Here is the link to my final website. I don't know if anyone else had this problem, but I had all my images in a separate folder on my onid. But when they were in that folder, I got a 403 Forbidden message that said I needed to change the permissions. So I just took them out of that folder and they work just fine now - weird...
Anywho, here it is:
http://www.oregonstate.edu/~cespedes
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Website Code
Here is my site so far:
CLICK ME TO SEE!
I haven't added anything pretty yet (obviously), and my content will be added later.
CLICK ME TO SEE!
I haven't added anything pretty yet (obviously), and my content will be added later.
Website Crit #3
http://www.vectorize.de/index_old.html
NAVIGATION:
Is it easy to navigate or difficult?
It’s easy.
How are you led through the site?
Through a very tiny set of drop down menus and submenus.
What visual clues are given to tell you how to interact?
Things change colors, make sounds, and change form when you mouse-over them.
Does the designer use a metaphors to get you to move through the website?
Yes.
What Kind of metaphors are used? Organizational Metaphors = (organized by type, kind etc…); Functional Metaphors = performs a “real world” function (in Photoshop you can figuratively “cut” and “paste”) or Visual Metaphors (common graphic elements familiar to
most – the traditional “play”, “fast-forward”, “rewind” buttons found on CD players)
There is an “enter” button from the splash page. There are also “next” buttons throughout.
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE:
Does the information in the site make sense?
This layout is very basic and the information flow makes sense.
Can you access the content you want easily?
No! The type is too small to read and the extra windows that pop up clutter the space.
How is the content organized? (By location, alphabet, timeline, category, etc? )
It’s organized by pertinence and importance in the site. But the splash page really doesn’t have much organization. It’s very hard to find anything unless you read the whole thing.
Is there visual and content hierarchy that allows you to easily understand and access the information presented to you?
The text size and color is a big indicator.
USABILITY
Is this site easy to use?
It’s pretty intuitive what you should click on next, but it’s too small to be sure of what you’re clicking on.
How do the above two concepts, navigation and information architecture, work in terms of making the site usable or not?
The formal layout based on putting the most pertinent information first really creates an easy flow. But the text size and the pink on shades of gray don’t create very visible content. Also the way that extra windows pop up instead of just navigating through one window is incredibly annoying and cumbersome.
Do the metaphors make sense with the content?
There really aren’t any metaphors other than an “enter” button, which makes sense.
Overall- does the site sustain your interest and engagement?
No - I get frustrated with the tiny type and small structure.
MEANING-MAKING: (Narrative and Metaphoric Structures)
In what way is the designer creating meaning in this site?
There’s really just a file-flow like system such as the one in your computer. One menu leads to a submenu, which leads to content. There really isn’t a detailed overall meaning.
Are they using metaphor? (Remember, metaphor is very common in our experience with computers, sometimes so common we don’t even realize we are using it, i.e. the desktop, cutting and pasting, file systems, buttons, etc.).
There’s the file flow, then there are “enter” and “next” buttons.
Is there a narrative, story or event that unfolds over time?
No, most things are just information.
Is this narrative linear, non-linear, or multi-linear?
I don’t think there is a narrative.
REFLECTION OF THE USER:
Is there a reflection of you, as the user, on this site?
A little bit.
Does it change according to your specific visit?
Yes. The icons that you’ve visited stay highlighted so you can see where you’ve been.
Do you receive mouse feedback? text feedback?
There is a great deal of mouse feedback. The text colors change when you mouse over them. There are also sounds when you mouse over text. Images move, buttons create masks on images, etc.
Does the site store any choices you have made?
No.
Are you engaged enough in the site to linger and explore.
Yes, but again, the small text size makes me skim over all the text and the extra windows make me less apt to try to navigate myself back through the channels.
TRANSPERANCY OF DESIGN:
Does the design of the site lead you to pay more attention to the content or to the design itself?
The design is clearly the main attraction. The only content they have is so small that I can barely see any of it. And what little tastes I do get aren’t enough to get me to open the larger views.
Does the design feel transparent or “natural”, leading you to focus on the content and forget the design completely?
No.
Or – Is attention called more to the design itself?
Yes.
Does the transparency or lack of transparency of the design make sense with what the site is intending to do?
No it’s doesn’t seem to make sense. If it’s telling what this company does, it should show more of the products. Its main focus seems to be on the transitions. They have very cool effects, but the small samples and small text create very disinterested viewers.
NAVIGATION:
Is it easy to navigate or difficult?
It’s easy.
How are you led through the site?
Through a very tiny set of drop down menus and submenus.
What visual clues are given to tell you how to interact?
Things change colors, make sounds, and change form when you mouse-over them.
Does the designer use a metaphors to get you to move through the website?
Yes.
What Kind of metaphors are used? Organizational Metaphors = (organized by type, kind etc…); Functional Metaphors = performs a “real world” function (in Photoshop you can figuratively “cut” and “paste”) or Visual Metaphors (common graphic elements familiar to
most – the traditional “play”, “fast-forward”, “rewind” buttons found on CD players)
There is an “enter” button from the splash page. There are also “next” buttons throughout.
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE:
Does the information in the site make sense?
