Reflection of the Module

Reflection of the Module

This module was intended to help improve our creative, analytical and practical skills in model and armature making. We were guided through the processes of pre and post production through a variety of weekly workshops and homework tasks. Each week we learnt a new skill in relation with maquette making and stop-motion. Our first tasks was to build and assemble a basic armature using a range of equipment and materials. I enjoyed this process as I felt that I have learnt a new skill. Another task we had to do was craft a model using Sculpey, but firstly again we had to build a armature and then build it up using polystyrene. I felt this process was very time consuming. Adding the Sculpey to the base model was very difficult and I found this process hard. Again when adding the detail to the armature I found it was a hard process as it was extremely fiddly and adding facial detail proved the most time consuming. Unfortunately I did not enjoy the process of creating a model as I did not enjoy making it and I felt that the outcome was very disappointing. However although I did not enjoy building maquette’s, another task I did enjoy was Storyboarding. Linking my storyboard to another task we had to do which was to find or create a twisted fairytale story. I created a number of different storyboards for my story detailing what each camera scene would be. I enjoyed this process was I liked the visually see what my story would look like and I felt that the outcomes were substantial. I continued to storyboard other stories through out the weeks, which I felt has been a skill I have learnt, that I also really enjoy. Another weekly task that I really enjoyed was the colour tasks were we explored with saturation, proportion, harmonious and complementary hues to create various collages. The collages were initially created in lesson were we all mixed up our own colour swatches. This process wasn’t difficult although I needed to remember to mix more paint while adding colours together. Once all colours were made, we scanned them in onto Photoshop. We were given a range of tasks to complete using the Cutting and Pasting tool on Photoshop. Originally I found this to be fairly difficult as I have not used this programme before and felt quite wary and nervous. After some practise I learnt to really enjoy using it and have learnt a wide range of skills. 

The final task we had to complete was to get into groups and choose someones story to then turn into a storyboard and eventually animate. The story we worked on was called Two Eyes, Three Eyes, One Eye. Which was about a family of 3 sisters and a mother. We all had our own roles within the group. I was chosen to storyboard the script. I created 3 storyboards changing and varying the different scenes. As i felt very unsure about making the models, and the other members in my group were really good and confident with making them I chose I would not make any. I created a colour script for the story, which although I did enjoy I found it fairly difficult as it I found it difficult to add the smaller detail. However one it was completed I was very happy with the outcome. 

Overall I am really pleased with what I have learnt during this module. Each weekly task taught us a lot and gave us an insight in the process of maquette and armature making. I have also learnt that I am a lot more confident with drawing rather than model making. I have to continue to practise my model making and to be more confident when working with clay and Sculpey. I am confident with being able to use Photoshop in the future and I am extremely happy I have now learnt skill that I feel is valuable for future assignments.