If you're following this Blog, chances are you are an Animator in some degree or another. One thing that I'm finding on this crazy adventure of learning this awesome art form is that whatever physical, mental or emotional reason you may encounter from time to time you get frustrated or just completely burned out where you don't feel like going on.
Lately, this has been me, I've been mustering up the motivation to get working on some shots for a new demo reel. Maybe because it's summer or maybe because I just finished a slue of various side projects, but I just couldn't get the ball rolling....
One of the major influences that contribute to most Animators getting inspired is seeing other fantastic work coming from both students and professionals. Cruising the interwebs, as of late, I've been seeing all the trailers for the new animated features coming out, plus watching a lot of student work and short films that are full of awesome. This plays a major role and has always helped me in the past (and still does, I guess it's all so intimidating), but hasn't had the same effect on me as it did when starting out Animation Mentor. So here is a personal example of unexpected inspiration. Last week, I was out at the local watering hole for my birthday. Now keep in mind, when I'm out and about I'm always networking in some degree or another. I met someone who was a Motion Graphic Artist/Animator for a Denver News Channel. Instantly we started 'geeking out' and talking shop. With modern day technology we were able to show each others' demo reels via our smart phones. He was impressed with mine, as I was his. Thinking back on it, hearing that positive feedback is what I think was the spark I needed to get my butt in gear to make the best demo reel that I can. "The Golden Reel" as I refer to it, the one that's going to get me that full time job as a Character Animator. I guess what I'm getting at, is that inspiration comes in all different forms, you may not realize it at the time, but it's all over the place and it will hit you when you least expect it.
Here is some inspirational animation goodness to maybe light that spark you've been looking for.... enjoy!
One of the major influences that contribute to most Animators getting inspired is seeing other fantastic work coming from both students and professionals. Cruising the interwebs, as of late, I've been seeing all the trailers for the new animated features coming out, plus watching a lot of student work and short films that are full of awesome. This plays a major role and has always helped me in the past (and still does, I guess it's all so intimidating), but hasn't had the same effect on me as it did when starting out Animation Mentor. So here is a personal example of unexpected inspiration. Last week, I was out at the local watering hole for my birthday. Now keep in mind, when I'm out and about I'm always networking in some degree or another. I met someone who was a Motion Graphic Artist/Animator for a Denver News Channel. Instantly we started 'geeking out' and talking shop. With modern day technology we were able to show each others' demo reels via our smart phones. He was impressed with mine, as I was his. Thinking back on it, hearing that positive feedback is what I think was the spark I needed to get my butt in gear to make the best demo reel that I can. "The Golden Reel" as I refer to it, the one that's going to get me that full time job as a Character Animator. I guess what I'm getting at, is that inspiration comes in all different forms, you may not realize it at the time, but it's all over the place and it will hit you when you least expect it.
Here is some inspirational animation goodness to maybe light that spark you've been looking for.... enjoy!
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Drive me!! from manitou on Vimeo.
Jeff Gabor- Rio Annie Reel Submission from jeff gabor on Vimeo.
Pixar Internship Reel Summer 2011 from Justin Farris on Vimeo.
