Oct 2014 Story Portfolio

March 2013 Story Portfolio and Reel

 

March 2013 Demo Reel

DOG PROM-Look of Film

I was planning on posting stuff in order, but heck, I want to post about this now! Anyways, this fall, I had an amazing opportunity to take Chris Appelhans "BG/Production Design" class at UCLA. 

I honestly really knew nothing about anything related to the subject (composition, color theory, etc.) and such, so it was awesome to finally be formally taught some by such an amazing teacher. Seriously, it was incredible-I learned a lot and ALL my artwork is going to be better for it, thanks to Chris.

For about the last month of class, we worked on getting out look of film figured out for the person film we are working on. Through practice in trying to find "the look"- I quickly learned I am HORRIBLE with color. I really admire people who just get it and don't have to struggle at it. But on the flipside, I learned a lot though trying to find the look of film and am really happy with where I ended up, even though I failed a bunch along the way(which is of course, fantastic-by far, the best way to learn.). 

Above: 1st attempts...sooooo ugly! 

Above: 2nd round, getting closer, but now I have to consider what type of line quality I want and am actually capable of creating for animation but still fits

Above: Rounds 3 and 4-mix of really awful, okay and steps in the right direction. In the process of these attempts, Chris was concerned that my main character wasn't popping out from the crowd so I experimented with a number of things to get him to pop. I will post about that later.

Above: Round 5-WE GOT IT! Things just finally clicked in my brain and it was so exciting to see it happen! The colors are where I want them-saturated and fun because it is prom after all, but it isn't too noisy and the character pop. Besides popping our main guy in a green suit (which I enjoy so much better than the white/silver thing I was putting him in, I love when problems cause better solutions!)-I found lighting was key to helping both set the mood but also focus attention. I watched quite a few prom/high school dance related movies and realized all of them used a spotlight on the characters to help focus attention. On top of that, an overlay layer is on top of our main guy (Chris's brilliant idea), to help him pop a bit more, since black on purple is still a tough read. So relived to have figured out DOG PROM's look because that's what I really worried about muddling up and ruining the film. Yes, it's going to be a lot of work to get this look for the whole film, but work I'm more than willing to do (a labor of love).

Accepted Portfolio For UCLA Animation Workshop

Because a few friends were asking to see it-anyways here is MOST of what all was put into my application. My figure drawing pages are buried very deep somewhere on my external hard drive and I can't find them for now-so do note that of the supplemental portfolio-the first 3 pages are missing from this post.

Anyways, background for my application just in case you are using this for your own application knowledge gathering purposes. This was my second time applying to the UCLA Animation Workshop. Before sending in this portfolio, I was fortunate enough to go out and visit in person and was able to get a portfolio critique on the supplemental and video portion of my portfolio, as well as advice/direction for how to approach the storyboard proposal. I placed all of my materials in a plastic envelope and very clearly labeled everything. Within the plastic envelope, I also had a folder where I put my storyboard proposal. I don't believe in packaging my work in a gimmicky fashion-my work should speak for itself. But I wanted things to be clear so there was no confusion and possibility of things getting lost. A list of what was in the envelope was taped inside and then I also included a portfolio guide and materials list.

Please do note that now after 5 months away from this, I already think all my life drawing stuff is blah and I'd actually would change a large majority of it because there is simply better work to put in. Guess that's a good place to be at but this is the application that got me into the UCLA Animation Workshop (well, in addition to 3 wonderful letter of rec's I got from professors). And of course, thrilled to be started this September.

Ok words, words, words-here are the visuals. Uploading them in order of what I was told was "most important":

1. Storyboard Proposal

2. Statement of Purpose

3a. Life Drawing and Supplemental Portfolio-

*note-missing first 3 pages which consisted of "true" life drawing

3b. Animation Work

Nuts About You!

Skate of the Swan

Llevamela

Birthday Party Blues

Rabbit Zoetrope Video:
with strobe light
3 different "views": far  away, middle, and close up

If you have any questions at all-please send them my way(laurenkriegerart@gmail.com). There was a lack of other examples to look at both times when I was applying, which is why in part this is being uploaded. Thanks!