So I am in the design program. And these module classes we are taking on Friday’s so far have been a nice cross-pollinating of sorts for us. Its interesting to see how design means a lot more than you think when it comes to real world industries. So far I have only finished one module course, which was the film narrating class with Vanessa Williams. That course was interesting cause I don’t have a lot of experience with film editing in its most fundamental form. But also seeing how certain camera angles, how certain lighting, how audio being spilled over the next cut or dropped can really push a story forward with little to no dialog.
I come from traditionally a illustrative background. Its what I gravitated to the most when I was a kid, and the same when I ventured into my career. I don’t think I will ever stray completely away from that kind of work. But I always had a fascination on film making, and visual effects in movies and shows. I still don’t think I will ever fully go in that route in terms of work. But then again I entered this program knowing fully that we were going to be learning multiple disciplines in terms of “design” and that I didn’t want to be closed off to other career paths that don’t have to do with illustration. For example I could see myself in going into web design just as much as I can go into doing logo work for some agency. But as far as film making for after effects. If I had to choose which one direction from my two module classes (which we JUST started the second so I have no real bearing on what its about yet) it would prob be film narrating cause there is story boarding involved. And I have done that kind of work for a friends pet project once. And from what I remember, I liked it.
I don’t see myself going into the film industry looking for work. But one of my favorite artists working right now is Barry Jackson. And he went from concept drawing for books and doing movie poster work to working in the film industry doing story boarding and environmental landscapes for animations, as well as character design. So maybe I could land there? I honestly I don’t know where I will land. That’s what making this whole school experience for me exciting. The not knowing is what is keeping me excited about all these courses. I can say as of right now that I already had a healthy respect for people who do film editing, since really thats the make or break of a good film. Not so much the initial shooting and all that (even though thats important as well). Cause whichever way you cut a scene or a movie can dramatically change the mood, story, overall feel of a movie. I came out of that last class with a even bigger sense of respect for people who do that kid work. Especially for people like Vanessa who do trailers, that seems even more difficult. To reduce a whole project in a bit size trailer, not give too much away, but tell enough of the story to entice the viewer to check it out. Very nuanced.