Senior Project Reflection

(1) Positive Statement

What are you most proud of in your 2-Hour Presentation and/or your senior project? Why?

A: I was really proud of how the audience was pretty engaged in my presentation. I was also proud that I was able to help them improve their artistic ablities because it gave me the feeling that I had been able to teach them enough to help them reach that improvement.

(2) Questions to Consider

a.     What assessment would you give yourself on your 2-Hour Presentation (self-assessment)? Why?

I believe I deserve a P because I did work really hard for this presentation and I did alot better than I expected myself to do. I was able to teach the audience something new and I did make the needed time requirement.  

b.     What assessment would you give yourself on your overall senior project (self-assessment)? Why?

I feel like I deserve at least a P because overall I did meet all the requirements. I know that some of my components were completed late and I feel as if I could have really gone above and beyond if I actually on top of everything I did. I had alot of great research, even though I had a hard time presenting it, and I always looked more research on my own time. A P seems like a reasonable grade for my overall performance with this project.

(3) What worked for you in your senior project?

 

Throughout senior year I feel like I've really gotten to know my topic. I had no idea how to put an animation and now I'm able to, though not perfectly, do parts of the process. I've also been able to expose myself to this career choice and its gave me the chance to study at the Art Institute of Inland Empire where animation is offered as a major. It gave me possible college choices.

(4) What didn’t work for you in your senior project?

 

I want to say that my service learning was one of the harder parts to complete. I didn't get to work with my uncle until the beginning of February.I originally wanted to work at his company but they had rejected me so I looked for other places. It didn't work out for me so I just convinced my uncle to just teach me on his work time at home. I also see that presentations were a little hard for me. Being the center of attention gave me a nerve-wrecking feel so I began to lose some thoughts I wanted to talk about and ended up having trouble with meeting time.  

(5) Finding Value

How has the senior project been helpful to you in your future endeavors?   Be specific and use examples.

Senior project has helped me in choosing a career I want to pursue and its given me the chance to learn it before hand through research and self teaching. I learned how the process starts thanks to this year and now I can practice putting together my own animations that I can hopefully improve in the future starting with learning Film and Media Studies in Irvine. From there I want to go to the Art Institute of Inland Empire to focus on Media Arts and Animation and it's also has great networking there. I've been able to improve my artistic ablities so even if I change my interest in an animation career, I can still find a sort of art-like career to pursue.

2-Hour Presentation

Content: 
Labeled "2 Hr Lesson Plan Template" under links on the right. 

Service Learning

    Literal

·       on the side labeled Links.

·       Pio Ravago (512) 554-3451

    Interpretive

     What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why?

I've learned how to use photoshop for parts to the animation process. I've learned to use color values when coloring pictures and showing shadows on them. Thanks to this experience, I an able to see how animators work on the color scheme and details of their characters and backgrounds. My uncle has shown me a few techniques, although, some takes a lot of patience which I need to practice, with how he creates detail when designing characters. I've also become familiar with photoshop, I have never used it prior to service learning and I've learned of more programs I should try out such as 3D Max. 

   Applied

     How did what you did help you answer your EQ?  Please explain.

Learning under my uncle's guidance really contributed to seeing the importance of color and using value in art. Even in my 2nd independent component I'm learning this. However, as much as I know it is important in art, I don't think it could be consider one of my answer. Color does contribute to character emotion to the animation, however, I don't think that its too important. I've seen a few animation in black and white and they still seem to be very well done. 

Helping 2013

Who did you interview: Jacob Ruiz

What day and time: April 24th at 12:30pm

(1) What ideas do you have for your senior project and why?

their answer

I'm not too sure... I like writing so maybe something to do with that. I want to teach history. Drawings a lot of fun for me, although I'm not very good.

What feedback did you offer when you heard the topic ideas?

They all sound like interesting topics, but I think your best bet would be on teaching history. Writing depends. Are you writing an actually story or book? Finding a professional for service learning might be hard. Drawing is a good choice too. You could always find an art teacher to work with and there's different types of drawing you can cover.

(2) What do you plan to do to complete the 10 hours of service learning (working with an expert) which is due prior to senior year starting? Note: They also have to complete the 50 hours during the school year.

their answer

I'm not too sure about this either. If I go with teaching history, I was thinking of working with my middle school history teacher. They start school mid-August so I'll be able to complete the 10 hrs I need.

What feedback did you offer them in response?

