Week 19 (9th-13th March)

Started doing some material experiments, specifically for H3LPR. I was inspired by the ball joints and sockets on my WALL-E Lego figure and how well they hold their position with micromovements. I'd ended up dismantling the entire model to use the neck mechanism before I realised after prototyping that the model was going to be far too big. Instead I used a small ball joint from his hands, which is a significantly smaller and easier mechanism with more flexibility for model size (as it's only two pieces and not a full supported structure). The H3LPR prototype is just made out of cardboard and taped, with a layer of masking tape to provide grip for paint; still yet to figure out what finalised materials could be used. 3D printing would be easiest, but not for me as it would take me way too long to model the components. Other potential options are balsa wood (easy to carve and hollow out) or reinforcing cardboard; I still want it to be fairly lightweight 

I realised I had a red LED light with a base the perfect size of the smaller prototype. I think it would be really cool to have red practical lighting within these models and the set (for the furnace and the robots power sources). I can buy battery cases for the flat round batteries which would fit inside the torsos of the robots and link them to single LEDs; either an external switch or preferably remote control. I don't believe I've seen LEDs inside a stop motion puppet before. Battery packs could also maybe go inside head, as fake wires come out from the neck into the head anyway. 

Overall, as a prototype held together with tape and dreams I'm really happy with the result


I've already settled on the armature method for The Inventor; affordable method that I've done before so I know it works. I'm still intrigued by the plasticine idea but still think I'll go for the solid sculpted route. Slowly working on refining character designs digitally; I need more polished character design for my portfolio and need to settle his design ASAP so I can continue material experiments knowing what I need from them


Unfortunately missed Catch Of The Day meeting. Tasked with redoing the animatic and working on the colour script


Rigging on Thursday was once again Not Fun. I am not cut out for rigging I fear. I feel much more confident trying physical rigging than digital rigging


Life Drawing was very fun, pleasant surprise to be doing superhero poses all morning. I enjoy the costumed sessions, it's easier to assign a character to each pose


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