Owen's Rag Bag

[OwenWelsh]

We go back to 2004 / 2005 when I began work on a traditionally animated short film. It was my first, only and last paying gig doing traditional animation. It was a huge learning experience storyboarding, creating character designs, choosing colors, putting scenes together, creating effects... etc... well basically directing! I heavily relied on rotoscoping and that opened up my eyes a lot. Like Don says, "We must caricature life not imitate it!" I realized I have A LOT to learn before I ever do that again but I loved making it! These were probably the last traditional animations I did before finding this website so I thought I'd share some of my follies with you. The final film was never released, but it was finished.

Here are some color tests -- try to figure out which ones are roto and which aren't. Some are VERY obvious. :-)

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[Rodney]

The final film was never released, but it was finished.

Now that's a shame.
One wonders how many other efforts such as yours never get to see the light of day after all the labor has been put into it.

In imagining I was the one drawing your animation here are a few thoughts that come to mind. Please note: It's already much better as it is than anything I have to show.

You've got a lot of good animation there. Some additional refinement in the followthrough (pushing the poses beyond the rotoscope to achieve the extremes) would really soften the movement up, enhance the flow and make it exceptional.

The birds have a distinct 'Don Bluth' feel to them.

[madanimator]

Wow! I like it VERY MUCH! I would love to see the finished film!

[OwenWelsh]

Now that's a shame.
One wonders how many other efforts such as yours never get to see the light of day after all the labor has been put into it.

In imagining I was the one drawing your animation here are a few thoughts that come to mind. Please note: It's already much better as it is than anything I have to show.

You've got a lot of good animation there. Some additional refinement in the followthrough (pushing the poses beyond the rotoscope to achieve the extremes) would really soften the movement up, enhance the flow and make it exceptional.

The birds have a distinct 'Don Bluth' feel to them.

I agree, a lot of the animations could have used more follow through and all the roto scenes should have been pushed more to really exaggerate those extremes. One of the scenes that I did that I am extremely embarrassed by is the Bird strut. I was trying to do a double bounce strut which turned horribly wrong! This animation was done in place but I had no idea what I was doing. The feet did not slide incrementally, I was not planning out any arcs or lines of action, I basically just started animating it. I think that little clip will best prove how important planning your animation is! Don't just jump into it. We must plan a great deal before hand if we want to find any success.

The style was supposed to be based on Disney's "The Little Mermaid." At least that's what the client wanted. I think subconsciously I veered into Bluthism sort-of :). My drawings weren't nearly as good as Don's. I only just grasped the concept of straights against curves weeks ago ;)

[OwenWelsh]

One more from the ill fated project, just for fun.

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[madanimator]

The movement is very fluidy. And I like the design very much. What was is the story about? And which software did you use?

[OwenWelsh]

The movement is very fluidy. And I like the design very much. What was is the story about? And which software did you use?

The story was about a bull and a bull rider who lost faith in themselves and must look deep within to find courage. The story was not really best picture material but it was fun do draw some of the characters. I believe it was created in Softimage Toonz.

[Moneyguns]

That's one diprest bowl.

[arif]

i dont understand why did not it release yet!!!there are lots of festival around the world...you can submit it as a short film..your work is very good...freind

Regards,
Arif

[OwenWelsh]

i dont understand why did not it release yet!!!there are lots of festival around the world...you can submit it as a short film..your work is very good...freind

Regards,
Arif

I'd like to see it released, but I don't own the rights to the film. :(

[Mithmeoi]

I've really enjoyed looking at all your animations. ^_^ They are so smooth and nicely done. The continuity is great!
Is the short online anywhere?

[johncbeggs]

Those are some great animations Owen , those birds desings are great!

[Gabriel-Carson]

wow! you have some animation skills. nice!

[BUsketch81]

Your animations are really nice indeed. I know how you feel. I wish I had completed my demo reel they way I invisioned.