Rodney

On this, I'll salute smartly and move out upon orders. Currently, it is my understanding that the first (and best) step toward entering into the Apprentice Program is completing all 19 exercises in The Art of Animation:Master. By completing all the exercises the Mentor will know that the Apprentice has a basic understanding from which they can build from. This also shows that the individual is serious about what they are doing. As in most things I expect there will eventually be a way to waiver the requirements for those that can 'demonstrate' the principles outlined in The Art of Animation:Master. I'm already working that angle to present on everyones behalf. If you have work already demonstrating you've mastered the skill sets demonstrated in each of the exercises the easiest way to move forward would be to post an example of each in The Art of Animation:Master area. Any waiver authority would appear to be at the disgression of the Mentor within the boundaries of the Apprentice Program. I don't have an authority beyond what they collectively give me. -Rodney

This discussion is movin' right along aint it! While I'd like to think the forum does what you indicate... from my perspective it doesn't quite meet the concept of apprenticeship. I think that is one of the reasons this is such a good idea. With the forum you get a lot of help, in some case tremendous help, and I'm sure friendships and mentor/apprentice-like relationships do develop from time to time. I mean no disrespect when I say this but one thing that the A:M Forum as it exists right now lacks is the 'formal commitment' that seems required to support an apprenticeship. The A:M Forum is more like a group of (usually self appointed) representatives that champion the causes of the membership from time to time. This is a really good realationship. It works well. An Apprenticeship goes one step further. It is a mutually beneficial relationship between two (or more) people that is based on a 'formal' commitment. Not a marriage mind you, as the Apprentice is expected to eventually move on into the world on their own with tools and knowledge to champion new causes... (and to slay dragons I'd guess ). It does resemble the medieval model. How can it not? There is generally a price that must be paid to enter into any Apprenticeship. If David Rogers (and others) are able to do this based on a barter system and not a monetary one... they will have really proved their worth! If time is the biggest asset of the Apprentice that can be worth a lot. I'd like to stay out of the whole discussion more but this idea is really that great and the A:M Community seems perfectly suited to it. Personally, I think a fee based system might work best. Money is generally the way people show their commitment these days. Once the money is paid... people usually stick around to get something out of their investment. This is why I'm watching where these Masters go with this idea very intently. If they manage to fit this idea into the Hash Inc/A:M educational model they will have more than demonstrated their worth and wisdom and they will have set a new standard within the animation industry. It's that big a deal. -Rodney

Time is indeed a precious commodity. However, I don't think you'll see less of the help you currently see in the A:M Forum. Quite the contrary, the program seems guaranteed to increase the feedback and support you get from the Fellows. Keep in mind also that the pool of Fellows tends to grow a little more each month. It may be a bad example... but let's say I was a Fellow/Mentor (which I am in no danger of becoming BTW). I would still hang out here in the forum. I think others would likely do the same. There is much that has yet to be determined... Discussion certainly would seem to be a good thing. So... say on!

Here in one post are links to the followup Question and Answer sessions hosted at #hash3d. We need to keep these talented people 'on tap' and in the spotlight! Read the lectures/interviews and ask questions that apply to your endeavors as an animator. You'll learn a lot from the answers you get. #hash3d Lectures (Q&A Sessions) January 2005 (To Be Announced - Stay Tuned) December 2004 (Vacation) Raf Anzovin (and Guests) November 2004 Martin Hash October 2004 John Henderson September 2004 Sam Buntrock August 2004 Shaun Freeman July 2004

Sharky, I'm not that great a resource for audio files/sound effects. If someone doesn't point you to some resources I'll see what I can dig up.

Looks real to me! I've seen actual toys that didn't look as real as your model. Please post more shots!

Looks like you nailed it. Very Nice. You also reminded me what a great model that guy is too!

Took a very long time to open for me... but eventually showed up. I suggest a RIGHT CLICK with option to open in a new window... then go do something else until it shows up.

Looks nice! Unless you are going to have him wear boots though the sound of his feet hitting the floor seems a big harsh... almost like robot feet striking the floor. I agree the smile seems to play against the walk just a bit... perhaps furrowing his brow to make a more determined look as Jon suggests would make it work well. If you are going for more of a happy walk... exaggerating the movement of the arms might do that. Can't wait to see more of what you have planned for him!

I'm afraid I can't provide much in the way that you might need for improvement. What you've got coming together now looks great thus far. You've got my attention! Now I'm watching as you add the details that make a model into a work of art. Keep it up!

Looking great from my perspective. I don't know the storyline you're working toward but seeing your walk cycles makes me want to hunt down some old keystone cops films. You've got it going on in your work. If I had anything to suggest it might be opening and closing his hands a bit or other subtle secondary motion. Short of that though... Keep testing! Someday I'd like to be able to do such things myself so I'm taking notes!

I missed your posts before (I was on a system that didn't like movie files). I really like his walk! No crits from me... he looks great! I like the marsh idea if for no other reason than I think he'd look neat in that setting. Gave me some great images and ideas too. May have to experiment some day... You guys are inspirational!

