Evaluation of FMP project

The final outcome of my project was a short animation that explores the title of Anxiety and the Subconscious. Originally in my Project proposal I wanted to explore more about dreams – however after I collected my research on Anxiety I was more interested in how anxiety is experienced. Although I did create several possible final animation concepts to do with dreams – I instead felt more strongly about another idea that would relate to more people than any anxiety dream that I had. Throughout my FMP I constantly tried to question why I used a certain angles, character design, colour an etc. I wanted to force my self to explore as many routes as I could.

The final animation is titled: “worrier” and plays on the idea on worrier and warrrier. People that suffer with anxiety must constanly fight their subconscious mind (and are perceived weaker than those not suffering). My animation explores the idea of using a physical object to express anxiety which is normally hidden in the subconscious mind.  I used a metaphor for anxiety which conveyed worries and fears will soon creep up on you and will force out the emotions you are trying to hide. The story is simple but powerful it was meant to convey how anxieties that start of as thoughts can suddenly tangle you into feeling the fear physically. Within the animation she hides away small balls which when she awakens reveal a large worry that cannot be stopped – It shows how anxiety can also grow larger than you ever imagined.

Throughout the FMP I used several methods to record and review how my project is progressing. They were very useful for helping me to understand what worked and what didn’t and also enabled me to keep a record of what I have looked at previously. One of these methods was a sketchbook; the sketchbook was the place where I put all my research, ideas, notes photographs and designs. This was one of the most helpful sources because I was able to carry it with me any where I needed and could easily refer back to research and notes I had made at any time.  The sketchbook let me play around with my ideas – it was a quick way of putting an idea onto a page in any form (a note or a doodle.) I used my sketchbook during the development stage alot to help me to produce an idea for my final outcome – I was able to sketch out dozens of pages full of storyboards without feeling pressured to refine.

Another method that I used was a blog. The blog was a good place where I could refine my ideas and then review what I had learnt throughout each week. It let me organise all the research or development from my sketchbook and place it on my blog so I could decided exactly where I was going next with my project. Furthermore the blog can easily be edited so I can add information or images if I feel it connects better to things that I have previously looked at. In addition I can scroll through all my posts and easily read back on the notes I made during week 3 or whatever one I need. Lastly the blog allows me to upload video clip so that I can review on moving images unlike in my sketchbook – which is vital for my animation.  I lastly used the action plan as a way to plan out what I would be doing each week. This was especially vital because it ensured I had enough time to complete all tasks including making my final animation. It was a good record that I referred back too, to ensure I was working in the right direction.

I was able to gather both primary and secondary research in my FMP research stage. I used a variety of sources such as films, books, gallery visits, online forums, articles, surveys, my own dream diary journal and written experiences of anxiety (personal.) Another target that was met was to explore different ideas and to have created a large amount of development. I spent a lot of time trying to explore the ideas that I came up with to the fullest. I also made an animatic, several storyboards, character designs and background designs so that when I came to making my animation I was ready to make my animation without any problems other than animating. Lastly I successfully completed an animation that successfully explores the title of ‘Anxiety and the Subconscious’ – which will be shown on the FE Exhibition. I used a selection of software from Photoshop to create the backgrounds, flash to animate and After effects to add sound and edit my work.

Overall my final major animation was made by an extensive amount of development. I made around 17 different stories for one concept and combined two to make my final story. Even towards the ending I was cutting down the story – to save time but also to add more effect. I used research such as surveys to help create a piece that will really connect with those that worry. A main focus in the end was the colours which conveyed anxiety and the personality of my lead character that never actually speaks When creating my character I knew there would be no dialog and so decided to design a character that could convey the amount of expression that could tell the story.

During the crits and feedback received by others I was given artists and film makers to look at – I was suggested to look at surrealism, although I didn’t really use to influence my final outcome, it was useful to explore another approach that a dream like piece of work is created. Another suggestion that I found very helpful during my development stage was to take more experiences that I had personally with my own worries and anxiety. This advice was very valuable because it helped at a point when I was stuck when coming up with ideas. It also lead me to explore another direction other than just my dream anxieties.  When talking one to one with my tutor, he helped me to select certain sounds for my piece such as running water for the dangerous tentacles – which actually connected my dream anxiety about water together. During a mid-project review of our blogs I got a lot of positive feedback but also the advice of speeding up a bit because I only had 3 weeks and still needed to create a lot more development. From this peer evaluation I decided to speed up as suggested which helped give me more time to animate.

Overall I am very please with the outcome of my animation because it conveyed the message I was trying to answer from my FMP (Anxiety and the subconscious). However if I had to redo this project I would have tried to improve my time management because I was unable to explore all areas I would have liked too. Furthermore I would have also spent longer animating because two weeks was still not long enough. The animation process took longer than liked. The skills that I have gained from this FMP has been using After Effects which I have always never been that good at – but from using it to add sound, I know have a better understanding of the way it works. I will be able to use this in my future animations that I do over summer and next year for my course. Another skill that will help me next year in my course is character design and background – I would really like to explore background further as it (for me) brings the animation together. Next year I will be doing a degree in 3D animation and will be learning this software. Hopefully I will be able to apply the new skills learnt to create a short piece of animation.