This layout is very basic and the information flow makes sense.
Can you access the content you want easily?
No! The type is too small to read and the extra windows that pop up clutter the space.
How is the content organized? (By location, alphabet, timeline, category, etc? )
It’s organized by pertinence and importance in the site. But the splash page really doesn’t have much organization. It’s very hard to find anything unless you read the whole thing.
Is there visual and content hierarchy that allows you to easily understand and access the information presented to you?
The text size and color is a big indicator.
USABILITY
Is this site easy to use?
It’s pretty intuitive what you should click on next, but it’s too small to be sure of what you’re clicking on.
How do the above two concepts, navigation and information architecture, work in terms of making the site usable or not?
The formal layout based on putting the most pertinent information first really creates an easy flow. But the text size and the pink on shades of gray don’t create very visible content. Also the way that extra windows pop up instead of just navigating through one window is incredibly annoying and cumbersome.
Do the metaphors make sense with the content?
There really aren’t any metaphors other than an “enter” button, which makes sense.
Overall- does the site sustain your interest and engagement?
No - I get frustrated with the tiny type and small structure.
MEANING-MAKING: (Narrative and Metaphoric Structures)
In what way is the designer creating meaning in this site?
There’s really just a file-flow like system such as the one in your computer. One menu leads to a submenu, which leads to content. There really isn’t a detailed overall meaning.
Are they using metaphor? (Remember, metaphor is very common in our experience with computers, sometimes so common we don’t even realize we are using it, i.e. the desktop, cutting and pasting, file systems, buttons, etc.).
There’s the file flow, then there are “enter” and “next” buttons.
Is there a narrative, story or event that unfolds over time?
No, most things are just information.
Is this narrative linear, non-linear, or multi-linear?
I don’t think there is a narrative.
REFLECTION OF THE USER:
Is there a reflection of you, as the user, on this site?
A little bit.
Does it change according to your specific visit?
Yes. The icons that you’ve visited stay highlighted so you can see where you’ve been.
Do you receive mouse feedback? text feedback?
There is a great deal of mouse feedback. The text colors change when you mouse over them. There are also sounds when you mouse over text. Images move, buttons create masks on images, etc.
Does the site store any choices you have made?
No.
Are you engaged enough in the site to linger and explore.
Yes, but again, the small text size makes me skim over all the text and the extra windows make me less apt to try to navigate myself back through the channels.
TRANSPERANCY OF DESIGN:
Does the design of the site lead you to pay more attention to the content or to the design itself?
The design is clearly the main attraction. The only content they have is so small that I can barely see any of it. And what little tastes I do get aren’t enough to get me to open the larger views.
Does the design feel transparent or “natural”, leading you to focus on the content and forget the design completely?
No.
Or – Is attention called more to the design itself?
Yes.
Does the transparency or lack of transparency of the design make sense with what the site is intending to do?
No it’s doesn’t seem to make sense. If it’s telling what this company does, it should show more of the products. Its main focus seems to be on the transitions. They have very cool effects, but the small samples and small text create very disinterested viewers.
Website Crit #2
http://struckcreative.com/
NAVIGATION:
Is it easy to navigate or difficult?
It is easy.
How are you led through the site?
There is a more traditional layout style, but the effects on the text and images is what makes this site interesting.
What visual clues are given to tell you how to interact?
Things change colors, make sounds, and change form when you mouse-over them.
Does the designer use a metaphors to get you to move through the website?
Yes
What Kind of metaphors are used? Organizational Metaphors = (organized by type, kind etc…); Functional Metaphors = performs a “real world” function (in Photoshop you can figuratively “cut” and “paste”) or Visual Metaphors (common graphic elements familiar to
most – the traditional “play”, “fast-forward”, “rewind” buttons found on CD players)
There are forward and back buttons.
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE:
Does the information in the site make sense?
This layout is very clear and everything has a flow that makes sense and makes the information make sense.
Can you access the content you want easily?
Yes, and it’s easy to find your back and forth through the menus. The constant upper menu bar is very helpful and makes me feel grounded in the site.
How is the content organized? (By location, alphabet, timeline, category, etc? )
It’s organized in a kind of “getting to know us” way. What I mean is there’s the main page, “about us,” then “our work,” then other details, and finally “contact us.” I would say that it’s organized by importance of information as well.
Is there visual and content hierarchy that allows you to easily understand and access the information presented to you?
The text size and color is a big indicator.
USABILITY
Is this site easy to use?
Yes, it is very easy.
How do the above two concepts, navigation and information architecture, work in terms of making the site usable or not?
The formal layout based on putting the most pertinent information first really creates an easy flow. Once key element in creating that ease within the viewer is the upper menu bar that stays constant. This gives you a kind of bread crumb trail to know where you are and where you can go.
Do the metaphors make sense with the content?
Yes, what little metaphors there are make sense and don’t clutter.
Overall- does the site sustain your interest and engagement?
Yes it does. There is enough variety yet predictability to make me engaged and not feel overwhelmed.
MEANING-MAKING: (Narrative and Metaphoric Structures)
In what way is the designer creating meaning in this site?
