Think Think Think...

Here's a shot I've been waiting to pull back out! Got a few pushes to add this one back into my reel (Thanks Belen!) I've always liked the frantic feeling in this shot and the overlapping ideas, but had issues with the ring proposal scene at the beginning. After cutting it, I think it feels a lot better. Still some things to fix up on it, but maybe worth revisiting now.

I've also been hunting for some new dialogue to start a fresh shot with. Wanna try a woman/girl and something lighter and funnier. I don't have much comedy on my reel as is, which is kinda ironic considering my usually upbeat personality. I think that why I enjoyed working on the kid's "Forts" shot so much. I included the video from each clip just as reference for some ideas, but I would like to stray from the setup of the originals. The last shot is more physical and not as funny, maybe something I'd want to try later with two sisters arguing.

I've been doing a lot of thinking recently about what is really important in that next big step in a persons career. And what it really boils down to is, "What are you going to learn from this experience?" Growing as an artist, sharing ideas and learning with others is what it's really all about! It's a concept I think most creative people understand, but every once and a while something pops up just to remind you. You have to love what you do and do what you love, right!?

"Keep moving forward..."

Demo Reel Update

Hey Everyone! Just a friendly reminder that I've updated my demo reel with a new shot and a few adjustments! Still some things I wanna fix of course but for now it's gotta be called "done". Look out for more updates soonish.

Take Care! :)

Off to CTN Animation Expo 2012!

Hey Guys!!! Well it's time for this years CTN Animation Expo and I'm starting my trip out to Burbank in just a few hours. So excited for this years conference and the artists and studios attending! It'll be really nice to meet up with friends again, too :)

So as usual, just in time for the conference I put together a new demo reel with a few new shots and some adjustments. Check it out below!!!

But wait, there's more! I started this new shot just a week ago and unfortunately wasn't able to get it fully baked before heading out to CTN. So here is the latest that I have been working on, it's somewhere near a Spline/Polish pass right now with PLENTY more to do. Can't wait to get back and finish this one up ;)

So that's about all for now! Stay tuned for more updates and pics from the conference and take care everybody!

Updates!!!

Hey Everyone! Just posting an update since it's been a little while. Been working on a few things right now and tweaking a couple shots in preparation for CTN 2012!!!!! I'm so excited to go to the conference this year, tons of crazy awesome talks and demos on the schedule. Not to mention all the great studios and networking opportunities!

So first up is a walk cycle test I have been working on. Haven't worked with the Malcolm Rig before (from AnimSchool) but I know I'll use him in some future projects since it turned out to be such a fantastic rig:

Next is an update on the elephant shot! I took a little break from it for a bit, but I have been trying to wrap it up lately to put on my reel for CTN:

That's all for now guys, should have a brand new reel up in the next few weeks so stay tuned and take it easy!!

Elephant Shot Update #1

Hey Everyone! I know it's been a little while since my last update, but I've been pretty busy ;) I had an amazing time at the Animation Mentor Graduation and it was awesome to meet up with friends old and new! The extended vacation was great too and I loved exploring the West Coast!

I've also been working on this new shot starring.... AN ELEPHANT! Crazy right, it's an elephant. Things have been pretty complicated so far, but it's been a HUGE learning experience. Maybe because this is my first "real" quadruped? Maybe it's because I thought it was a good idea to do more than just a walk cycle? Or maybe it's just all the hours of elephant documentaries corrupting my brain, haha.

Regardless, here is the latest. Things are "splined" but since it requires a better understanding of the weight shifting over the feet I had to go into it earlier. I usually don't spline until I have tons of keys/breakdowns and I'm ready to polish, so it's tough to gauge how far along it is, probably blocking plus stage. Hope you like it and as always feedback it greatly appreciated!!!

Take it easy guys!

New Demo Reel & Graduation

**Well it looks like a new Demo Reel is up!**

And just in time for my trip out to San Francisco/Los Angeles for Animation Mentor Graduation!!! I'm soooo excited to finally travel out to California, see the AM Headquarters, maybe a couple studios and of course celebrate with the Animation Mentor family! There's so much to do and I don't even know where to start.... probably finish packing would be a good idea  :P

Can't wait to see everyone and hope you enjoy my new reel! Take it easy!  :)

"Forts Don't Have Carpet!" Spline

Hey Guys! Just an update for the week, the "Forts" shot is making it's way through splining and into the polish phase. Still a lot of details to work through, eye darts, fingers, some more tracking, etc. It'll be finished soon and on a new reel for my trip out to grad so stay tuned!

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/738545/AM/Class%2007/Spline_v011.mov

Take it easy!
Zach

What's this.... a new post!?

Hey Guys! So it's been quite a while since my last post here. After finishing AM I haven't had the Sunday deadline reminder to post, but here's a little update. Since animation is a reflection of life, I've been trying to get outside more often, get a bit more sleep than usual and take the weekends "off" and visit the beach. It's been fun, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm not getting as much accomplished, haha.

Soooo onward to my latest shot! I realized many of my acting shots on my reel were more serious, dramatic and even darker in tone than I wanted. Time to try something that better reflects my own personality :)

or check this link:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/738545/AM/Class%2007/BlockingPlus_v018.mov

It's close to a blocking plus stage... needs work in some spots and I have a million things on my list- but you get the idea :P Hoping to have it wrapped up soon, I know this summer is gonna be a crazy one with conferences and graduation and the overall job hunt- but I'll try to keep the blog updated more often!

Take it easy everyone!

Spreading the Reels :)

Forgot to post this a few weeks ago :P

A very nice post that mentions some of my AM classmates as well as my reel! Thanks a bunch for the compliments Alonso! And keep up the amazing work you guys!

http://monotremedreams.blogspot.ca/2012/05/kind-of-depressing-to-find-strong-reels.html

Latest Demo Reel, Goodbye AM

Hey Everybody! I've finally gotten the time to put my latest reel together, rendered and all! Please take into consideration that I am by no means a professional lighter, but I do think it helps finalize and add a bit more appeal to the shots. Now on to bigger and better shots and with a little luck maybe I'll be able to jump start my animation career :)

I am really going to miss my time as a student at Animation Mentor but I will be back in just a couple more weeks as a Peer Buddy leaving feedback on everyone's assignments! I really appreciate the support and feedback from the AM community, you guys have been so awesome and I know I couldn't have improved or developed my skills as much without you. Thanks to the students, staff, mentors and of course founders for putting together such an amazing school. I wish you all the best in the future :)

Take it easy!