Week 9 Day 4-5 + Week 10 Day 1

Today was all about testing in relation to convergent thinking. The last two weeks was about brainstorming and experimentation, and using my divergent thinking map, we had to narrow down our ideas/themes and explore them by testing different methods and materials. By doing this it has helped me decide what were my successes and failures and how I could develop my piece.

Today I tested 3d modelling. I knew I wanted to explore visual effects and this is a new area of digital art and design for me. Expanding on my mirrorball idea, I created a moving image experimenting with lighting, colour and texture tools. I previously played with After Effects VFX and Premiere Pro, but I wanted to explore other ways to digitally and visually present my ideas, rather than just filters on footage. I created a disco ball shaped sphere and added my own light leak video I created to its surface. The visuals were really cool and dynamic. Blender, the 3d software was quite intimidating to learn as it's just so advanced but James, the technician really guided me through the process. I've always been quite nervous, maybe too proud, to ask for help but in this case it really benefited me – and I should not be afraid to ask for help/advice from people with more experience more often.

After I created the 3d mirrorball animation, I rendered it and incorporated it onto one of my projection photographs from last week (on outcomes page). I wanted to combine/superimpose the two elements. I really love the outcome and the work I've created so far but I noticed I might be staying slightly in my comfort zone in terms of using digital methods. I want to explore more analogue mediums however I'm not sure if this exploration would be productive and appropriate. For instance I can't think of any ways to experiment with analogue methods that will move my project forward, I'm scared I will be wasting time. I should consult a tutor about this.

Moving on, I still need to create a storyboard for my final video. Although I decided my piece will be more of a visual experience rather than a classic short film with a plot, I still want to be able to convey emotions and somewhat of a narrative. This will be my aim for this week.

Overall convergent thinking has helped me become more decisive with my process. Artist research has inspired me and helped me narrow down what materials I think I will use in my final outcome. I'm leaning towards a moving image piece using projection footage, VFX and 3d modelling in my FMP.

Reflection This page is part of the collection 'Part 3'.

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