My demo reel took a semester to complete. As I create more animated shorts I will reconfigure the demo reel, putting my best work forward. The work shown in this demo reel features Jail Break, Seasons and a Walk Cycle using the Andy Rig. Creating a demo reel is a long process that requires an artist to look at their own work critically. You want the reel to catch the attention of whoever is watching. Your work should speak for itself and show the 12 principles of animation.
Category: Demo Reel
Jail Break
Jail Break is a project that I started when I was first learning how to use Maya. The project was very basic. I decided for my demo to elevate this project and in a sense almost redo the entire project. I started storyboarding and thought of a new way to bring this project to life. Some of the work I kept like the models, rig and environment. I did however, have to redo the animation and change the how the keys walked. The way they walked didn’t look natural. In the end I am very happy with the result. Below is a video of Jail Break and a playblast of the rig for the keys.
Walk Cycle
Below is a video of my finished walk cycle. This was honestly one of the hardest animation projects I have encountered. Walk cycle are difficult. I am really glad to have created one. It helps you to understand the 12 principles animation. I used the Andy Rig version 1.4.6.
Seasons
Below is my Seasons project fully rendered, which showcases particle effects and ncloth. Seasons was created in Maya 2016 and Adobe After Effects. The rain and snow were particle effects created in Maya. The pollen was created in After Effects.
Walk Cycle – Hips, Legs and Feet
The demo reel I am working on this semester also involves the creation of a walk cycle. Below I have listed the tutorial I have been using from Lynda.com. I decided to use the Andy rig for my walk cycle. The rig is extensive, but as I am working I do wish there were additional controls. For instance, the heels of the feet do not have a control. This would have been really helpful in adding anticipation to the beginning of the foot moving and after the passing pose. I have also included a playblast in this post to show my progress so far. As of now I have animated the hips, legs and feet.
https://www.lynda.com/CINEMA-4D-tutorials/Reviewing-walk-basics/142069/175083-4.html?autoplay=true
Seasons Progress
At the end of last semester I had worked on a project I titled Seasons. I encountered some technical difficulties before the project was due to present. As a result my Ncloth for the Fall season didn’t have falling leaves. One of the things I wanted to fix this semester for my demo reel was a tree with falling leaves for the Fall scene. Below is a clip of the new Ncloth I created.
Demo Reel Thesis
An animation demo reel displays a compilation of skills learned. In order for studios, future employers and collaborators understand an individuals skill level by observing a reel of footage showcasing their best works. In my practice I have created several works using Maya exploring aspects of 3D modeling, rigging, animation, and particle effects. These works are informed by the twelve principles of animation, which this intends to demonstrate.
Demo Reel
This semester I will be focusing on the creation of a demo reel. First I need to gather all of my assets for the project. These assets consist of Seasons, Jail Break, Mondrian and the creation of a Walk Cycle. By the end of the semester I will have completed my demo reel, which will demonstrate my skills in Maya.
A Journey Through Animation 