My reflection of the years.

Since there is not only less than 2 weeks left on the course I think its time for a reflection of the course. When I first joined the course I had no idea about animation. The thought of making images move was rather daunting for me. Getting further and further into the year I soon realised that there was a lot more to the course than just animation. Its a very broad course which takes elements from every course in the creative practice I believe. I have learned so many techniques and methods on this course its crazy. I didn't think I could learn so much so fast. I have developed skills in 2D animation, Illustration, 3D animation, 3D modelling etc. This year I have also done a project which consisted of group work, which is good experience as in the industry I will be working with others. I have also learned a lot more about the industry and how to get myself out there. Its not only important to have the skills it is also important to have the knowledge and drive to get yourself known and get yourself work. Its no good being able to create and not earn a living. I feel I have really improved in 2D work. I never done any illustrative work until this year. I am very good at using Illustrator now, the pen tool at one point was rather hard when I first started. I am a lot better at digitally painting images now, I can add shading a lot better and depth of field. My skills in 3D animation have improved as well. I am good at modelling organic characters and I can pretty much rig off by heart now. I haven't done any 2D animation in the second year, apart from the group work, but I would like to start because I would love to use textures to create surroundings because it looks really nice. My favourite part of the course was probably the 3D slug. This is because I felt I learned how to model and rig the character really quickly. The outcome wasn't how I planned but all in all it was a personal success. My worst part was probably the 3D robot. I jut didn't connect with it at all and found it really difficult to even start animating. I will be rather sad when the course ends because I have learned so much and made some really good friends, time has really flown by.