Research portfolio.

The animators I chose to research, I did because they have been my inspirations to my work for years and feel like the will always be a part of my work in many research tasks, I have researched people that I am not familiar with also. Most of the people that inspire my work and the art style that also inspires my work is surrealism, I like the concept, I like manipulating reality in animations and photographs, this is why I very much like Rotoscoping, I like the ability to trace the real image and edit it while I'm at it, in graphics I like digital manipulation for the same reason, that you can use existing photos or images to create something that is impossible. In photography I like Panoramas and long exposure photographs because I like the distortion and I like the smoothness. In art I like surrealism and cubism and futurism because I like the concept of time and the warping of reality and creating impossible things with a brush and some paint. Everything that I study and everything that I learn in the creative field, I'm always taken by surrealism and the idea of non-existing things.

Ryan Woodward
Ryan Woodward is a brilliantly talented animator with an eye for movement and does a wide variety of work, including sketches, animations, story boarding and music videos.
His most famous piece is most probably "Thought Of You" because of how whimsical and beautiful it is, I also believe that he has been involved in some cartoons as a story board artist and Animator. Works that he has been involved in include, Thor 2, Where the wild things are, and advert for Ford (Zombies) and Space Jam.
I very much like the style that he works with often, very loose and fluid.
I got most of my research information from his website at : http://ryanwoodwardart.com/

Michael Bosanko
This person is probably a great inspiration to my interest in photography, along with Dali.
I very much like the artists style and the uniqueness of his artistic skills.
I like the results you can get with light graffiti because it is so surreal, and when you produce something of such beauty it give you such a high.
I like that this artist also has a great sense of humor in his pieces of work.

I got most of my research from his website at: http://www.michaelbosanko.com/

Salvador Dali
Salvador Dali was a surreal artist who became very famous for his unique abilities to create such great pieces, often unearthly creatures with everyday object.
I try very hard not to write about him every time I research artists, because I feel like I do go back to this artist every time and would rather write about someone else before I run out of things to say about Dali. I have many methods of researching Dali though, be it from: www.salvadordali.com/‎, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador_Dalí‎ or thedali.org/‎
There are many, many sites dedicated to the life of Dali and feel researching him more would be an easy task, as much as he inspires my work.

LO2 Manifesto or creative ethos

This design is an idea I designed when we were given the task to base a manifesto upon something we believe in, I was very interested by the piece demonstrated to us in the power point by Basia Goszczynska, she is an animator who makes all of her animations and puppets out of raw, organic materials, I very much took interest in this idea because she likes to create things that are not harmless to the environment and I very much take littering seriously and the harm it does to, not only the environment, but animals!

In my illustration there is an image of a bird dress as a doctor cutting off a beer strap from a human being's neck, as you can see it is all drawn in fractures and colourful, this is to represent the lies people tell, people deny the fact this earth and it's creatures are in danger by telling "colourful" lies to hide the facts, and the truth people are told about our environment are always fractured and manipulated.

The question underneath this image says "How would you feel?" Meaning, how would you feel if you were the person in the image? Many people are so cavalier about the waste that ends up in animals digestive systems because they weren't taught that.

For the lack of education on the matter, I too was very ignorant about the real damage that happens to animals, I believed the worst of the damages were literally just the beer strap malarkey they teach you in primary school, little did I know they shielded our young eyes from the real horror. 

It was until I watched a video online that my eyes were opened on just how exactly most of the animals die when they are introduced to litter. 

I warn you the video is not for the faint hearted.

My piece is mainly inspired buy cubism by the shapes and colours that I have used.

LO1 Critically reflective journal.

I am currently studying Animation in Plymouth college of Art in Plymouth, UK and would hope that this course will lead me to a job with similar aspects or a job with a form of craft skill. I plan on completing my time in Plymouth College of Art before taking on anything that could distract me from my aims to complete the course of a high standard.