That sounds good. Especially since you'll be able to do it over the summer. Finding a way to teach history during that time sounds a bit difficult to find. You could probably also talk to Nav or Daly about helping him during school time.

(3) What do you hope to see or expect to see when watching the class of 2012 present their two hour presentations?

their answer

free things... just kidding. I hope to see some new things, or even a new view on the different topics.

What suggestions did you give them regarding how they should approach watching the 2 hour presentations?

I definitely think you should check out the presentations that would appeal best to you. Like I believe David Roeder's topic is teaching history. You should definitely check it out. Keep in mind how they explain their answers and how they got up to it.

(4) What questions do they have about senior project? What additional recommendations would you give the 2013 student about senior project? Be specific and note what you told them

questions they had

When is the seniors presenting this year? How did you get your hours done?

What additional recommendations did you give them?

This year, our senior project presentations begin on May 21^st to June 1^st. In my case, I got my hours completed with my uncle. He does background painting for videogames so he teaches me how he gets those done as well as the programs he uses.

______________________________________________________________

Who did you interview: Andrew de Santiago

What day and time: April 24th at 1:00pm

(1) What ideas do you have for your senior project and why?

their answer

I'm not too sure, but I was thinking something health or medical related.

What feedback did you offer when you heard the topic ideas?

That sounds good. You should probably try to find some service learning with those things already. Also, Health and the Medical field is a really wide topic so you need to find a specific area you'd want to study.

(2) What do you plan to do to complete the 10 hours of service learning (working with an expert) which is due prior to senior year starting?  Note: They also have to complete the 50 hours during the school year.

their answer

Well, I know a professional health trainer so maybe I can work with him if I chose to focus on a topic in health. As for the medical field, I can always help out at hospital.

What feedback did you offer them in response?

That sounds great. It's great that you're able to find service learning right away. Just be sure to get started as soon as possible. The sooner you start the more hours you can get done.

(3) What do you hope to see or expect to see when watching the class of 2012 present their two hour presentations?

their answer

I'm looking forward to seeing some interesting presentations, ones where I am able to learn new things.

What suggestions did you give them regarding how they should approach watching the 2 hour presentations?

I definitely recommend trying to get into the presentations that best suit your topic that you plan to have. That way, you can sort of get an idea and example of how someone else did it. I'd also watch out for how they led up to their answers or the different EQ's they have because there can be multiple things you can focus on with your topic.

(4)What questions do they have about senior project? What additional recommendations would you give the 2013 student about senior project? Be specific and note what you told them

questions they had

Do you need to speak for the entire 2 hours? I kind of want to have activities and a guest speaker. Is that ok? What's your topic? What did you do for service learning?

What additional recommendations did you give them?

No, for the 2 hr, you're only required half an hour of speaking time about your research. The rest of the time is for activities. You can have guest speakers, but do make sure that you are the one teaching majority of the presentation. I guess its fine if they add in a bit. My topic's digital animation and I have an uncle who works on videogames' background art. I work with him for service learning and he often shows me how he designs the scenery in the game. 

Independent Component 2

Content:

The independent component is an opportunity for you top select a direction and create your own component.  Each component must demonstrate 30 hours of work.  On the due dates, please turn in the following

·     Log of hours on a calendar (e.g. use google docs)

·     Evidence of the 30 hours of work (e.g. transcript, essays, tests, art work, photographs)

·     LIA

Literal

(a) Statement saying: “I, Nicolette Dalan,  affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.” 

(b) Explanation of what you completed.

For my second independent component, I took a class up at Cal Poly, The History of Western Art. Currently I have attended 10 meetings each being two hours long so I have done 20 hrs. My last independent task was 4 hours long for one a week, for 11 weeks. I have over 60 hours completed for my independent task. 

Interpretive

In the class I'm require to take notes and study on the different types of elements used in past works of art. These include sculptures, painting, and architecture. When looking at these works, I need to be able to compare some works in things like the viewpoints, the patterns, and drapery of figures. I need to be able to tell the difference between  the types of medium they use. 

Applied

How did it help you answer your EQ?  Be specific and use examples.

This helped me with answering my EQ because it helped me look at the different styles of art. In a way. It can also be used in animation. Painting is already often used when adding color to characters and backgrounds, so using the elements seen in painting of the past can also help. As my professor put it, "Artist today still use the styles of Michelanglo and Picasso today."  The way architecture is built can be used when drawing building in animation or something along those lines. And sculptures in animation can be claymation. My EQ is what is the most important aspect to the creation of a digital animation? This class has helped me see that the way the animation is styled could be a possibility. 

