3D Animation & Finding Dory 

              One weekend, I had the pleasure of spending the night with my other family and partaking in movie night. Of course, as the title shows, we watched the new Pixar movie called 'Finding Dory'. I was very excited and astonished through-out the movie for many reasons. I loved 'Finding Nemo' growing up so it was a sweet refreshing moment for me. This time around, though, I was able to pay attention to the beauty in the animation itself. I noticed the way the bright colors and natural like movements/camera angels all played a part. 

           

             As a child, it doesn't hit you that animators have to create and position those different camera angles, just like they position the characters. And sometimes even as a mature knowledgeable adult it doesn't register in your mind. It definitely adds to the appreciation and beauty when you know somewhat about all the effort that had to be put in.  Now, the other reason why I picked this movie as a great topic, is the fact the animators of the movie talked about the difficulties at the end; main one being a certain character. They explained how this character almost broke Pixar because of how many obstacles they ran into bring it to life in the 3D world. The character was an octopus so the tentacles and making sure they flowed naturally like a real octopus took alot for the animators. It stood out because here are these professional animators talking about a  challenge with their career yet it taught them so much and made them even more confident in the 3D realm. 

           A lot of people, including me, may have thought anybody could work for Pixar, Disney, and create cartoons for show; but it couldn't be anymore false. 3D is definitely not child's play, it takes mathematics and accuracy. It takes determination and having an eye for things. It's not all about just the Imagination. I get chills even thinking about the realistic animations out there, how hard they must have worked...how hard they work for the graphics in commercials. 3D Animation is serious  skills all the way. 

- AW

December 11th, 2016 

History Behind 3D Animation 

      

      I honestly couldn't tell you why this, all of a sudden, popped into my mind. I guess as I grow and get a little more into my future career, I pay attention to the important things more. Of course its all about the bigger picture, that's with anything you do. I do know, though, that the little details can/do matter just as much. My uncle taught me, even if he never knows, you have to know about the things you're doing; the things you're getting into. 

     I started with this simple question: Who invented 3D Animation? Now it may seem silly, since 3D Animation isn't an actual object of contraption. I looked it up and did my research anyway. Turns out 3D was produced in 1972, a lot older than I would have guessed, and was said to be created by a man named Ed Catmull. Now, Catmull is a very successful man I discovered. He is a true pioneer with 3D Technology and is currently the president of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Amazing right? I thought so. I never would have guessed it could turn out the way it did. 

      I think about so many other trends or hot things that were created and had been around, hot things that many of us have abandoned; marking unworthy. Yet this great thing was introduced in 1972, a time where I can only guess Technology wasn't the greatest, and now in 2016 I'm taking a class on it. Another great thing about 3D is, it's used for a lot of different things...you literally see it everywhere. There's 3D movies, games, art, graphics etc! And they all came from one grand man with one grand idea. 

-AW 

December 4th, 2016

( Picture from AnimSchool)

My Thoughts on 3-D Animation

              Well, first I would like to make the statement that 3-D art has always caught my eye. I never thought about creating it myself, or ever taking a class on its principles, but I was sold on it nonetheless. I mean, how could I not be? Just thinking about it as a kid excited me. Professionals would actually just spend time daydreaming, coming up with a character or object, then BOOM...it's brought to life. As a kid, that was a dream job come true. Later, I would discover there's money involved. 

             I never researched it for myself, but I remember being told a success story centered around a very famous, well known animated character. This character happens to be my favorite, which helped me be even more fascinated by this amazing field. The story was that a little girl or teen, made up an imaginary character, connected with a designer, and of course made it come to life. The same magical process I already knew of, except the girl turned out to be a very rich! Art shouldn't be about money, but it is pretty sweet to think you could be comfortable for the rest of your life with just an animation. 

           Now that I think about it, me and 3-D animation could be pretty tight. I use to want to be a game designer but I figured that wasn't my speed. Now making cartoons or little short films for Disney or Nick, that would be very fun and a perfect fit for me. I've always liked, really loved, cartoons. My whole life, whole 20 years, I've watched them. Some friends and family telling me I needed to grow up, but as I'm typing this I've seen a new revelation. Maybe 3-D Animation could be a good thing for me in more ways than I originally thought. 

( Picture from Youtube)

- AW

November 27th, 2016

11:53 P.M.

Why Copyright is Important to me

       Copyright is what protects art. It protects ideas, creativity and expression. I stand tall and proud for that. Artist pour out their hearts, souls, blood and tears into their works. I feel that's something that should be respected and taken note of, which copyright handles. It speaks out with the art's message in it's own way. This is someone's artsy view, it belongs to them alone.

       I've seen so many times on Instagram where people have disrespected artist and the craft. They clearly see this great individual wanting to open up and share with the public, but still take advantage. It's sickening that people really just don't care or have good morals nowadays. They don't acknowledge the consequences at all. I am an artist myself and it bothers me that people would take credit for something they didn't have a part in just because it appealed to them. I'm so thankful for copyright and the gate it builds around our expression. It gives us that control and true ownership, that sense of comfort and security.