David, Love your site! What you are doing with accident recreation, etc. seems like a natural for 3D animation. I've recreated a few auto accidents myself, although I must admit it was more a test to see if I could do it than to provide a service. Please remind us to check out your site from time to time! Providing services like this is what tends to turn hobbyists into professionals who make a living doing what they love to do. Hope you see much continued success in all your endeavors. -Rodney

These renders are a great example of how the Animation:Master Community was first introduced to a talented guy named "DarkLimit". I remember thinking this guy really has some strange imagination and the talent to go with it. Ah the memories! Please keep posting DL!

Looks nice from here! Only thing I might add would be a hint of glow. Anything in particular you are making this for? -Rodney

Sharky, Just checking in on your progress and I like what I see! As I've said before it reminds me of Japan. Good memories! I see you have gone with the red tori gates. I think that is a nice touch! As far as the tatami... I think if you could scale the texture a bit more it would look more like bulrushes. Also... I'm not at all familiar with Aikido dojos but I think the tatami mats might be composed of tatami mats in sections. I know that great care is usually put into their layout in homes... probably some superstitious orgin in there somewhere having to do with four corners. If I can find a good picture I'll post it. Don't take this wrong. I LOVE what you have just as it is. Keep up the good work! -Rodney -------------- More added -------------- I just found this (rather technical) write up on the internet. Each dojo would have it's own focus of course. I'll see if I can post a pic of a typical layout. Note that this is a design for a *tea room* not necessarily a dojo! *All this just to suggest a minor improvement in tatami placement! The importance here if none of it makes sense is that it is talking aobut a room 4.5 tatami mats in size or larger. So I reason that you should have no less than 4.5. Sorry if I've confused you even more. -------------------------------------------------------------- Okay this one explains it a bit and has a few pictures. I thought there was something about avoiding 4 corners coming together at the same time but wanted to make sure before I suggested that. Examples of layout of tatami mats From that same site you can see a model they built: Model example Note that the four corners method doesn't apply in the model so what do I know! The model is cool... but I like your house better! -------------------------------------------------------------- One more and I'll leave you alone. Promise! If you make the dimensions of your tatami mats a little larger than your average character that will add a nice effect. I only mention these details as I know you have an eye for detail and I really love your work thus far! Most Excellent! Attached is the pic I promised. The size you have seems to indicate the pattern on the left... the one on the right is interesting though.

I like it... and the background style seems to work well with the foreground characters. I'm liking the look without the lines more each time I see your posts. As far as the background is concerned... I often apply just a little bit of blur to bacgrounds so that they don't compete with the characters/foreground as much. This would most likely require compositing of the various layers though rather than rendering the background and the foreground at the same time. I assume that is what you are doing. BTW- Your story looks like it is going to be great! This one is gonna be good! I can tell already. - Rodney

Wow... I'm not sure which one I like better.... I like them both! I'm not sure there is really a wrong or right choice. Rather it just breaks down to the style you intend to use and, of course, sticking with that style for the project. If the plot/story has elements that might be better served by the style you'lll apply that might sway you one way or the other as well. While not always the case... the lines are often associated with cartoon work while the non-lined images lean more toward a painterly effect. Some would probably equate that with juvenile and mature. Can you guess which is associated with which? The juvenline effect is ofter used intentionally to good effect, instantly conveying a message to the audience that they can relax... because the situation isn't meant to be taken as real. Hope that makes a little sense. Great work... Makes me wonder what that guy is up to! -Rodney

TC, Already looking better. Looks like that boat is well on its way! Hope you find the time you need for updates. -Rodney

Jody, You are off to a great start on this one and that four armed man (humanoid??) lets us in on a little of your storyline. There is a story in there just dying to get out. The first picture is extrememly dark on my monitor so I can't really say much about it as I didn't really see anything. I know that is probably the look you are going for but I'd love to see you add a small light or two to bring out the detail. Keep those updates coming! - Rodney

Looking good Robert! I love that painterly feel you always add to your projects. Truely inspirational. That serpent is really neat...scary even! The spaceship looks a bit out of place but then again... I guess it is. After all, it is on a strange world being attacked by a huge serpent! I trust you and know you are going to do some great things and put your unique Darklimit touch on it all. I'm really looking forward to your next update.

TC, Glad to see you are experimenting. Even better to see you are taking on a WIP! As far as my take on your boat thus far... I'd Sharpen the prow (front) and point the flag toward the rear. That'll immediately show the viewer that this boad is made for sailing! Keep those updates flowing.

Brian, I like! Not what I was expecting to see from a guy named Nosferatu! Very cute too. It looks like you've put all that information to great use. Keep it up. I expect to be watching your characters on Saturday mornings so there is no time for slackin'! In other words... I wanna see more.

Just a bump and a plug as I see that Will's Balrog animation has been added to A:M Films. Awesome stuff. Invite all your friends to come take a look! Will Sutton's Balrog on A:M Films

Gaetan, Glad to see you posting. For a first model I think you are off to a great start. As I've says toon rendering can make it harder to critique if that is what you are looking for. Hope you post some more shots and wireframes as you figure that part out. Best, Rodney