In three years time I will have completed this course and I feel like I will need to gain as many skills in Animation and the crafts of Art in general to fulfill my aims to get a job in a field that I am interested in, my interests are Photography, Animation and general arts and Crafts, I am also very fond of Jewelry making and sell some of my creations from my home.

In the future I would like to have a career in Animation and cover many fields of it, like the task of Animation, itself and the rest of the colourful aspects of it, like sculpting and story boarding.
I also very much like photography and feel that if I cannot get anywhere in Animation I will get myself more educated in Photography and the styles and methods of photography.

From the age of 10 I have always wanted to own an establishment that features an art gallery and other artistic things to sell, like a coffee shop or something similar, I've always aspired to have a small business of my own where I can sell my own and other people's creations as I very much like to collaborate on pieces of work.

ANIMATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

This information was found at : http://creativepool.com/articles/jobdescriptions/animator-job-description

"Animators usually work normal office hours, although they may work additional hours to meet deadlines. Many animators work freelance, and part-time and temporary contracts are common. Animators usually work in well-lit offices or studios. Working on stop frame animation may involve standing for long periods under hot studio lights. Other types of animation demand long hours sitting at a drawing board or computer.

Salaries may range from around £19,440 to upwards of £26,120 a year. Freelance animators may not always be in full-time employment so their income may vary.

An animator should:

• be creative and artistic
• have drawing skills (and sculpting skills for stop frame animation using clay)
• have excellent IT skills
• be patient and able to concentrate for long periods
• be interested in art and design.

Around 3,000 people work in animation in the UK and about 300 companies employ animators. The main centres for this work are London, Bristol, Manchester and Dundee. Although there are some permanent jobs, many animators work on a freelance basis. Competition for jobs is keen and they are not always advertised, so networking is an important way of finding work.

Most animators have a degree or an HNC/HND. Animation courses are offered at universities and colleges throughout the UK. Admissions tutors usually expect to see a strong portfolio of work and, if possible, examples of animation projects. A show-reel of previous work is essential to show to potential clients and employers.

Animators normally train on the job, working with more experienced colleagues to learn and develop new techniques and skills. It is essential for animators to keep up to date with new developments in the industry, and there are many relevant short courses.

As many animators are self-employed, career progression depends on their skills, versatility and ability to promote themselves. With experience, animators may become lead animators or animation directors. They may also move into specialist areas such as animation special effects. There may be opportunities to work overseas or to teach animation.

What is the work like?

Animation is the art of making images that appear to come to life on screen. It features in all kinds of media, from feature films to commercials, pop videos, computer games and websites. Animators use a range of techniques to make images appear to move, and most specialise in one of the following:

• 2D drawn animation
• 2D computer animation
• stop frame or stop motion animation
• 3D computer generated (CG) animation.

2D drawn animation consists of a series of images which the animator draws on special paper. Each image represents one stage of a movement, for example, of a character walking or smiling. Traditionally the images are traced onto film and coloured. Scenery is then added by layering sheets of film. Increasingly, however, the images are scanned into a computer and coloured using specialist software. When viewed at speed and in sequence the images appear to move.

In 2D computer animation, the animator works with a specialist software package which is used to create and animate characters, and add scenery and a soundtrack.

Stop frame or stop motion animation uses models, puppets or other 3D objects. The model is photographed, then moved a fraction by the animator and photographed again. When the photographs (or frames) are played at normal speed, the images appear to move.

3D CG animation uses specialist software to create animations. This technique is often used in feature films and computer games.

The work can be extremely painstaking and time consuming, but animators are expected to meet deadlines and production schedules.

Although some animators create their own characters and stories, others follow a brief from a director, animation director or key animator. Often they work with established characters and layouts.

The starting salary for a newly-qualified animator may be from around £19,440 a year.

Hours and environment

Animators usually work normal office hours for 35 to 40 hours a week, although they may work additional hours to meet deadlines. Many animators work freelance, and part-time and temporary contracts are common.