Answers

1) The Foundations of Drawing

2) Establishing a Storyline

3) Timing Everything Precisely

Answer #3

Content:

Provide a rough draft in how you plan to address the following:

• EQ =What is the most important aspect to the creation of an animation?
• Answer 3 =Timing everything precisely
• Evidence =
•  Timing is needed to fit sounds to the right parts and dialogue to match the movement of the mouths.
•  One of the last things done is to review the animation, making sure everything matches nicely. If even the tiniest part was the voices wouldn't be matching lip movement, or the movement of the camera would look choppy.
•  Even the technology used needs to have correct timing. The cameras need to move just right in order to make the animation look as if you were walking in the scenes.
• Source = for answer and evidence
• Walt Disney's Mutiplane camera
• Step-by-Step: How to Make an Animated Movie
• Computer Animation
• Pio Ravago
• Independent Component

Fourth Interview Questions

1- What do you believe is the most important aspect to the creation of animation?

2- Why do you believe this is most important?

3- What are the steps required to creating an animation?

4- What would you consider the basic foundation of art?

5- What skills are needed to know when you are drawing?

6- How crucial are these things needed to create an animation?

7- How crucial is the storyline to an animation's creation?

8- When teaching, what do you think is the most important thing you believe the students should learn about animation?

9- What attracted you to this subject of study?

10-What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of creating an animation?

11- How long on average does it take each step of the animation process to complete?

12- Why is it important to try to make an animation look real?

13- What should be kept in mind when working on an animation?

14- Which is more important in creating a character in animation, storyline or personality??

15 - How important is color in animation?

16 - What sources would you recommend in understanding the process in animation?

17 - What area of art is most needed to improve skills in animation?

18- What artistic tools can help me practice?

19- In creating a subject, what is the main focus point?

20- How do you bring your subject to life??

Independent Component 2 Plan Approval

1) Write a description of what you plan on doing for your independent study component.

I will be taking a class up at Cal Poly, The History of Western Art. This class focuses on learning about past work with painting, architecture, and sculptures.

2) Describe in detail how you think your plan will meet the 30 hours work requirement.

This class meets every monday and wednesday from 2-4pm. I have already completed 44hrs from my last independent component so I only need 16 left. I've already attended to sessions so I only need another 6 to complete the minimum 60hrs I need for both independent components.

3) How does your independent study component relate to your EQ?

This relates to my EQ because knowing the base of art and what elements are needed, helps future artist with their work. All artist can learn from each others work and even past masters such as Rafael and Michelangelo. Using their techniques, artist can create their own works of art. 

Room Creativity

Content:

(1) How do you plan to address the room creativity expectation?
I plan to decorate to room with different poster and drawings of animations. I might bring some tools animators use for sketching. I also plan to group the class into the process of animation. Storyboarding, sketches, inbetweeners, etc.
(2) What activity ideas do you have for answer 1 or 2?
ANS 1: Knowing the Basics of Drawing
ACTIVITY 1: I plan to go over basic drawing tips with the class. For example, I might have them look at a picture and draw the base of it, using geometric shapes. 
ANS 2: Establishing a Storyline
ACTIVITY 2: For this activity, I plan to have them do what animators do before the start a production. Come up with a short storyline, and pitch it to everyone else. I will probably have them do it as a group and pitch at most a three minute plot to the class. 

Answer 2

EQ: What is the most important aspect to the creation of an animation?

Answer 2: My second answer would be the story because it is the whole objective of an animation. To the a story in a unique and creative way. 

Evidence: Disney, Blue Sky, and other studios always start with the story before planning out how the animation should be. An animation always tells a story, even if its just a bouncing ball. 

Source: #24- this books talks about the creation of Disney's films and they all started off with a story line. In fact, before beginning it, Walt would actually act his idea to his staff. 

#8- my first interview also mentions "Animation is a cool way of telling a story."

The Product

My product would probably be improving my skills as an artist. Comparing how my artistic abilities were prior to senior project and how they are now, you can really see the improvement.

This one was back in 2005, so its pretty bad. No formation at all. It's seriously looks like a 7 year old drew it... I was 11. 