"I think copyright is moral, proper. I think a creator has the right to control the disposition of his or her works - I actually believe that the financial issue is less important than the integrity of the work, the attribution, that kind of stuff." -Esther Dyson


Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/copyright.html

-A.W

April 22,2016

My First Functioning Website

   
      So for the third week of class, we were asked to design a website. Yes a working website, with five different pages. We were also asked to create it based on a controversial topic of our choice, state our side, provide information to back it up and present the final product to the class. Sounds simple enough, right? It’s only five pages and it’s focused on what you care about. That was my train of thought at first, I was relaxed and taking my time with everything. That was my mistake.

     Turns out, the project was much bigger than it seemed. I never considered what it would take to build a website. I was struggling from the very start, I couldn’t even decide on a topic to build on. It was frustrating and fun all at the same time. I had never done anything like it, never thought I could do anything like it. I worked so fast and so hard that I didn’t even realize what I was doing, and when I finished it all began to sink in. I, a freshman in college, actually made a website. It was one of those great ‘mom I made it’ moments. I felt like I did something big, and in a way I did.

     I didn’t care that my website may not have looked as great as others, I was just proud that I actually made it on my own. Within 3 weeks, I made a functioning website.  On top of that, I learned a lot along the way. I learned how to apply graphics, how to make a navigation menu, how to link things etc. And to me that’s what matters, changing through each new experience. I’m not a web designer or a professional graphic designer, but I’m getting closer every day.

-A.W

April 17, 2016.

 

                 What Makes An Effective Website?

When making a webpage, there are a lot of things to be considered. It has to be thought out completely. So many focus on just one thing or one side of things, but I learned it’s important to look at the whole picture. I realize for anyone who wants to be a web designer, you have to consistently ask yourself: What makes a website effective? You have to reflect on your own experiences with sites, think on what made you click on them in the first place…what made you stay? I have decided to share my thoughts on what I feel makes up a good website.

My Main Needs in a Website

ü  Easy Navigation

                     -When I’m surfing the web and looking at web pages, I want my experience to be as quick and simple as possible. I’ve been to websites were to seems like forever to either load something or find something. That shouldn’t be the case. This subject was discussed in my class, and we all agreed after 5 seconds most individuals have lost interest. This is why I listed navigation first, without it people rarely would take and take in anything else.

ü  Easy to Follow Information

                         -I haven’t heard many people mention this but I feel it’s just as important as the easy navigation. With the layout and wording itself, nobody wants to feel lost or confused. We all prefer being firm in our position as onlookers, knowing what we are reading and having no problems are reading the information. This is essential to a website, it’s what they were designed for; sharing information. If the information is scattered then the page has nothing to offer its viewers.

Of course after these you need to work out graphics and even consider making it use-able for individuals with disability, but I just wanted to give you the main ones that begin the lineup of everything else. I hope this helped and thank you for your time. J

-A.W.

April 10, 2016

Coding For Web Page Building 

   

     I have never tried coding before, even when I was attending a computer class in 9th grade. The subject of coding was never brought up to me. I always thought websites were made on a program, just not one like Dreamweaver CC. I assumed it was a program similar to Microsoft Word; with fonts, pictures, colors etc. The Web Design 1 class gave me a big time surprise.  

   

     As I was listening to the information given by my professor on Tuesday, I was a little overwhelmed. I thought everything sounded extremely hard, which was to be expected. My professor was typing different codes onto the screen to demonstrate and the more in depth it went, the more confusing it seemed. I thought I would never get it. 

    After our lecture, it was me and my classmates' turn. I remember siting there, for who knows how long, thinking about how I was going to do this. Some of my classmates told me they had experience with coding before, one of them had even finished an assignment of the week. I was really beginning  to doubt myself, I felt small but as time started dwindling I went ahead and started practicing.  Here's the great part: It was actually pretty easy! How amazing is that? I was cutting myself too short. I got the hang of it for the most part. Of course it took me a while and i still struggled a little but i got it together. It was a great feeling, still astounds me as i'm typing this out. I made it through the first week of coding! Woo Hoo! :) 

-AW Sunday April 3rd 2016

                   

PACKAGING, LOGOS, MENUS....OH MY!

     Within this one month, we have learned so many different forms of design/advertisement. I will admit there were many challenges, outside of the fact everything moved in a fast pace. I was not expecting what was asked of me, but i'm thankful for it none the less. It was was a wonderful and growing opportunity. Sure, i may not have been comfortable at first but that's what it takes; being put in a position that tests you. 

     When you're in a new situation, it's going to be scary in a way. I was so afraid and stressed myself out, worrying about every little thing. I let doubt take over my mind and security/confidence. I learned in class, that was a very bid mistake. When making logos or anything for a client, strong confidence needs to be there when presenting the idea. You can't focus so much of your energy on the fact you possibly have never made a package design or menu before. It's self promotion which means you should have your self together no matter what. Yes, maybe you didn't have time to fit a certain thing into the design but i now know that's only half of it. Attitude, professionalism and how you present the product as well as yourself is just as important.  