Animators usually work in well-lit offices or studios. Working on stop frame animation may involve standing for long periods under hot studio lights. Other types of animation demand long hours sitting at a drawing board or computer. Freelance animators are likely to spend some time travelling to meet clients and promote their work.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

• Newly-qualified animators may earn around £19,440 a year.
• Experienced animators may earn up to £23,680.
• Highly skilled animators may earn upwards of £26,120 a year.

Freelance animators may not always be in full-time employment so their income may vary. The Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) website has more information on freelance salaries.

Skills and personal qualities

An animator should:

• be creative and artistic
• have drawing skills (and sculpting skills for stop frame animation using clay)
• have excellent IT skills
• be patient and able to concentrate for long periods
• pay attention to detail
• be observant and understand how people move and express emotions
• have good communication and negotiation skills
• have good organisational skills
• be original and inventive
• work well as part of a team and be able to take direction from senior animators, directors and clients
• be able to follow a brief and work on their own initiative
• take criticism well
• work well under pressure and to strict deadlines.

Interests

It is important to:

• be interested in art and design
• be interested in film and television
• enjoy using computer technology

Getting in

Around 3,000 people work in animation in the UK. About 300 companies are involved in animation, including small production companies, larger studios, CG post-production facility houses, computer games developers and interactive media designers. The main centres are London, Bristol, Manchester and Dundee. Although there are some permanent jobs in animation, many animators work on a freelance or contract basis. The computer games industry is a particular growth area in the sector. Competition is keen.

Many vacancies and opportunities are not advertised by conventional methods. Networking is an important way of making contacts and finding work. Some vacancies may be advertised in The Guardian and in specialist magazines such as Creative Review and Design Week.

Entry for young people

Most animators have a degree or an HNC/HND.

Many universities and colleges throughout the UK offer courses in animation and other relevant art and design courses. Skillset, in consultation with the industry and education providers, has endorsed the following courses:

• HND in Art & Design (Computer Animation) and Degree in Animation at the Glamorgan Centre for Art & Design
• Degree in Animation Production at the Arts Institute at Bournemouth
• Degree in Computer Visualisation and Animation at Bournemouth University
• Degree in Animation at the University of Wales, Newport
• Degree in Animation at University College for the Creative Arts at Farnham
• Degree in Computer Animation at the University of Teesside.

Other courses are currently being evaluated. Applicants should contact Skillset for more information.

Entry requirements vary and candidates are advised to check with individual institutions. However, in general, in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, many people do a foundation course in art and design before starting a degree course. Typical qualifications required are five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), and sometimes an A level/H grade.

In Scotland, many degree courses last four years, with an introductory year rather than an art foundation year.

For degree courses, applicants usually need a minimum of two A levels/three H grades and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent qualifications.

For HND courses, typical entry requirements are one A level/two H grades in art and design subjects, or a BTEC national certificate/diploma in a relevant subject, or equivalent.

Admissions tutors usually expect to see a strong portfolio of work and, if possible, examples of animation projects.

There are also postgraduate degrees and diplomas for candidates with a good first degree in a relevant subject.

Prospective employers and clients generally expect to see a show-reel of previous work as well as still shots, and a portfolio of life drawings and movement studies.

Entry for adults

Universities and colleges may accept mature entrants if they can demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject and a strong portfolio of work. The normal requirements may not be enforced for mature applicants. Adults may prepare for a degree by taking an Access course.

Older entrants may succeed if they have a strong and relevant portfolio of work.

Training

Animators normally receive training on the job, working with more experienced colleagues to learn and develop new techniques and skills.

It is essential for animators to keep up to date with new developments in the industry, particularly with regard to software relevant to their field of animation. The Skillset website has a directory of short courses available in the UK. Freelance animators usually fund their own training.

Getting on

As many animators are self-employed, career progression depends on their skills, versatility and ability to promote themselves.

New animators may start as 'inbetweeners' (producing the drawings that are used in between key poses) or junior animators. With experience, they may progress to assistant animator, animator, lead animator and animation director. There may also be opportunities to work in specialist roles such as animation special effects.

