken down into many different kinds of work. For example, the production of puppets, puppet FABRICATION, set design, scene research, etc. The role of this type of work is very essential and time-consuming for the preparation of the animation
-What was successful during the collaboration?
We made a good team work together as 3 of us because usually the more people we work with as a group, the harder it gets. However, because the pre-work was properly organised we clearly have our own role in mind so we didn’t waste any time or had conflicts.
-What new skills/techniques did you learn?
This is one of the few opportunities I have had to encounter complete theatre design. In my past animations, theatre design didn’t seem to feature as prominently in my case because my personal drawing style leans towards storytelling. This time I was reminded of the importance of pre-research and set, especially in stop-motion animation.
-How did you utilize the skills you have learnt so far in the course?
I chose stop-motion animation as my first-year pathway therefore I had some opportunities to learn the skinny of stop-motion animation in wool felt. How to make a stable and long-last puppet? How does the lighting going to affect the set design? (so we need to consider both lighting and the material and the colour we choose during the process)…
-What would you bring into your practice from this experience?
Definitely, it’s what has inspired my interest in stop-motion animation and I’m very keen to use it to complete a piece of work. Overall, without good time management here it will a disaster.