I had been excited about using Paul Pope’s Batman: Year 100 graphic novel as the basis for my digital motion final project but I was never able to successfully communicate with him about securing the rights to do use his artwork. After a short foray into the idea of a more socially conscious topic I returned to my idea of animating a graphic novel. As this project will be submitted to Adobe’s 2006 Design Achievement Awards (deadline April 28), and possibly Stash DVD’s 2006 Global Student Animation Awards (deadline June 1) and Resfest (deadline May 12) my goal was to find a graphic novel licensed under Creative Commons. After some searching I came across NYC 2123, a futuristic, post-apocalyptic, noirish, science fiction “graphic novel for the PSP” that is equal parts William Gibson’s Neuromancer and Neal Stephenson’ Snow Crash. Better yet, I was able to get in touch with the creators who encourage derivative works and they’re looking forward to what I come up with.

http://www.nyc2123.com

After being mentioned by several professors, most recently by Jun Sassa, I visited Zakka Corp. at 147 Grand Street, between Lafayette and Crosby (google map). The rumors are true about this being a place for inspiration, after a much too short visit I can now say that I have a new favorite store in NYC (did I have a favorite store before?).

… a personality test administered by Jun Sassa.

Imagine you are walking through a forest, what animal are you? What animal comes to mind first? You come across another animal, what is it? You approach a dwelling, what type is it? You enter the dwelling and there is a table, how many legs does it have? On the table is a vase, how much water is in it? How many flowers are held inside?

I am walking through a forest with thick vegetation, abundant flora and fauna much like a rain forest or jungle. I am a black panther, stealthy, calm, curious and I come across a gecko, the gecko from Geicko, who is also curious and is swift. The dwelling I approach is a thatched hut made of grass that looks like it belongs in the forest. It is a modest, circular structure that is flooded with warmth and filtered sun. It is a comfortable place which emanates a sense of calm serenity. The table inside looks as if it sprouted from the floor or hewn from a single, mammoth tree. It has four legs. On top of the table rests a vase who’s water has dried up and which holds a single dried flower.

Apparently this means that I see myself as the black panther, stealthy, calm, and curious. My ideal mate is like the gecko, swift and curious. My current situation in life is represented by the dwelling. Simple and modest, circular with no corners, and made of natural materials. The four legs of the table represent stability. My creative well is reflected by the amount of water in the vase, uh oh. I’m all out of ideas? or is this evident of the space for new ideas waiting to come about? As for the single, dried flower, this is my love life?!? Am I dead inside romantically? or am I simply happy in my current relationship and am simply not on the look out for someone else?

And seriously, what does this have to do with digital motion?

Some good motion graphics resources brought up in class:
www.pleix.net
www.kentanabe.com

and one more for good measure:
videos.antville.org (rss)

Our first project will involve compositing text or imaginary objects into a physical space in a manner which looks convincing. I asked Jun if I could submit something that I am working on outside of class, the LOONER music video that I shot over winter break. This would do double duty and make my life easier but I also have some other ideas …