415: Second Time Around

As I embark on my final semester at Penn State Abington, my primary goal this time around is to complete a project in full. Perhaps my past endeavors were marked with ambition that didn’t fit a semester’s time frame. And that’s okay, because personally, those projects were complete. They did the job they were meant to do, for me. However, I understand that outside eyes might not see it that way. It’s why this second time around, I’d like to complete a project that is not only complete, but feels complete as well. It’s my last hurrah.

So here is the official thesis goal for my project, for all the academics out there:

This project aims to explore the complex relationships between narrative, media and communication, specifically between dimensions in apparel and 2d formats. The goal is to understand how these relationships come together to create iconic figures, brands, and communities known as fandoms.

How I plan to execute this, while remains to be seen, will be documented on my blog for one final time. Time to go find other free webspace for after graduation. I should’ve made that a goal as well.

To accompany this thesis, is the semiotic square, not unlike the last time I was in the 415 course. Below is my new square, a sort of visual representation

of my goals for the semester.

Semiotic Square for 415 II

Formal Thesis for 415

Animation has long been used a tool to tell a story, express a narrative, and create a new world. The use of time and motion artfully activate an illusion that draws the audience in. With the software, Open Toonz, I will explore the concepts of time, motion, and story telling through 2D animation to generate an illustrative narrative and illusion.

Semiotic Square

Okay, so perhaps my first post wasn’t completely true; 415 isn’t about complete and toatal independence. There will still be a schedule and deadlines and activties meant to guide us to our ultimate objectives. One of those activities came in the form of a square. A semiotic square.

The dictionary definition of a semiotic square is  is a tool used in structural analysis of the relationships between semiotic signs through the opposition of concepts. In other words, it’s a bunch of words and oppoiste words all linked together til they form a square. It’s easier said then done. The point of the square is to find concepts and find the connections between them. For example, a square can include the concepts, of round-not round, light-dark, etc. The point of our semiotic squares in 415 was to help locate where we stand on the aritst spectrum in relation to the class.

In other words, where are you (artisitically) and what do you want to do?

I admit, I at first I didn’t understand the purpose of the square. I already know where I am – like to hand draw – and what I want to do — I want to 2D anminate! Duh. But after completing the square I relalized I wanted more than that. I want to use my animations to engage my audience in a story, an illusion. That’s where I fall on the spectrum. Not that I don’t wnat to do other things; I do. But now I have a clear starting goal and frame of reference.

So here is my square (click on image):

And on this square I fall into the illusion category. But as I said before, that doesn’t mean that I will not be incorporting the other concepts, like narrative ans symbols into my work; I will! But will this square my objective feel a little more clear.

Welcome to 415!

… And the new semester.

This semester is all about 415, a course best described as student driven. We will be working on our own independent timelines and objectives which will result in a final project by the end of the semester. There are no assignments this time; it’s all curiated by us. Some of my classmates will be returning Maya, I will be embarking on a new journey: Open Toonz. It is software used for 2d animation. It’s a whole new program, released to the public at the end of last year. What does that mean? No Lynda tutorials (yet). I’m more or less, on my own! While it is a bit daunting, since conquering Maya (well, more like compromising), I’m confident that I can do this too. And it’s “write” up my pencil-and-paper alley.

Puns, aside, the fuction of my blog will remain relatively the same. I will post about my progress and my thoughts here, probabaly in a more free formed as opposed to streamlined since my regimen will be completely up to me. It should make for a fun and interesting semester. Who knows – maybe I could even add Maya into the mix.