General Panic and Confusion.

It's the start of my 4th year of university studying Computer Arts which means only one thing; honours project. I'm absolutely terrified and incredibly excited in equal measures.

My Topic

I guess the most logical place to start is with my topic, or more accurately what I propose my topic to be at this early stage as I expect it to change throughout the course of the year.

Last week I had a meeting with Lynn with the following ideas:

• The translation of 2D characters into 3D and what impact this has on their appeal. 
• Does it make a difference if a character is designed with 3D in mind or not?

When focusing on this idea I had in mind the final outcome of creating varied 3D character models. Some designed with 3D in mind from the outset, others designed for 2D and the translated into a 3D at a later stage.

However on starting some general research into this area, I found it both lacking and uninteresting for me personally. Certainly not something I want to dedicate a year of my life researching in depth. Which has lead me to have a rethink into what it is that I am actually interested in researching.

So far I am thinking about:

• The contrast between the variety of 2D art styles comparatively with 3D styles. 
• There are hundreds of 2D art styles for animation, yet for 3D they seem to fit into specific categories; 
• 'Pixar style' - for animated films.
• Photo realistic - used for VFX.
• A smaller category often for students and short film.
• Why does there seem to be far greater variety of 3D visual styles in game more so than animation? 
• Are there any cel shaded animations?

I feel this is a far more interesting topic matter for my research proposal and dissertation as there are so many areas within this topic and different paths that my project can focus into. 

Weekly Tasks (Agreed Action Points)

1. Make: Create blog.
2. Make: Create inspiration mood boards.
3. Read: Get 'The Art of' books for 3D animation films to look at character designs.
4. Write: Make notes of any trends in the visual style.
5. Read/Make: Research different visual styles for 2D and 3D, pick one of each and design quick concept sketches for each.
6. Watch: Disney Tangled.