There’s really just a file-flow like system such as the one in your computer. One menu leads to a submenu, which leads to content. There really isn’t a detailed overall meaning.
Are they using metaphor? (Remember, metaphor is very common in our experience with computers, sometimes so common we don’t even realize we are using it, i.e. the desktop, cutting and pasting, file systems, buttons, etc.).
There’s the file flow, then there are forward and back buttons.
Is there a narrative, story or event that unfolds over time?
No, most things are just information.
Is this narrative linear, non-linear, or multi-linear?
I don’t think there is a narrative.
REFLECTION OF THE USER:
Is there a reflection of you, as the user, on this site?
No.
Does it change according to your specific visit?
No.
Do you receive mouse feedback? text feedback?
There is a great deal of mouse feedback. The text colors change when you mouse over them, and the text rotates around to reveal that other color. There are also sounds when you mouse over text. Images revolve, drop down menus pop up, etc.
Does the site store any choices you have made?
No.
Are you engaged enough in the site to linger and explore.
Yes.
TRANSPERANCY OF DESIGN:
Does the design of the site lead you to pay more attention to the content or to the design itself?
The clear design definitely makes the content take the spotlight. Though the design is engaging, it’s not over the top so much that I ignore the content. There’s a nice balance.
Does the design feel transparent or “natural”, leading you to focus on the content and forget the design completely?
Yes.
Or – Is attention called more to the design itself?
No.
Does the transparency or lack of transparency of the design make sense with what the site is intending to do?
Yes, it seems very professional and it lets the impressive content speak for itself.
NAVIGATION:
Is it easy to navigate or difficult?
It is easy.
How are you led through the site?
There is a more traditional layout style, but the effects on the text and images is what makes this site interesting.
What visual clues are given to tell you how to interact?
Things change colors, make sounds, and change form when you mouse-over them.
Does the designer use a metaphors to get you to move through the website?
Yes
What Kind of metaphors are used? Organizational Metaphors = (organized by type, kind etc…); Functional Metaphors = performs a “real world” function (in Photoshop you can figuratively “cut” and “paste”) or Visual Metaphors (common graphic elements familiar to
most – the traditional “play”, “fast-forward”, “rewind” buttons found on CD players)
There are forward and back buttons.
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE:
Does the information in the site make sense?
This layout is very clear and everything has a flow that makes sense and makes the information make sense.
Can you access the content you want easily?
Yes, and it’s easy to find your back and forth through the menus. The constant upper menu bar is very helpful and makes me feel grounded in the site.
How is the content organized? (By location, alphabet, timeline, category, etc? )
It’s organized in a kind of “getting to know us” way. What I mean is there’s the main page, “about us,” then “our work,” then other details, and finally “contact us.” I would say that it’s organized by importance of information as well.
Is there visual and content hierarchy that allows you to easily understand and access the information presented to you?
The text size and color is a big indicator.
USABILITY
Is this site easy to use?
Yes, it is very easy.
How do the above two concepts, navigation and information architecture, work in terms of making the site usable or not?
The formal layout based on putting the most pertinent information first really creates an easy flow. Once key element in creating that ease within the viewer is the upper menu bar that stays constant. This gives you a kind of bread crumb trail to know where you are and where you can go.
Do the metaphors make sense with the content?
Yes, what little metaphors there are make sense and don’t clutter.
Overall- does the site sustain your interest and engagement?
Yes it does. There is enough variety yet predictability to make me engaged and not feel overwhelmed.
MEANING-MAKING: (Narrative and Metaphoric Structures)
In what way is the designer creating meaning in this site?
There’s really just a file-flow like system such as the one in your computer. One menu leads to a submenu, which leads to content. There really isn’t a detailed overall meaning.
Are they using metaphor? (Remember, metaphor is very common in our experience with computers, sometimes so common we don’t even realize we are using it, i.e. the desktop, cutting and pasting, file systems, buttons, etc.).
There’s the file flow, then there are forward and back buttons.
Is there a narrative, story or event that unfolds over time?
No, most things are just information.
Is this narrative linear, non-linear, or multi-linear?
I don’t think there is a narrative.
REFLECTION OF THE USER:
Is there a reflection of you, as the user, on this site?
No.
Does it change according to your specific visit?
No.
Do you receive mouse feedback? text feedback?
There is a great deal of mouse feedback. The text colors change when you mouse over them, and the text rotates around to reveal that other color. There are also sounds when you mouse over text. Images revolve, drop down menus pop up, etc.
Does the site store any choices you have made?
No.
Are you engaged enough in the site to linger and explore.
Yes.
TRANSPERANCY OF DESIGN:
Does the design of the site lead you to pay more attention to the content or to the design itself?
The clear design definitely makes the content take the spotlight. Though the design is engaging, it’s not over the top so much that I ignore the content. There’s a nice balance.
Does the design feel transparent or “natural”, leading you to focus on the content and forget the design completely?
Yes.
Or – Is attention called more to the design itself?
No.
Does the transparency or lack of transparency of the design make sense with what the site is intending to do?
Yes, it seems very professional and it lets the impressive content speak for itself.
Oops! Website Crit #1
Apparently I've forgotten to post these! Sorry!
http://www.appetiteengineers.com/
NAVIGATION:
Is it easy to navigate or difficult?
