tips – Marvin Camara

A Roundup of Junior Year

Location: Manila, Philippines

Ahhh, Junior Year. It’s been 3 years already being a college student. It’s a great time to look back at what went well and didn’t in the past 2 semesters. My Junior Year was filled with ups and downs, happy moments and disappointments, and of course a lot of sleepless nights and work. I got to meet so many talented people and made new friends (thanks to electives), work with a lot of new tools and softwares, initiate to lead people, attended different events and seminars, work in a company and see how life works outside the campus. Looking back, it has been a heck of an awesome year.

Here’s a little recap of how my junior year went:

Choosing what elective – Photography, VMA, Fashion, Game Development etc. These are some electives you can choose from. I’m glad I was able to get my chosen electives and learned a lot (Thanks to my professor Sir Norman!). For 2 semester, you are required to choose one elective you want and I suggest pick what you really want and should help you in doing your chosen thesis for next year.

First semester: Photography, Packaging, Exhibition Design, Visual Merchandising Arts, and Web Design.

Second semester: Advertising Simulation, Photography, Fashion, Events, and Game Development.

Met talented people – I am grateful to meet creative and talented people from my batch. seeing my block mates excel from different fields opened new insights, perspective and opinions that helped me as an artist and student.

New school year, new software to learn – This year, I enjoyed learning to use various adobe creative suite like Dreamweaver and Muse from web design class. Animate, Indesign, Premiere Pro, and After Effects from my game development and production electronics media class.

Events, seminar, musical, concert, you name it! – Though my schedule is busy and the events might not always sound super appealing, attending various events might help inspire you and learn new stuff outside the classroom. It can re-energize you from your daily routine of academics.

Cutting? Cutting. – During junior year, a lot of work load will come and sometimes you cannot manage your time. I remember when too much work led me to skip class or orientation just to finish that certain plate/s.

Life of an Intern – We also held our On-the-job training where I tried to work for 2 companies but later transfer due to clashing of schedule. A Japanese and a Western animation studio. It gave me a different perspectives when it comes to animation and the industry.

OJT hunting was fun! going to various places just to walk-in or even get an interview, waiting for an email response every hour, overjoyed expression when a company responded from your emails, Weekly consultation with your adviser then heading to your company. These are some moments I could remember but it taught me a lot of experience and environment on the animation industry.

A few more days and senior year will start, how time passes quickly. Cheers to meeting more amazing people, making new friends, trying out new things and mistakes (and learning from them), sleepless days and nights and making the most out of my thesis year.

It’s going to be a rollercoaster ride.

Photos by Kara Cabarle, