Referencing!

In my seminar on Thursday the 29th of November, I found out that referencing does not have to be a chore! After going through the steps provided, and playing with the referencing options on Microsoft Office' word processor I realised it doesn't have to be time consuming. I previously was not aware this option was available. By using the referencing options I found that you can store and reuse your references at any time. Not only that but the word processor will also provide your reference list in alphabetical order. This was some what of a revelation. I dare say I will not go back to my old style of referencing again.

Xtranormal dot com.

After having the chance to create my own animation on 2animate I looked at an animation website called Xtranormal.com. The website provides members of the public who register an easy way to create their own animation. There are three types of account available ranging from a basic free package to a small fee package with extra features. There are a lot of story boards, characters and effects to chose from on the website, and easy step by step videos to watch.There is an option to view other members videos as well. I thought this was beneficial as it inspired me to want to create a video of my own. You can view these with out being a member, giving the public an inside look of what they could do were they to register. The website is linked to social networking sites such as twitter and face book, and gives you the option to share your video to these sites. Xtranormal.com also gives you the option to download videos to your desktop. I personally would use this website because I find it easy to use, and very appealing in the way it was designed. However I would like the option to make my own characters and sets as opposed to choosing from a list.

I have made an animation based on the well known saying 'An apple a day keeps the Doctor away'. I used a program called 2animate which made the process of animation much easier. I layered up images, each one with a slight difference from the last to create the allusion of the image moving. I found it to be a very useful program for children and people who are not confident on a computer. I chose the expression an apple a day keeps the doctor away because it is a well known saying that the majority of people are aware of. I have always used and referred to the expression so it is an expression I am comfortable with. I initially thought I would not enjoy the task as I am not confident drawing on a computer. However it turned out to be very fun, and I can see children thoroughly enjoying the experience and getting creative! I learnt that animation is in fact an illusion of a few simple photographs. I also learnt that the more subtle the movement the more realistic the allusion appeared. If the need to create an animation arose again I would definitely use this program. It was useful and easy to use.

An apple a day!

A story in 7 photos

Over the weekend I did my best to tell an interesting and unique story through a minimum of 7 photos. Below you can see what my outcome was. I took 7 photos of a combination of my own drawings, and my pet rabbit to create the illusion that my average sized rabbit was a giant monster rabbit attacking a village for carrots. The photos were taken in my home and I used an online photo editor to create the collage effect. I chose to add a small amount of writing just to ensure that there was a basic idea of what the story entailed. When I first received this task I thought it would be a rather simple one, however I was completely wrong. I personally found it quite challenging at first to limit a story down to seven photos that would successfully portray the tale I had in mind. I eventually decided to select three photos, a beginning, middle and an end. Once I had these photos I added the 'scenes' I preferred to fill the story. I made a list of seven scenes and then began to draw my 'sets’ as it were. Once I had done this it was just a case of getting my rabbit to pose for the camera. The story board did not turn out exactly how I'd planned due to a lack of materials and funding. I am however on the whole pleased with my work as I think it is quite creative and illustrates my personality effectively. I thoroughly enjoyed this task as it was different and involved thinking out side of the box.

Attack of the giant rabbit!

This is a mind map that I made using bubbl.us. Bubbl.us is a 2.0 web page which enables you to create mind maps which are perfect for revision or simply processing notes in a different and visually entertaining way. I was showed this website in my Visual communication seminar. I personally found it very useful as it enabled myself to reflect on my studies. I will definitely be using this mind mapping website in my future studies.