It’s easy to get to things, but it’s hard to find your way back through the menus. The “back” icons aren’t put in predictable places.
How are you led through the site?
With links and drop-down-type menus and other menus that fan out/grow out of graphic elements.
What visual clues are given to tell you how to interact?
Things change colors when you mouse-over them which makes you think you should click on them.
Does the designer use a metaphors to get you to move through the website?
Yes
What Kind of metaphors are used? Organizational Metaphors = (organized by type, kind etc…); Functional Metaphors = performs a “real world” function (in Photoshop you can figuratively “cut” and “paste”) or Visual Metaphors (common graphic elements familiar to
most – the traditional “play”, “fast-forward”, “rewind” buttons found on CD players)
They have a kind of file system/flow. It also has virtual books of their work.
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE:
Does the information in the site make sense?
The first page makes sense, but after that the information seems a little jumbled. Maybe this is just because the structure is unpredictable. I don’t know what’s going to come up, where it’s going to appear, or how to get back to where I came from.
Can you access the content you want easily?
It’s a little confusing because you don’t have the usual vocabulary. I expect it to say: about us, portfolio, mission statement, contact us etc. But since those keywords aren’t there, it makes it a little harder to find.
How is the content organized? (By location, alphabet, timeline, category, etc? )
On the front page the content was organized by importance, but everything after that doesn’t have organization. It’s not even organized chronologically.
Is there visual and content hierarchy that allows you to easily understand and access the information presented to you?
The text size goes from large (with fewer options) to smaller (with more options) to images (which are thumbnails of each piece)
USABILITY
Is this site easy to use?
It’s easy to get to things, but harder to get back unless you really look and investigate.
How do the above two concepts, navigation and information architecture, work in terms of making the site usable or not?
The navigation is very unique. It’s not just your basic series of drop-down menus. Again, I think that the difficulty to find the “back” buttons make the site easily usable in one way, but not usable after you get through the site map in one channel.
Do the metaphors make sense with the content?
Well the paint splatters and virtual books make sense, but the cats all over the site, that serve as some of the transitions don’t make sense. I suppose cats are in their theme, in which case I guess they make sense.
Overall- does the site sustain your interest and engagement?
For a while it does. The colors and images are bright and the layout is unique. However, the type gets so small that I don’t want to work that hard to read everything, and when I couldn’t find the “back” button right away I lost interest.
MEANING-MAKING: (Narrative and Metaphoric Structures)
In what way is the designer creating meaning in this site?
It’s sort of a collaged non-sensical collection of images. It just makes it fun and funky.
Are they using metaphor? (Remember, metaphor is very common in our experience with computers, sometimes so common we don’t even realize we are using it, i.e. the desktop, cutting and pasting, file systems, buttons, etc.).
There’s the file flow, then there’s a “close” button, when really you’re just navigating to the previous page.
Is there a narrative, story or event that unfolds over time?
No, most things are just random images or graphic elements.
Is this narrative linear, non-linear, or multi-linear?
I don’t think there is a narrative other than one of the cats pulling down the information like a window shade for a transition.
REFLECTION OF THE USER:
Is there a reflection of you, as the user, on this site?
No.
Does it change according to your specific visit?
No.
Do you receive mouse feedback? text feedback?
There is a great deal of mouse feedback. The colors of different elements change when you mouse over them. Some images even toggle back and forth when you have your mouse over them versus when you don’t.
Does the site store any choices you have made?
No.
Are you engaged enough in the site to linger and explore.
Not especially.
TRANSPERANCY OF DESIGN:
Does the design of the site lead you to pay more attention to the content or to the design itself?
Definitely to the design; the bright colors, odd images, unique transitions, etc. draw my eye away from the content.
Does the design feel transparent or “natural”, leading you to focus on the content and forget the design completely?
No.
Or – Is attention called more to the design itself?
There is more attention on the design itself. The content is cool, but it’s lost in the design.
Does the transparency or lack of transparency of the design make sense with what the site is intending to do?
No it doesn’t make sense and really competes with the content.
http://www.appetiteengineers.com/
NAVIGATION:
Is it easy to navigate or difficult?
It’s easy to get to things, but it’s hard to find your way back through the menus. The “back” icons aren’t put in predictable places.
How are you led through the site?
With links and drop-down-type menus and other menus that fan out/grow out of graphic elements.
What visual clues are given to tell you how to interact?
Things change colors when you mouse-over them which makes you think you should click on them.
Does the designer use a metaphors to get you to move through the website?
Yes
What Kind of metaphors are used? Organizational Metaphors = (organized by type, kind etc…); Functional Metaphors = performs a “real world” function (in Photoshop you can figuratively “cut” and “paste”) or Visual Metaphors (common graphic elements familiar to
most – the traditional “play”, “fast-forward”, “rewind” buttons found on CD players)
They have a kind of file system/flow. It also has virtual books of their work.
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE:
Does the information in the site make sense?
The first page makes sense, but after that the information seems a little jumbled. Maybe this is just because the structure is unpredictable. I don’t know what’s going to come up, where it’s going to appear, or how to get back to where I came from.
