Research into contemporary practice + motion graphics

While researching and studying the social presence of 3D designers online, I've noticed on their stories they post their progress when trying out a new technique. Having their followers watch this progress results in their final posts getting large interaction. I should be posting work in progress on stories rather than just finished work.

Use of hashtags
With each instagram post I've been including popular hashtags and tagging motiongrpahics/3d artist sharing pages so my posts are shown to more people.

I've also noticed the huge following motion graphic artists have on instagram. These tend to be quite simple in modelling design

On MAYA, it is possible for me to make motion graphics gifs through using Mash. I began teaching myself through LinkedIn Learning courses and YouTube videos.

Branding - Study Task 5

Online Presence

Website

• Using my website as my public profile, I took the advice from Katie Gascoyne to only include clear, large images against a white background. 
• All my socials are linked to the website 
• I intend on adding a personal work or Developmental work page. This would show my experiments with new software & my sketches/initial work to show my interests outside of 3D practice.
• Would love to have a shop set up & will develop 3D illustrations for this in the summer

https://catrionadesign.wixsite.com/mysite

Instagram 

• From the start of level 6 I have rebooted my instagram page to best suit my practice. Previously, I had set building and stop motion work on my page, but I have now deleted these posts and have a clear focus of 3D modelling in my posts
• A downfall: only posting finished renders means I haven't been posting as frequently as I had hoped. To make up for this I post my working in progress on my stories to keep people up to date on my projects. This has struck up a few conversations, so I plan on posting WIP work on my instagram feed to attract more followers.

https://www.instagram.com/catriona_design/

LinkedIn

• I've added myself to a job seekers list on LinkedIn. This pushes my profile towards recruiters looking for 3D designers, modellers and Animators. I have had a few recruiters view my profile since doing this, although it's a long shot to get a job at my stage with no proof of working in the industry! My best shot is internships at the moment.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/catriona-o-donnell-b367a0175/

 Printed Materials

Business card

C.V.

Study task 3 : Network

Professional contacts:

1. Magnus Skogsford I spoke to an industrial designer on instagram, inquiring into the software he used. From this conversation I discovered that I would need to learn some CAD software if I'm to progress in product design, rather than CGI work. He uses NX for CAD and Keyshot to render with. I did some research and discovered that NX costs £7500 a year for a license, but that Audodesk have software called AutoCAD that I can download with my student licence. It was also interesting to discover that he uses Blender for the cinematic work he does. I've noticed that since the lockdown a lot of 3D artists have been learning Blender, as it is a free software, this is how studios have been able to afford to work remotely. 2. Katie Gascoyne I struck up a conversation with Katie on instagram, inquiring about software changes in the animation industry, as I had noticed a lot of Blue-zoo artists were experimenting with Blender. She confirmed they were becoming more inclusive of blender and that it would be a good idea to try it out, but that Maya was their main 3D software used at the moment. She gave some advice on applying to internships. 3. Phil Gray   Head of cinematic department TT Games 4. Dane Winn Director & Animator at Blue-Zoo Messaged about his blender tests  5. Taunt studio (Belfast) connected 6. Tavo Studio Asked about texturing method - no reply 7. Joel Simon  Flickerpix, Belfast emailed showreel 8. Florian Malchow Character Artist as UNIT image 9. Fermin Valeros 3D Character animator  10. Jamie Badminton Producer Karrot Animation Networking Opportunities 1. Manchester Animation Festival 2. Annecy International Animation Festival - tickets, accommodation & flights organised. *Update* Festival cancelled, refunded but there will be an online 4. Cardiff animation Festival 5. Anima 6. Foyle Film Festival (Derry, Northern Ireland) - Attended, spoke to short film producers from Ireland, exchanged emails and I offered my assistance if a position as a runner becomes available. 7. interact with art station accounts 8. live webinars from screenskills & recorded webinars/talks on vimeo further action : Following and liking/ interacting with professionals on instagram and linked in sparking conversations about their work in progress on their stories/posts watch live webinars https://www.linkedin.com/in/catriona-o-donnell-b367a0175/

Study Task 4 - Exit Strategy

Before Graduation

• Learn 3dsmax, Mudbox and ZBrush.
• Develop single object modelling & texturing projects (including product design challenges).
• Develop a showreel with description of my role in each project and what software was used.
• Write a few creative CV's directed towards specific job roles. This is especially important for jobs outside of the animation industry, in product design and interior design job roles. 
• Upload each mini modelling project on instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Connect with and contact professionals in the studios offering jobs and internships at the moment to see if they have advice on what they're looking for, or generally on getting into the industry.
• Design website on WIX (domain 'catrionaodonnell.com' bought already).

