Toto, I Think We're Still in Kansas

The Multi Layer project taught me a lot about time management. I was using my class time working on the details of the background. This was confusing to me because I made too many layers.  I learned how to make each background layer's speed different. I also learned that when making a character move in your setting, it is important to make sure your layers of the background are moving. Otherwise, it becomes a continuity error. This project was a lot of fun. I believe the information gathered from this experience will help in our next class project.

Henry The Alligator

My character is an alligator named Henry. I decided that he should look "cartoony", so I drew him with sharp edges. I wanted him to be different from other normal alligators, so I drew a stylish poke-dot bow tie for him. He doesn't act like all the other alligators. Henry likes to look on the bright side of things, he always has a big grin on his face. Henry loves to dance and dreams of becoming a famous dancer.

During this project, I had difficulty in making the feet move. My original drawing had the feet pointed outwards. I realized having the feet like that would cause my character to walk like a penguin. I had to go back into Photoshop and flip the second foot horizontally. Once I did that, I went back into Adobe Aftereffects to start creating the key-frames which made my character move.

The Key-frames record what ever you do to the character. The first step is to place your character where you want it to start. Then press the icon that looks like a stop watch labeled Position. This will make a key-frame appear letting you know that this step has been recorded. The next step is to drag the bar to the timeline where you want to have the character move. After that, you move your character to the place you want it to be. This is recorded making a key-frame appear where you dragged your bar out. When making feet move, you have to make key-frames that make the foot go up, out, and back to the original place. The great thing about key-frames is once you put the whole rotation of the foot stepping, you can copy and paste the key-frames.

I learned that visualizing your character walking, before you draw him, can help you catch mistakes like the toes being pointed outward. I learned that you must make key-frames carefully, One mistake can ruin the whole animation. I also learned about keeping your pace during these projects. I was falling behind the class because I was focusing on coloring the character in and giving him detail. If I could redo this assignment, I would make Henry the Alligator dance across the screen. That was my original plan, but I didn't have time to do it in the end. Overall, I am really happy with my character and I hope you are too!