Can you access the content you want easily?
It’s a little confusing because you don’t have the usual vocabulary. I expect it to say: about us, portfolio, mission statement, contact us etc. But since those keywords aren’t there, it makes it a little harder to find.
How is the content organized? (By location, alphabet, timeline, category, etc? )
On the front page the content was organized by importance, but everything after that doesn’t have organization. It’s not even organized chronologically.
Is there visual and content hierarchy that allows you to easily understand and access the information presented to you?
The text size goes from large (with fewer options) to smaller (with more options) to images (which are thumbnails of each piece)
USABILITY
Is this site easy to use?
It’s easy to get to things, but harder to get back unless you really look and investigate.
How do the above two concepts, navigation and information architecture, work in terms of making the site usable or not?
The navigation is very unique. It’s not just your basic series of drop-down menus. Again, I think that the difficulty to find the “back” buttons make the site easily usable in one way, but not usable after you get through the site map in one channel.
Do the metaphors make sense with the content?
Well the paint splatters and virtual books make sense, but the cats all over the site, that serve as some of the transitions don’t make sense. I suppose cats are in their theme, in which case I guess they make sense.
Overall- does the site sustain your interest and engagement?
For a while it does. The colors and images are bright and the layout is unique. However, the type gets so small that I don’t want to work that hard to read everything, and when I couldn’t find the “back” button right away I lost interest.
MEANING-MAKING: (Narrative and Metaphoric Structures)
In what way is the designer creating meaning in this site?
It’s sort of a collaged non-sensical collection of images. It just makes it fun and funky.
Are they using metaphor? (Remember, metaphor is very common in our experience with computers, sometimes so common we don’t even realize we are using it, i.e. the desktop, cutting and pasting, file systems, buttons, etc.).
There’s the file flow, then there’s a “close” button, when really you’re just navigating to the previous page.
Is there a narrative, story or event that unfolds over time?
No, most things are just random images or graphic elements.
Is this narrative linear, non-linear, or multi-linear?
I don’t think there is a narrative other than one of the cats pulling down the information like a window shade for a transition.
REFLECTION OF THE USER:
Is there a reflection of you, as the user, on this site?
No.
Does it change according to your specific visit?
No.
Do you receive mouse feedback? text feedback?
There is a great deal of mouse feedback. The colors of different elements change when you mouse over them. Some images even toggle back and forth when you have your mouse over them versus when you don’t.
Does the site store any choices you have made?
No.
Are you engaged enough in the site to linger and explore.
Not especially.
TRANSPERANCY OF DESIGN:
Does the design of the site lead you to pay more attention to the content or to the design itself?
Definitely to the design; the bright colors, odd images, unique transitions, etc. draw my eye away from the content.
Does the design feel transparent or “natural”, leading you to focus on the content and forget the design completely?
No.
Or – Is attention called more to the design itself?
There is more attention on the design itself. The content is cool, but it’s lost in the design.
Does the transparency or lack of transparency of the design make sense with what the site is intending to do?
No it doesn’t make sense and really competes with the content.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
New draft with new ideas
Here is my new draft with my ideas from my last post. I still have to add the smoke to the gun, and I'm thinking that it will appear earlier. I would like to get people's opinions of the foot steps during the wanted signs section. I'm not sold on that extra sound... Also, I added more swivel to the signs. Does that look better?
But I'm really confused about the dollar! Should it swivel? In this draft I think it's too boring, and that it should have some movement. But I can't think of what...
CLICK ME TO SEE!
or watch here...
But I'm really confused about the dollar! Should it swivel? In this draft I think it's too boring, and that it should have some movement. But I can't think of what...
CLICK ME TO SEE!
or watch here...
Saturday, November 15, 2008
end of movie breakthrough!
i know what i'm going to do with the end of the movie! when you zoom into the hole in the dollar, i'm going to have a smoking revolver barrel come into view and i might work the director into the smoke somehow (or perhaps not... we will see...) and then you zoom into the barrel of the gun into darkness and the movie fades in.
i will make an updated storyboard for this idea and post it soon.
i will make an updated storyboard for this idea and post it soon.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Here is another draft of my movie. I worked on the bullet hole, but it still seems really computer generated. I think I'm going to play more with making the ripped bits of paper blow out more. It doesn't seem like that explosion is big enough. Also the ending zoom is really long so I don't know what to do with that. I think I might put the director's name in there and zoom in on it. But I'd like some input on that. My other question was about the wanted signs in the beginning. Should I make the swiveling action more pronounced, or should I add some footsteps? I also don't quite know what I'm going to do with the swiveling dollar... I might take out that movement.
CLICK ME TO SEE!
or see it here...
CLICK ME TO SEE!
or see it here...
Monday, November 10, 2008
trying again...
ok, so my movie isn't working for some reason so i'm going to try to upload it a different way...
movie is almost here...
ok so my movie is taking forever and a day to export, but it will be here! apparently it just needs time... ALOT of time...
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Rough story board
Here is my sketch version of my storyboard:
What I'm trying to create is this series of rhythmic pans. It goes from slow, to fast until the next asset, then slow while you get a chance to see the poster, then fast, then slow on the next poster, then fast, etc.
