Back It Up

So at last, I have finally developed a simple pipeline to create hand-drawn animation in Photoshop.

So it's back to the basics, the dreaded walk cycle...  I've been longing to do some hand-drawn animation.  I initially tried to do this in Flash a few months ago, but I found Flash extremely difficult to draw in (not like Photoshop at least), and I hated how Flash would vectorize every line unless the settings were turned off, but then the file would end up becoming huge!  So I did some research and found out that many animators were turning to Photoshop and producing some top-notch results.  Of course, the tools to animate were not on my version, so I had to download a trial of Photoshop Extended which has the "Timeline" feature.  I started at square one and did some initial ball bounce and stick figure jump test in order to develop a comfortable pipeline.  Then I bunkered down the pass couple weeks working on this darn thing whenever I had free time, and it made me really appreciate those guys on YouTube that produce animations more frequently... it is TIME CONSUMING!

For those curious, it is certainly not the most efficient way to do 2D animation.  You have to end up creating custom actions and shortcuts in order to make it work.  The worst thing about it is the inability to flip drawings like paper, AND the fact that you can't manually move frames, you actually have to delete and insert other frames in order to actually move other frames.  In this case, it makes blocking/timing very time consuming and tidious (but not imposible).  Some benefits of Photoshop are, of course, all the tools (move tool FTW!!!), the ease of drawing lines, and color.  Plus, if you're already fimiliar with Photoshop, it beats having to purchase and learn new software, at least doing it causally like I am.

In anycase, hand-drawn animation rules!  I would like to do some more advance pieces eventually, once I get a legit copy of the right Photoshop version.  Also got to upgrade my Bamboo tablet, its too small and my hand felt like it was going to fall off by the time I got to cleanup...  There's obviously more cleanup that can be done to rid of some of the jiggle, and it would be nice to do a shadow pass on this guy, but I think I am going to leave it alone for now and move on to a new piece.  Anyways, thanks for reading this ramble, I'm sure some of you know better ways of creating 2D animation, please let me know.

Broadway & Republican

Did some chalk art after work.  The challenge was to get this one done before the sun came down.  Again more amazing support from the local Seattlelites.  This piece is in honor of dance month here which is July supposedly.  This time I also brought a few dark pastel sticks, which helped enormously (thank you Kiriska) along side my mainly lighter-toned chalk set.

9th & Pine

So this pass weekend I finally did what I've been daydreaming about, and that was to simply create some chalk art on the streets of Seattle.

Why?  Well for two reasons: one, I wanted to try something a little different than just arting in my sketchbook or in photoshop, and two, for other folks to enjoy something random in their everyday routine.  I ordered a bunch of chalk from Eternityarts and it works very well on particular pavement, mainly the smooth pavement with as few large rock chunks.  The chalk itself come in think sticks and I only ordered a few dark tones which actually becomes a bit problematic when trying to add shadows or contrast.  I definitely need more practice with the medium, it is very similar to pastel (which I have little experience with too).  I'm glad I started with a small, simple piece, I definitely underestimated the time it takes, and I wonder now how much time it takes to do those large murals professionals create... I heard it takes hours, sometimes days.  What I enjoyed most about it was the freedom to utilize a large space, and people were extremely supportive of the idea!  I got a lot of questions to whether I was doing it for money, or if I was part of some promotion or festival, and I had a couple of people take pictures.  I tried to make it more inviting for passing folks by playing music through a portable speaker I ordered; a lot of dnace music to keep the spirits hyped!  I will definitely do more as long as it's sunny and I still have chalk left.  My goal is to eventually do a piece near Pike's Market by the end of summer.

Happy Gals, Sunny Moms, And Grumpy Dads

Got my chalk!!!!

I Can See Clearly Now the Rain Is Gone

Supposedly according to the locals (the veteran locals that is), summer starts the day after the 4th.  Maybe all the fireworks scare the clouds away or puncture a hole in the troposphere.  In any case, the sunshine is quite lovely!

Heatwave! Oven Apartment!

...after eating corn for dinner...

It's been hot... but plenty going on last weekend.  Had the pleasure of seeing Seattle's Pride and enjoying the outdoors kayaking and sketching.  My apartment's super stuffy when I get back from work, so lately I've been retreating to cafes to "chill" where I've been getting a lot of drawing and pondering done.