I've decided to do my research on one of our local animation companies Whitenoise. I have previously done work experience there and really enjoyed it although it was only for a brief period of time so I would like to gain a better insight to their workflow Whitenoise is a multi-award winning agency offering a broad range of creative services including brand development, corporate identity, design for all forms of print, video production, motion graphics and CGI for broadcast, business and events.
Their workflow: Pre Production Often overlooked, but always an essential element of any project, pre-production includes everything from storyboarding and pre-visualisation of complex scenes through to casting sessions and location scouting, permissions and legal releases - essential to ascertain and clarify production budgets and timescales. Production Whitenoise Digital offers complete production services, shooting at higher than HD quality and delivering broadcast level results with complete control over every aspect of a shoot. With full studio and location facilities and equipment and cameras to suit every budget. Editing Editing is where you bring the story to life - following the groundwork and roadmap set out through the storyboarding phase, we cut the footage to build pace and anticipation, making sure all key points are retained and the sense and tone of the message comes through. Sound Whether through cost-effective stock music, or local and ‘live’ composition, they used music to support rather than dominate the story. Additional sound effects and voiceovers are also combined at this stage if required, with appropriate character and tone carefully chosen to suit the message. VFX This is where Whitenoise Digital really shine – their award-winning VFX and animation teams will add the wow factor to the story with an art direction style that suits the project and reinforces the character and nature of the story. They use 2D, 2.5D and 3D techniques as well as traditional hand animation and stop motion to deliver anything from cutting edge VR style to retro and cute. Grading Grading is all about ‘styling’ the assembled and completed edit to give it a consistent visual language - whether sunny and blissed-out or cold and clinical, the grading process allows them to ‘plant’ the finished project in a cultural and artistic frame of reference that’s just right for the audience. Content Delivery Once the project is finished the real work begins - output and export to whatever format is required, from HD broadcast level to smartphone compatible, they produce and provide the finished content in the best and most efficient format for your delivery channels. The end result? Digital nirvana, delivered with style and passion by Whitenoise Digital: Those who can, do. I was able to ask Shaun Whoriskey some questions, previous animator at Whitenoise when I was there, and digital artist. Working as a digital artist for a company like this is something I would be interested in doing and I wanted to get an insight into this artist's workflow, inspirations and gain any advice I could. 1. What type of business structure do you have? (Eg. Sole trader, partnership, co-operative, public limited company, private limited company) Senior digital artist in a private limited studio 2. Who are your clients? A broad mix of commercial, corporate and broadcast clients 3. How do you market your work? Passively through social media, show reels and the companies own website, actively through networking events, trade shows and word of mouth. Telling people what you are capable of doing is the first step in convincing them to work with you. 4. How do you fulfil your obligations to your clients? (Eg. Meeting deadlines, producing work of a good standard, protecting the client safety, understanding legislation) This is a balancing act between managing clients expectations, meeting their time frames and budgets in a way that is efficient, cost effect and doesn't either comprise on the services quality or own profitability 5. What requirements/ qualifications are necessary for the type of work you do? We generally state the minimum qualification is a relevant 2:1 degree and a good portfolio/showreel but what's more important is that the work in said showreel/portfolio is of degree gratitude quality. Fundamentally good raw skills in drawing, design & animation and good technical skills in the necessary software and technology. 6. What work do you enjoy doing the most? The two things I love most are tackling a difficult creative problem and succeeding and the simple pleasure of making things, play and building are ways to understand the world around us at a very primal and sincere way. 7. What’s your favourite piece of work? (Of your own or someone else’s) My favourite art work is Michelangelo's La Pieta (the pity) a sculpture of the Madonna holding the crucified body of her son. There are fundamentally two types of sculpture- additive and subtractive, additive is adding on pieces like you would with wet clay, subtractive means starting with a block and working inwards - like with marble in the instance of la Pieta. This means error is simply not an option, the piece had to be both painstakingly planned and executed when Michelangelo was chiselling into the stone. In terms of the composition, the piece is tragic, beautiful and balanced. The body of the Christ is slightly scaled down so as not to overwhelm the form of Madonna and also to reinforce the image of the grieving mother and her child. I love this piece so much I have a scaled plaster reproduction. Michelangelo on his death bed declared "I'm still learning". He is certainly one of my professional idols. 8. Why did you decide to become a digital artist? Legos and Jurassic Park! I was fascinated by the idea you could get paid to do your favourite thing! 9. Who are your favourite artists/ artists that inspire you? Do they have an influence on your work? Michelangelo definitely or Scott Eaton! Scott is a the modern Renaissance man, his career is the convergence of digital and classical sculpture, working on bronze public art pieces like his iconic Amy Winehouse statue and also on character sculpture for Hollywood (War Horse, Clash of the Titans etc) 10. Professionally, what’s your goal? John Lennon as a child in school was asked what he wanted to be when he was older and he said happy! The teacher replied "I'm sorry son you don't seem to understand the question" John said "No sir, you don't seem to understand life" 11. What advice would you give to an artist just starting out? Practice, practice, practice, find out your favourite path way, find a way to get paid doing that and if you don't know how to do something - google it or don't be afraid to ask someone who might know, I can't is a decision, not knowing but trying is the best way to learn! Concept ArtistOther than being a digital artist I am also interested in concept art and illustrating. So I did some research into this role to see what it requires and what kind of role you would need to fufill. Concept Artists start work at the beginning of pre-production, up to six months before filming is due to begin.
If the screenplay is an adaptation (for example, of a book), they analyse the descriptions in the original source material. They may work with Specialist Researchers who also help source and supply relevant information and materials. Concept Artists work in the art department studio alongside Draughtsmen and Specialist Researchers and often produce their drawings on a computer using Painter or Photoshop software. Concept Artists must produce illustrations that are striking but also accurate and clear. They work on illustrations throughout the shoot and may often be required to change and adapt their original ideas as filming progresses. They may also be involved in the development process, producing a series of illustrations that help to sell the film to potential Financiers and/or Distributors. Concept Artists work on a freelance basis. Their role is highly specialised and there is a limited demand for this work. To do this role, you will need to:
-Aim to focus on draughting skills, graphics and conceptualising ideas! References: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/3072_concept_artist http://www.filmdesigners.co.uk https://www.pluralsight.com/blog/career/how-to-be-a-successful-freelance-artisthttp://www.theartoffreelancing.com https://www.huffingtonpost.com/carlota-zimmerman/how-artists-can-use-socia_b_4756824.html https://www.nevuefineartmarketing.com/social-media-marketing/
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Additional notes can be seen on presentation along with references, download here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/30riy2fcemmyf3v/Placement%20%281%29.pptx?dl=0 |
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