I will get out a more finished storyboard once I've finished the title elements.
What I'm trying to create is this series of rhythmic pans. It goes from slow, to fast until the next asset, then slow while you get a chance to see the poster, then fast, then slow on the next poster, then fast, etc.
I will get out a more finished storyboard once I've finished the title elements.
Minor characters, done
Here is the deposit slip with all of the minor characters on it. I still am undecided about what to do with the title... but I like the idea of putting it on a dollar or a bank note of some kind. I just need to search for more imagery.
Assets, changes, etc.
Here are 3 of my assets. Again, I don't know why 2 of them are showing up in blue... I guess blogspot likes Clint Eastwood better than the other 2... I'm probably going to change the wall that the Clint poster is on because I don't think it fits visually with the others.
As for the other actors and the title, I'm thinking that the branded leather idea is just not closely related enough to the story line to make sense. So I will either put the other actors on a wanted sign as well, or I will put their names on a bank note. I've been totally ignoring the fact that most of this movie is about robbing banks - duh! As for the title, I might shoot it into a piece of wood (like I was thinking before), or I'll somehow integrate it into a dollar bill...
As for the other actors and the title, I'm thinking that the branded leather idea is just not closely related enough to the story line to make sense. So I will either put the other actors on a wanted sign as well, or I will put their names on a bank note. I've been totally ignoring the fact that most of this movie is about robbing banks - duh! As for the title, I might shoot it into a piece of wood (like I was thinking before), or I'll somehow integrate it into a dollar bill...
Monday, October 27, 2008
Branding iron
I am leaning toward option 2 of my mixed concepts. I think it would make the most interesting composition that I've come up with so far.
Here is my attempt at making a branding iron and some "branded" leather. I think I would get a much better look if I had a customized branding iron and actually video taped someone branding a piece of leather, but custom irons are like over $100...
CLICK ME TO SEE!
However, I'm at a loss as to how to get my title spelled out in bullet holes... I may just have to do that myself and video tape it.
Here is my attempt at making a branding iron and some "branded" leather. I think I would get a much better look if I had a customized branding iron and actually video taped someone branding a piece of leather, but custom irons are like over $100...
CLICK ME TO SEE!
However, I'm at a loss as to how to get my title spelled out in bullet holes... I may just have to do that myself and video tape it.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Mixing of Concepts
Ok, so I'm trying to create a really engaging composition so I've actually thought of mixing some of my concepts like so:
Option 1
- The "wanted signs" introduce the 3 main characters
- Then a branding iron comes out and burns the rest of the minor characters, the director, and the title
Option 2
- The "wanted signs" introduce the 3 main characters
- A branding iron comes out and burns the minor characters and then the director into a piece of leather
- The title is shot through a fence or a barn wall
Option 3
- Saloon signs introduce the characters (gun shots will act as the transitions) and the director
- Then one "wanted sign" will show the title
Option 1
- The "wanted signs" introduce the 3 main characters
- Then a branding iron comes out and burns the rest of the minor characters, the director, and the title
Option 2
- The "wanted signs" introduce the 3 main characters
- A branding iron comes out and burns the minor characters and then the director into a piece of leather
- The title is shot through a fence or a barn wall
Option 3
- Saloon signs introduce the characters (gun shots will act as the transitions) and the director
- Then one "wanted sign" will show the title
Title music!
Here is the music that I want to use. It's the original music from the movie, and I wanted to make sure to stay true to that aesthetic.
CLICK ME TO HEAR!
CLICK ME TO HEAR!
Screenshot of Elements
Here is a revised poster of screenshot of one of my elements:
(for some odd reason this has a blue tint... it's not supposed to be like that...)
But what I'd like to get people's opinion on is the "scratched film" texture. I really liked that aged look from the original movie, but I don't know if it's working here... I think I need to look at more options for creating this texture. Maybe more varying sizes of scratches and bubbles?
(for some odd reason this has a blue tint... it's not supposed to be like that...)But what I'd like to get people's opinion on is the "scratched film" texture. I really liked that aged look from the original movie, but I don't know if it's working here... I think I need to look at more options for creating this texture. Maybe more varying sizes of scratches and bubbles?
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Wanted posters tweaked
I am leaning toward choosing the "Wanted posters" concept. So I thought I would do some more research and expand on that idea.
One of my biggest fears with this layout is that it would get too stale just looking at one shot with papers moving in and out. So I'm thinking I will do quick panning from one wall to another and each wall will house a different poster.
Here is the content that I want to include:
Clint Eastwood
Lee Van Cleef
Gian Maria Volonte
Luigi Pistilli
Klaus Kinski
Panos Papadopoulos
Benito Stefanelli
Aldo Sambrell
Luis RodrÃguez
Lorenzo Robledo
Directed by
Sergio Leone
For a Few Dollars More
One of my biggest fears with this layout is that it would get too stale just looking at one shot with papers moving in and out. So I'm thinking I will do quick panning from one wall to another and each wall will house a different poster.
