Christmas Break

 Admittedly I was taking a break over the holidays and didn't really touch my main project. But I did do some research and personal projects that I can carry forward


Went to House of Automata in Forres for research, hoping to gain inspiration for mechanics on my robots and the Inventor's workshop. I explained to the owners that I was an animation student on a research trip and they were nice enough to give me a tour of the workshops and storage spaces for free (normally you have to pay for a private tour!) which was extremely useful for environment research, and explainined how different automata mechanisms work. I could really lean into my designs being more automata-based rather than robotic with the steampunk theme. I did a few studies while I was there as well. Also found the original blueprints for the automata from Martin Scorcese's "Hugo" (the designer owns the collection here) which is a really good reference for me





Been making my way through Aardman Academy's "Stop Motion Foundations" online course, which has been introducing me to the basics of claymation principles. Will attach the showreel when I have everything complete. Filmed most of it on a tiny desk at home with just my phone and a bedside lamp, I had no major equipment with me.


Currently have plans to do a couple more short animation projects before the semester restarts, mostly for personal enjoyment but I can use it as practice too. Would also like to do a couple Blender tutorials if I have time but it's not as much of a priority at the moment


Also did a miniature set craft kit ("book nook" scenes) which has started to get me thinking about set building and miniature set dressing (as well as an introduction to wiring if I wanted to install any LEDs in my sets; eg lamps or glowing buttons). Managed to obtain a dollhouse furniture book from a charity shop as well, again for set dressing

   
I do really need to get back to the project at some point though. I've been feeling intimidated by the fact I don't have a complete script yet and feeling too overwhelmed to start; once I have my story sorted I'll be in a better spot to start planning once I know what I need

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