Continue making the props and set

I've been working on the room and furnitures for almost a week and I'm making a good progress. I'm also satisfied how the turned out the way I pictured them to be.

Evaluation on Skills:
As a perfectionist, I push myself really hard to achieve something that I want. Hence I've been working really hard on the props, hoping that they would turn out the way I imagined. The most difficult part was understanding the structure of props. I had to figure out how the shelves can hold on the wall, and how the sewing machine can actually function. But I actually found it exciting to learn and figure things out.

Evaluation on progression:
Unfortunately I'm still behind schedule, though I've been working really hard throughout the whole time. I would have to adjust my schedule later on, perhaps shortening the time on the filming and evaluating stage.

The Chalk and Stationaries

The Pin cushion and scissors

The Working Table

The sewing machine

Overall look of the room

The window and Cabinet

The Mannequin 

The sewing Machine

The Sewing Machine

Making of the Mannequin

The Sewing Machine

The sewing machine plays an important part in my animation. According to my animatic, there will be a few scenes involving the sewing machine --moving. So it is crucial for me to make a functional sewing machine. I have made some research on vintage sewing machine:

I tried to figure out how a sewing machine works mechanically. I've spent quite some time on it figuring out how it works. In the end I decided that my sewing machine would be too small to capture the exact function of a sewing machine. So I just make some of the important parts to move:

Evaluation on research:
I have done a lot of research on sewing machine. I've been looking at images, drawings and videos to figure out how it function. Though in the end I still can't find out how it actually connect from the paddle to the wheel, to the sewing machine, but I'm satisfied with my final outcome.

Paddle and wheel of my Sewing Machine

The overall look of my sewing machine

My painted sewing Machine

Final Group tutorials

It was the final group tutorial we have before spring break. I could only show them the few props I've made but that's about it. There's nothing further I can seek for their help since I've reached the prop making stage. Though my tutor has given me the final advice on using stop motion software. I'm not sure if I'm keen on purchasing any software but I might research on some later on.

Evaluation on my progress: 
I'm quite further away from schedule as making props take longer than I thought. I should procrastinate less and simply just focus on working fast and smart. There is time when I take too much time on just one prop since I was working on the details. I must learn how to loosen up a bit and understand less is more.

The Pictures and Cabinet

Another Cabinet with a drawes

Making of the Set and props

I began with deciding on the size of the rooms and flooring plan of the room and furnitures. This involved a lot of measuring and calculation which I loathe. I have placed my Tailor puppet in the middle of the room to test on the size of the props:

Testing of the size of the Set

Then I sort of just revolve the measurements around the Tailor, so that everything would look right with him. I've also started working on the smaller props, like the fabric rolls, the thread and the pictures on the cabinets. 

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

The Ribbon rolls 

The Threads

The Fabric rolls 

Plasticine and sculpture!

After making the armature, I begin to sculpt the Tailor with plasticine. It does took me quite a while since it's the first time I've made a puppet of this size. I had only made small, palm-size armatures before. 

Evaluation on Material (Plasticine):

It is not my first time working with plasticine but still I find it difficult due to the size of my puppet. Although I have worked my way out and discovering how to work with it. For example if the plasticine get harder, I can simply blow it with a hair dryer to make it soft again with the hot air. Using modeling tools for aid is also very important. Since there is always some detailed part that I can't sculpt with my fingers. 

Evaluation on my skill:

I think I have improved my sculpting skill as the Tailor came out the way I pictured and drew. I was delighted when I was complimented by my peers. Also after completing it, the Tailor is able to stand and balance, which I was satisfied about. Though I must somehow work faster as according to my action plan, I'm a bit behind schedule. 

Close up of the Tailor's face

The Tailor. 

Making of the Tailor Puppet

I've started on working on my puppets, props and sets. Making the armature is harder than I thought. As it is the base/foundation of the puppet so you have to be certain that it is stable, movable and in the right size.

The Armature of the Tailor Puppet

Evaluation of materials I've used: 

1. Wire: I did not use the aluminum wire for armature puppets as it's unaccessible for me. So I simply use regular wire from the hardware shop. It is stable especially when I've bound two pieces of wire together, but turn out it is pretty hard to move around and hold. Which is not effective as it is suppose to move around freely for animating. 

2. Styrofoam: It is indeed very light so it gives no burden to the body at all. Hence the armature is able to balance properly. It is also really easy to cut into the shape I desire. 

3. Organic planting pots: I have not thought of using this material until I found them in a pound shop. Not only it is inexpensive, it is light, easy to cut and attach. It is the perfect size for the body as well. One criticism is that it does not provide enough stability due to its light weight. 

Overall, I think the armature is successful though I did not use the traditional method and tools. It's able to move but not as smooth as I thought. But it is very light yet able to balance. 

Group tutorial

During the group tutorial today, I have presented to my group mates my animatic. I was content to know that they too find it effective. They had also given me the following suggestions/comment:

1. When the daughter glanced around the room, she would be able to see the tailor and the dress during the first rotation. Then the she quickly looked back to the spot where the tailor was standing, but he'd be gone by then.
2. To test if my animatic work, I can take pictures of the characters and the scene accordingly to the scenes and poses. Then put it together as sort of a film sequence/animatic.

My tutor had also commented on my animatic. She suggested to adjust some of the scenes. For example when the daughter opens the door, it can be from the outside instead of the inside. Also it is better to not to show her face as she picks up the stationaries.

I find it really useful to talk to my peers and tutor as they always have different yet useful insights and suggestions. I have learnt to consider other alternative scenes and develop my storyboard. As well as to test my animatic with the actual puppets and sets. Since experiment can help me understand what would work and what wouldn't work.