Here is the content that I want to include:
Clint Eastwood
Lee Van Cleef
Gian Maria Volonte
Luigi Pistilli
Klaus Kinski
Panos Papadopoulos
Benito Stefanelli
Aldo Sambrell
Luis RodrÃguez
Lorenzo Robledo
Directed by
Sergio Leone
For a Few Dollars More
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Concepts
My concepts for my movie are:
"Wanted poster"
With this one I was thinking that I would have a hand post up different posters of the actors, title, etc., and another hand will rip the pages down. I like this idea because the two main characters are bounty hunters, and I thought that this played off that idea well without revealing everything about the movie.
"Screen shots"
This concept I was thinking that I would show short clips of each character. So I was thinking that they would be short signature shots of each characters - kind of like short introductions. My worry with this is that it would show too much of the movie instead of just hinting at it (which is what I think we're supposed to do).
"Branded leather"
With this one I wanted to have a branding iron come out and brand each piece as they are set down on a table or something. But I don't think this is really related to the story...
"Saloon signs"
I haven't been able to find the imagery that I wanted, but my total concept was that I would have the text that I want show up on a saloon sign, and then the way that it will change that you'll hear a gun shot and then a bullet will hit the sign. The sign will swing up, and when it swings down there will be other text.
"Wanted poster"
With this one I was thinking that I would have a hand post up different posters of the actors, title, etc., and another hand will rip the pages down. I like this idea because the two main characters are bounty hunters, and I thought that this played off that idea well without revealing everything about the movie.
"Screen shots"
This concept I was thinking that I would show short clips of each character. So I was thinking that they would be short signature shots of each characters - kind of like short introductions. My worry with this is that it would show too much of the movie instead of just hinting at it (which is what I think we're supposed to do).
"Branded leather"
With this one I wanted to have a branding iron come out and brand each piece as they are set down on a table or something. But I don't think this is really related to the story...
"Saloon signs"
I haven't been able to find the imagery that I wanted, but my total concept was that I would have the text that I want show up on a saloon sign, and then the way that it will change that you'll hear a gun shot and then a bullet will hit the sign. The sign will swing up, and when it swings down there will be other text.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Fonts and Notes
Fonts
(These are links to samples, not the .ttf files)
Panhead - This font shows the kind of flourished more flowery, tooled look of some leather. It also has a great gritty, dirty, worn texture to it.
Nashville - This also has a great texture to it, but shows more of a blocky letter form. When I saw this I thought of branded leather.
Western - I was drawn to this font because the movie that I watch was made in the 1960s and this kind of showed that "60s interpretation of an old western" that I think would be an interesting dynamic to keep in the title credits
Perdido - I like this one because it's a good mixture of the gritty, torn texture with the kind of saloon/sixties vibe from Western
Movie Notes
- gritty
- western
- scratched film - keep this! GREAT TEXTURE!
- in the title credits, gun shots move you from one group of information to the next
- currently has a handwritten typeface - looks kind of like a saloon sign
- gun-slinging
- men being killed in cold blood
- "WHERE LIFE HAD NO VALUE, DEATH, SOMETIMES HAD ITS PRICE.
THAT IS WHY THE BOUNTY KILLERS APPEARED."
- AWESOME whistling sound track - very characteristic, keep this!
- the sophisticated, calculate bounty killer (Lee Van Cleef) vs. the renegade, poncho-wearing bounty killer (Clint Eastwood)
- saloons, smoking, gambling, loose women
- they're after a crazy, ruthless killer
- dramatic music and quick cuts is what creates the tension
- BANK ROBBERY
- pocket watch with a picture of girl inside is significant for both the bad guy (El Indio) and Van Cleef
Imagery
Leather texture:
Tooled leather:
This is the BEST picture of what I want to convey. It's a worn, branded, scratched piece of leather that has character and history.
(These are links to samples, not the .ttf files)
Panhead - This font shows the kind of flourished more flowery, tooled look of some leather. It also has a great gritty, dirty, worn texture to it.
Nashville - This also has a great texture to it, but shows more of a blocky letter form. When I saw this I thought of branded leather.
Western - I was drawn to this font because the movie that I watch was made in the 1960s and this kind of showed that "60s interpretation of an old western" that I think would be an interesting dynamic to keep in the title credits
Perdido - I like this one because it's a good mixture of the gritty, torn texture with the kind of saloon/sixties vibe from Western
Movie Notes
- gritty
- western
- scratched film - keep this! GREAT TEXTURE!
- in the title credits, gun shots move you from one group of information to the next
- currently has a handwritten typeface - looks kind of like a saloon sign
- gun-slinging
- men being killed in cold blood
- "WHERE LIFE HAD NO VALUE, DEATH, SOMETIMES HAD ITS PRICE.
THAT IS WHY THE BOUNTY KILLERS APPEARED."
- AWESOME whistling sound track - very characteristic, keep this!
- the sophisticated, calculate bounty killer (Lee Van Cleef) vs. the renegade, poncho-wearing bounty killer (Clint Eastwood)
- saloons, smoking, gambling, loose women
- they're after a crazy, ruthless killer
- dramatic music and quick cuts is what creates the tension
- BANK ROBBERY
- pocket watch with a picture of girl inside is significant for both the bad guy (El Indio) and Van Cleef
Imagery
Leather texture:
Tooled leather:
This is the BEST picture of what I want to convey. It's a worn, branded, scratched piece of leather that has character and history.
