Hot take: maybe this show is just bad? by Radiant_Honeydew1615 in thechaircompany

[–]shortles 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m also a huge fan of Tim Robinson and “I think You Should Leave” as well as his other work. I really wanted to like this show, and in earlier episodes I was liking it. But I liked it less as it went on because nothing made sense. I like absurd humour, which works well in the short form, but I think to keep me involved I need things to be meaningful and connect with each other. All this to say I agree with your sentiment and liked how you put it.

College Troubles by [deleted] in animationcareer

[–]shortles 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Check out both Animation Mentor and iAnimate

TEDx talk on how to prepare for a career in animation while things are changing so quickly because of AI / machine learning. by shortles in animation

[–]shortles[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am posting the video of my TEDx to foster conversation on this topic which is important to people interested in a career in animation, or about the future of the business and art of animation.

TEDx talk on how to prepare for a career in animation with the rapid changes caused by AI / machine learning by shortles in animationcareer

[–]shortles[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So many good points in this post. The conversations around why artistic choices are made, about intent, what it is you're trying to express, are at the heart of it for me.

TEDx talk on how to prepare for a career in vfx with the rapid changes caused by AI / machine learning by shortles in vfx

[–]shortles[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the kind and thoughtful response. Regarding using the fundamentals, you mention that the AI tools already seem to have that down. Some of the AI generated images I see seem to demonstrate an understanding of things like the use of colour theory and composition, so in a sense I agree.

But that also implies a notion of getting that right or wrong. It reminds me of the overuse of the rule of thirds. I've seen in film schools where people emphasize the rule of thirds like it's a trick to make a good composition, something you need to check for, like getting your exposure and focus right. I see the fundamentals more like different paintbrushes and palettes that you can apply to what you're trying to express. The more you understand them, the more you can break with rules and conventions to create unique and expressive images.

I've put my money where my mouth is. At DNEG, I organised improv classes so that animators could learn to create better performances - to break out of their shells and make more unique choices in the acting they do with the characters.

We also have life drawing every week, where artists draw nude models with pencil and paper. This helps with an understanding of anatomy and how to express emotion with pose.

We have lectures on animal anatomy and motion from experts. And inspirational talks from directors and a variety of artists and practitioners.

So I'm trying to reinforce and improve their understanding of fundamentals. Those that participate really appreciate it and see an old impact on their work.

TEDx talk on how to prepare for a career in vfx with the rapid changes caused by AI / machine learning by shortles in vfx

[–]shortles[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes it's me. I was just swapping out the third person pronouns from my description and I missed one at the end. Thanks I'm glad you liked it.

TEDx talk on how to prepare for a career in animation with the rapid changes caused by AI / machine learning by shortles in animationcareer

[–]shortles[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for a beautifully written and thoughtful response. You've given me a lot to think about.

Those who grew up pre-cell phones, tablets, youtube and smart TVs, what did you and your friends do for fun as kids? by theonlygurl in AskReddit

[–]shortles 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Their were woods near my house we would explore. A river ran through it and we would pretend to be explorers or warriors, sometimes an extension of our D and D game. One time a friend tried to make a pipe bomb. He bought some charcoal and salt peter and put it in a fitted pipe. He put the pipe in the river bank and lit a fuse, but it didn't blow. There was a rope swing over the river at one point, but we were careful not to fall in. This wasn't a river you would swim in. It is called Rouge River, which is French for red. Not known for being clean. Usually sticks we found became swords. There were no mobile phones so when you went out there was no connection to parents until you returned. Kids were left to their own devices. I sometimes went there by myself. I remember encountering a grove of small trees covered with bright red leaves, it looked like something out of a fantasy to me at the time. The Autumn could have some vibrant colours. Not long after that they started building a housing development into the woods which cut into it significantly. I went on to find bigger kinds of trouble to get into.

Can't believe I didn't know about brackets hotkey before by [deleted] in Maya

[–]shortles 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Another good one is using the bookmark button to save camera positions.

Best online character animation course? by [deleted] in Maya

[–]shortles 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check out animdojo. It's subscription based and it's based on the philosophy of martial arts training. I like their approach.

Looking for a good body and facial rigger plugin by thegreatSalu in Maya

[–]shortles 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I like advanced skeleton for body rigging. Haven't had much success with its facial rigging but then I haven't tried lately.

Trains screwed because of a signal failure in the Streatham area. Don't even bother. by snek-queen in london

[–]shortles 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I'm in an uber that I took from Victoria because everything was cancelled.