The year after graduation

• Move to Manchester 
• If previous job applications were unsuccessful get bar/restaurant job to pay rent & also work freelance creating prints, attracting clients on social media, using my website and professional email to take orders.
• Find out where the animation community socialise and network here
• Attend Manchester animation festival & festivals across the UK, as I could still commute to studios elsewhere.

Study Task 2 - Scan the Horizon

This year I've started learning MAYA and have been a generalist to start with, in order to understand the whole pipeline and to assist my team members in the short I'm directing. I've experimented with modelling, texturing, rigging, lighting and rendering, however, found modelling and texturing particularly enjoyable. I must build a strong modelling portfolio for job applications and have decided to develop mini modelling and texturing projects outside of uni work for this. Ideally, I would love to work in a busy studio as I work best with other creatives. I have also considered jobs outside of the animation industry and am particularly interesting in architecture and interior design.

Generally, jobs I have been looking at suggest expectations of applicants to have traditional drawing skills, understanding of the 3D pipeline, ability to refine concepts, UV unwrapping skills, low-polygon modelling, Arnold, V-Ray, octane, render-man and redshift rendering knowledge. Software most studios are using and have asked for a working understanding of are MAYA, substance, Mari, Zbrush, Mudbox, 3dsmax, Cinema 4D, Houdini and Python. Software knowledge is vital when applying and I've decided to learn Mudbox and 3dsmax when creating my mini projects for my portfolio so I have evidence of using a range of software throughout.

I have a family friend who worked for the BBC and has offered his assistance in critiquing my portfolio before applying to jobs, along with advice for networking with people in the industry. LinkedIn have constant job listings from the industry and I have saved appropriate jobs in the UK I would like to apply to. The main issue at the moment is the lack of a strong portfolio and the confidence to apply. I plan to have a portfolio/showreel ready for the middle of April to apply in time for jobs starting in June/July.

Once my tenancy in Leeds is finished, I plan on moving to the Manchester with 3 other LAU graduates as the animation hub there would be amazing to get into. My plan until then is to apply like crazy but am aware it could take time to be accepted straight away. I could be working in a restaurant/bar to pay rent for the first few months but could also use this time to build upon my portfolio and meet contacts in Manchester. I hope to also work freelance doing commissioned pieces from online clients, or build 3D assets and sell them online.

Living in Manchester provides the opportunity to go to pubs near animation studios and meet people who work there, making good contacts. Manchester animation festival is also there and means I won't have to travel far like the previous years, I will also be available to work at this time and will be taken more seriously at networking events.

Katie Gascoyne Talk

I attended the Katie Gascoyne talk when she visited the uni. She spoke about her progression as a student to her role in recruitment at Blue-Zoo.

NOTES:

Software their 3D department use:

• Zbrush
• Unreal engine (this is free)
• Substance Painter
• Photoshop
• Maya 

Portfolio advice:

• Portfolio should be 80% of what they're looking for, they will teach you 20% lacking of
• Show concept art with finished visual - show you can follow designs given
• Research artists from studios you want to apply to & find their graduate showreel online, this is the type of work that studio would expect
• Showreel = 1min30secs MAX. & no music (will be muted or distracting)
• Portfolio =  white background, large & clear rendered images, labelled with description of you're role if it's a group project

Interview Questions:

• Skill specific questions, what software you know, level of experience. Will ask how you would achieve what they ask you for & workflow technique.
• Why you want that role
• Your hopes for progression in the job/studio
• Know about their studio, success, artists, what inspired you
• Will be asks about you/personality to fit the studio 
• Teamworking & how you would fit into a team or lead it

Study task 1 - Review your presence

Change in Focus:

Last year I focused solely on stop motion animation & set building. By the end of the year I decided to refocus onto 3D CGI work. After trying Blender and loving the challenge of 3D modelling, I started fresh in term one of level 6, challenging myself to learn MAYA from scratch. I did this using LinkedIn Learning, youtube, and with help from tutors.

Because of this change, my social media and online presence shows the work of a stop motion/set building artist, and this should be altered to show current 3D developments.
The two latest posts are of work made on MAYA.

Current Instagram:

Current Skillset:

•  3D Modelling
•  3D UV Texturing
•  3D Animation

Plans for the end of the course:

• During the first term of this year I focused on learning the basics of modelling, UV texturing,         lighting and rendering. 
• The remainder of this academic year will be focused on developing an advanced understanding of texturing using substance painter and Mud box, study rigging & develop good animation skills using the rigs created.
• Through extended practice I will be involved in the production of a short made in MAYA, allowing me to practice my skills and produce a portfolio. Individual projects should also be undertaken in order to have a range of work ready for my showreel.
• My online presence should be increased through posting work on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. I will also set up a website to display my portfolio and brand.
• A business card will be made to direct anyone I talk to at networking events & festivals.