Computer Curiousity

In this project, the goal was to create a 30-second animation that will eventually loop. As someone who has barely touched after effects this was a little scary but I was excited to throw myself into something I have loved my whole life, Animation. I also really wanted to challenge myself so I tried to make the computer move at all times and I feel I was really successful and created something I can be proud of.

Sketches
The first step was to brainstorm and sketch. I knew I wanted a walk cycle somewhere in there and as I was looking at the directions on my computer an idea struck. A walking computer that moves around while its user is gone. I wanted to try and have a very cartoon character and I knew I did not walk arms so than helped simplify the complexity of style and animation time. To make a loop I decided to have the computer move and then eventually fall and end right where it had started. These sketches gave me a great starting point and plan.

Vector Assets
I then took the sketches into Illustrator and worked on colors and shapes so that they could properly be animated and be a cohesive design. I wanted to make sure to have very clear eyes so I did have to rework the eyes a couple of times but between both vector drafts I am happy to see the process I took and engaged in to have a cohesive walking computer.

Draft
After putting together all of my vector assets I put the layers into after effects. I work on first having a smooth entrance and then the walk cycle. I watched a lot of youtube videos to understand how to do an array of things. For the walk cycle, I really wanted and more flimsy cartoon look so I did down a free plugin, called limber lite. This was very helpful but time-consuming and I am happy with how it turned out.

Final
I then got some feedback to make some animations smoother such as the moving of the line in the walk cycle, working on the eyes moving around, and making the transition between the scenes smoother. I applied these corrections, had to make some new assets, and continued to add the end scene so the animation could loop and be the best. I am really happy with how it turned out.

My animation project clearly meets the requirement of a 30-second animation that loops and goes beyond what was expected. I am really excited about what this project taught me and where it will help me in the future.