This one is a little more recent, 2011. This picture is the same character as the first. You can tell that there is definitely some big improvement, but it still looks like it could use alot of work. The shading is horrible here and I did pretty much only the face. I was really limiting myself on this one...whereas this...

was just drawn today. I've gotten better with adding detail and shades to pictures I draw. My proportion has definitely improved, but it does still need some work. (The hand under his arm was suppose to be longer, but I just couldn't get it to look right)

I've also challenged myself more as an artist. Until recently, all of my drawings have been individual characters. I was always scared to draw groups of people because it looked too difficult, but after gaining  better confidence in my artistic abilities, I gave it a shot and it turned out pretty well. 

Of course, the shading and proportion could be adjusted better...

I have also been making progress with animations. I've been able to make flipbooks work pretty well, in a smooth enough motion to make the picture seem lifelike. I have also been trying out some trials of animation apps and even though they aren't smooth at all, its still a start. 

Presentation 2 Rough Draft

20 Minute Lesson Plan

Answer 1

Content:
(1) What is answer 1 to your EQ? Be specific in your answer and write it like a thesis statement.
A: An important aspect to the creation of an animation could be knowing the foundations of drawing.

(2) What possible evidence do you have to support this answer?
A: Drawing is pretty much the foundation of an animation. It always starts with basic sketches, even if its all computer-generated. With all animations and films, it should always be storyboarded so you have an outline of the story. Of course with storyboarding, since it is an outline, it doesn't need to be perfect drawings. It's just a rough sketch. However, drawing is always an important factor to making an animation. Without it, characters will look disporportional, props could be unrecognizable, and scenery will look like a bunch of random lines. Animation is about bring two dimensional pictures to life through movement and trying to make it look as realistic as possible. If animators never knew the basics of drawing, I really doubt their animations would pull people in to watch it.

(3) What source(s) did you find this evidence and/or answer?
A: My uncle talked to me a lot about how he's been drawing since he was 14 and how it really helps him when he's animating characters and adding designs to backgrounds. He told it its really crucial to know for animators because you want to make it as realistic as possible. You really need to know how to try different techniques and styles for the animation to get the picture how you want it.
Also, on a site, AIM (centre for animation and interactive media), it has multiple articles on the creation of animation and almost all  include some type of drawing skill. Some is knowing the basic shapes to sketch characters, some could be knowing how to draw different mouth shapes to match the lip syncing, and there can also be drawing in-betweens.

ESLR blog

So far I believe I have been an effective user of technology and an effective communicator. 


Since this project started, I have really improved on my social skills. I have been talking to a lot of people about different things such as reference and service learning. I have learned to really be out there and talk to people if I want to get what I need. I had to talk to plenty of people to find service learning, eveen though it ended up becoming my independent task component instead. And I even meet with my uncle for the first time because of this project. I was able to visit him all the way in Irvine to accomplish the interviews I need, and even though I was unable to work with him at Blizzard, I got to see how he creates details for some of the characters. 


I have also been an effective user of technology. I've seen so many examples of animations through videos and the making of films. I've used technology to help me with plenty of research as well as organizing all of it. I have read some books on the types of programs needed to make animations and even though I haven't obtained those programs yet, I will learn how to use those and make my very own animations soon. 

Science Fair Proposal

1. What is your hypothesis?
A: If the role-play video game genre is popular among both males and females, then the game will sell more compared to other games.
2. Identify the dependent (produced), independent (manipulated) and control variables in your hypothesis. 
Dependent variable: the people I choose to ask
Independent variable:the genre the surveyors enjoy the most.
Controlled variable: The amount of people I ask.
3. What is the connection between your science fair project and your senior project EQ? 
A: I believe that the genre of an animation is also crucial to an animation's success. The genre needs to be one that will interest most people so this project will help see which is more genre is more popular among the surveyors who take it.
4. How will you perform the experiment?  Include the equipment you plan on using. 
A: I will be making a survey to see which genre males and females like so I will give around 25 males and females to take the survey. I will be collecting all of the data and be putting it all on a spread sheet to compare.
5. Which category will your project be listed under? 
Behavioral/ Social Science

Third Interview Questions

1. What is the most important aspect to the creation of animations?
2. Why do you think that is more important compared to the others? 
3. What other aspects do you think is important in the creation of animations?
4. What steps are needed for an animation's creation?
5. What requirements are needed in order to make an animation?
6. On average, how long do you think it takes to make a full length movie?
7. How much time do you think animators spend when working on a full length movie?
8. What skills should these animators have to create an animation?
9. what quality to do think stands out most in a successful animation?
10. Do you believe that an animations style can have an affect on if it will be successful or not? (claymation, 3D, cut out)