There may be opportunities to work overseas or, with an appropriate teaching qualification, to teach animation."

Description of a Photography Career found at :http://www.prospects.ac.uk/photographer_job_description.htm

"Typical work activities

Work activities vary according to specialisation. However, common activities for most photographers include:

• working with clients to discuss the images they require and how they want to use them;
• seeking out appropriate photographic subjects and opportunities;
• carrying out research and preparation for a shoot;
• working in different locations and in different circumstances to get the right image;
• using an extensive range of technical equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting and specialist software;
• communicating with photographic subjects, putting them at ease, encouraging them and directing them;
• arranging still life objects, products, scenes, props and backgrounds;
• liaising with other professionals, including graphic designers, writers, gallery managers, picture researchers, commissioning editors and art directors;
• managing the processing and use of images, discussing technical problems, checking for quality and dealing with clients' concerns;
• preparing proofs for approval;
• compiling finished products for sale, such as albums and framed prints;
• understanding traditional film and digital photography and keeping up to date with industry trends, developments and new techniques;
• developing expertise with software to digitally enhance images by, for example, changing emphasis, cropping pictures, correcting minor faults, or moving objects around;
• managing the business aspects of the work, including administration, scheduling work, invoicing and basic accounting;
• developing a good portfolio, building a network of contacts and achieving a reputation for quality and reliability in order to secure future assignments;
• self-marketing by, for example, producing business cards, postcards and promotional materials, and creating and maintaining a website.

Many graduates start out as a photographer's assistant, spending a great deal of time on routine administration and helping out around the studio."

The salary description of a photographer was found at : http://www.prospects.ac.uk/photographer_salary.htm

•      "The typical range of starting salaries is between £10,500 and £21,250. Many entrants to the profession start as assistants, resulting in some extremely low starting salaries - sometimes less than £10,000.
• Salaries at the top end of the profession typically range from £25,000 to £65,000 but can be much higher for those who become famous or highly sought-after.
• As with other creative professions, salaries vary enormously. Many photographers work freelance so what they earn is linked to what they are able to charge and how much work they obtain. For this reason, income is likely to vary from year to year.
• The British Photographic Council  carries out an informative survey covering the topics of salaries, legal matters, the industry, and more.
• Those who choose to build up a self-employed practice, as is normal in fine art for example, have even more variable earnings. Income is often supplemented by other related activities, such as teaching.
• Hours can be long and unpredictable. When work is available, it may be financially difficult for freelance practitioners to turn it down, unless they are already working at maximum capacity. At other times, however, there may be periods with little or no work. In some areas of photography, working days and hours will be led by demand. For example, wedding photographers are likely to be at their busiest on Saturdays during the ‘wedding season’, and sports photographers will expect to work weekends and evenings to cover fixtures and events.
• Working conditions may be uncomfortable, involving all weather conditions, remote locations or cramped studios. In certain fields of photography, such as documentary photography, work may also be dangerous, particularly when on assignment in war zones or unstable countries.
• A reasonable degree of fitness may be necessary for some areas of work, such as sports photography, which involves the use of bulky and heavy telephoto lenses and equipment.
• In most areas of photography, work is concentrated in London and a few other large cities, with the exception of wedding/social photography, which is spread across the country.
• Job security is not high, especially in the early days when reputation and a solid client base are yet to be established.
• Photography tends to be male-dominated, but there are moves within the industry to address the gender imbalance. More women than men work as agents and photographic stylists.
• Travel is an integral part of many specialist photographers' lives and may include travel within the UK and overseas."

If I was to ever decide to start a small business in the fields that I want to study and pursue I'd have to get educated in that specific field and learn about creating businesses, money management, maintaining the business and budgeting. Though this is a "far fetched" child-hood dream, I like to make myself believe that nothing is ever impossible to do and it is something that if i cannot do in my earlier years of adulthood, it is something that I'd definitely pursue when I feel like the other ambitions have run their course.