     I truly enjoyed the projects and the shock i gave myself. I don't think they were the best but for my first time i was pretty impressed. I took everything in a good light, especially the constructive criticism. I appreciated every comment , good and bad, it really helped me learn what i need to pay attention to as i move forth in my education. Packaging, logos and menus may seem like a load, but each one taught me something great and helped prepared me for the others. I loved this self promotion class to the fullest and i plan to keep it's concepts as i step into my next class. 

- A.Williams

                                           

Future in Graphic Arts

Graphics Arts and Design is a trade with many different routes. I have always known that but that one great fact is also what scares me the most. There’s so many different things to get into, so many opportunities for success and failure. It can be a very scary situation, especially with me being new to adulthood. Nobody can predict the future and that brings in fears.

I’ve thought about different jobs that I could possibly do. I’ve ran across the idea of being a tattoo artist, a logo developer, a web designer, a video editor, an illustrator etc. I see the potential in all these jobs out there, I’ve done the research. They make decent income and the jobs can be very flexible and unique, giving you room to play as a designer. I just question myself as an artist/designer, I wonder if I’m as good as I think I am and to what extent.

I know I can draw well, I know I have that potential in me but what about the other areas? What about color schemes and the graphic part of it all? The use to different programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator? I know that this career field is the field I want to be a part of, but the unknown is slowly taking control. I can pick some jobs from that list that I’d love to do but I question if I’d be good enough for it. I’m a creative and unique soul, it’s easy for me to use my imagination above and beyond, I just wonder if  my style would fit in a professional setting. I like being laid back and being relaxed, weird and myself. I’ve never been one to be all sophisticated. My future is just very blurred at the moment but I l know art is meant to be part of it, because it’s a part of me. And I know to never forget:

“If you never try, you will never know.”

Few Months In The World Of Keiser University

FEW MONTHS IN THE WORLD OF KEISER UNIVERSITY

     College has always been apart of my plan, no matter what. I was never one to those who were willing to exclude their education due to poor reasoning. I wanted the whole package and i thought i had everything thought out. I was going to attend Polk State near my area just like most did, probably get a business degree, see the same group of individuals i grew up with and hopefully start working. At the time, i didn't know there was something greater out there for me.

     As i stated, i thought i had every detail set and ready to go. If i'm being honest, though, my so called "perfect"  plan wasn't perfect to me at all. I didn't want to have a career in business, i felt i had more to offer than that and so did everyone around me. So many wanted me to go somewhere different, be someone different. I have to say i'm very glad that i did. 

     Keiser University has been a great adventure for me and a challenge to embrace. I've been put in uncomfortable situations as well as exciting ones that have mold me into a new person. I never thought i'd be able to do some of the things i have done at Keiser. I was never one to get up and present a project in front of others, or do it with such confidence. I was never one to love coming to school, i would come up with any reason to be absent. I was never one to do well with computers besides the basics. Keiser has changed "I'd never" to "I can." 

     It's a new level of emotion when you're apart of this big new experience and can see the amazing things happening to you as well as the growth in yourself. Keiser has given me a new perspective, friends, confidence and appreciation for a lot. I would recommend anyone to come here and see learning in a brighter light. I can't wait for the many other great things to come because...

I've never been more ready. 

A.Williams

       What is art? Google says its the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance. The definition sounds correct, but couldn't there be more to it than that? It feels like it, when you drag that pencil as your imagination trails behind or those paint strokes that tell your hidden stories. It's almost magical, something that gives a whole new purpose.
     
         I view art as many things. A window into a house, giving ones a sneak peak of what's inside. A story without words but filled with emotions and meaning. A way to express ourselves in ways more deep than the ocean's floor. Art has been opening up new worlds since forever. It's not just a hobby, or someone's job, it's a journey...a trip to escape reality and dive into our own.

          Growing up i knew art had a spell on me, i just didn't understand it yet. I never took art classes but art was being taught all around me. My mom was an artist with little belief. She was a great creator, i learned many things through her. I remember all the paint and brushes and pencils that would be left around the house. Her unfinished expressions on the wall that let me know how she was feeling. She was an artist with little dreams. She had this great power dripping from her hands, but she decided to let it drip on patients at a hospital instead. I still see her doing it from time to time, but i also see the difference. She made the choice to see it as a fun pass time, but she helped me see art as so much more. It's a tool for the soul and outside world.

               I know art can be a struggle and break us down, but in that it teaches us a whole new level of knowledge. Art is a teacher, there is so many factors and deep levels within it. Art can show you how to create something while also helping you recreate yourself. That's exactly what it did for me. I never thought i was anything special or had anything inside worth opening up...but now i do. I have seen my own creations real things to me i wasn't  even thinking of before. It's a soul finder, a new key to an old door, it'll change your life.

                                                             
                                                           Do art. Be art. Live art. 
                                                                                A. Williams