"Saul Bass on Titles"
Here is Saul Bass talking about how he started doing film titles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UU132IUU_o
it's really cool so you all should check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UU132IUU_o
it's really cool so you all should check it out!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Project 2 movie
The movie that I watched last night was another western by Sergio Leone who did "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" and the "Fist Full of Dollars" series. My movie was "For a Few More Dollars," and I really liked it! I thought that the plot would be pretty simple, but it ended up unfolding in a much more interesting way. I will post my notes on the movie later. For now, TO CRITIQUE!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Why do classes start at 9 AM??
So today we did a crit of about half the class's work. There were many videos that I saw that made me feel totally inferior! I was really excited to see everyone's animations and comment on them but the dark, quiet room and the fact that we started at 9 AM got to me after a while... I will try to make more in depth and helpful comments on Wednesday.
FINALLY
Here is the last of my animations:
Abstract - my limitation was to use one found object to base the visual off of (I chose to base it off of cracking ice)
CLICK ME TO SEE
Abstract - my limitation was to use one found object to base the visual off of (I chose to base it off of cracking ice)
CLICK ME TO SEE
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Type-based DONE!
Oh sweet mother of pearl, I'm really running out of steam... but at least I've got two out of three done!
Here is my type-based animation. My limitation for this was to try to exhibit a type of climate. (I was going for a cold, wintery, windy climate. Let me know if I achieved my goal.)
CLICK ME TO SEE
Here is my type-based animation. My limitation for this was to try to exhibit a type of climate. (I was going for a cold, wintery, windy climate. Let me know if I achieved my goal.)
CLICK ME TO SEE
Referential DONE!
Dear flash,
I have finally conquered you and all 370 frames of this animation BWAHAHAHAHA! Here's my referential/pong-like animation. I hope you all enjoy!
CLICK ME TO SEE
and NO this particular ball does NOT obey the laws of physics - IDOWHATIWANT!!
My limitation on this one was to use only two colors.
I have finally conquered you and all 370 frames of this animation BWAHAHAHAHA! Here's my referential/pong-like animation. I hope you all enjoy!
CLICK ME TO SEE
and NO this particular ball does NOT obey the laws of physics - IDOWHATIWANT!!
My limitation on this one was to use only two colors.
Frustrations!
I'm still working on finishing my referential/bouncing ball animation. However, I'm having huge problems with my typographic and abstract animations. So as far as my typographic/wave animation, I'm going to totally go off in a different direction. The sketches I've made aren't panning out in flash like I wanted them to. So I'm going to focus instead of just on the sound, more on the mood made by those sounds.
I'll focus on:
- grays
- subtle movement
- a rushing/wind like quality
As for my abstract, I still have yet to flesh that out. Maybe I'll try to keep close to an idea I had sometime last week, but we'll see.
I'll focus on:
- grays
- subtle movement
- a rushing/wind like quality
As for my abstract, I still have yet to flesh that out. Maybe I'll try to keep close to an idea I had sometime last week, but we'll see.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Referential - draft 1
Here is my first draft of my referential animation:
CLICK ME TO SEE!
I didn't finish the animation so this is just a taste. As soon as I got to this point I had another idea that I branched off on. I was really frustrated about how to deal with the colored boxes. Because they were colored they seemed to really draw attention, but I wanted the viewer to be focused on the ball. Also, I didn't think that there was enough emphasis on the differences between the hollow and sharp tones. So I worked up another draft that I will post later.
CLICK ME TO SEE!
I didn't finish the animation so this is just a taste. As soon as I got to this point I had another idea that I branched off on. I was really frustrated about how to deal with the colored boxes. Because they were colored they seemed to really draw attention, but I wanted the viewer to be focused on the ball. Also, I didn't think that there was enough emphasis on the differences between the hollow and sharp tones. So I worked up another draft that I will post later.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Mind maps and story board-ish ideas
Blah on this wet fall season...
I will not be able to be in class today. It seems that I have caught some sort of a bug, and instead of risking passing it on to others in that tiny computer lab, I decided to stay home, work more on my sketches and mind maps, and watch more tutorials (which I argue would be so much more interesting if the narrator had an accent, but I digress...)
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Final 3 sounds
Here are the 3 sounds that I've narrowed down to use in my project:
Animation 1 (Abstract): Meat in a frying pan
Animation 2 (Type-based): Ocean waves
Animation 3 (Referential): Water dripping into a pail
Some in depth mind mapping is sure to follow!
Animation 1 (Abstract): Meat in a frying pan
Animation 2 (Type-based): Ocean waves
Animation 3 (Referential): Water dripping into a pail
Some in depth mind mapping is sure to follow!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
6 sound clips
Here are my 6 sound clips:
1. Defibrillator
2. Delicious meat sizzling in a frying pan
3. A dentist's drill
4. Water dripping into a pail
5. A running shower
6. Ocean waves
1. Defibrillator
2. Delicious meat sizzling in a frying pan
3. A dentist's drill
4. Water dripping into a pail
5. A running shower
6. Ocean waves
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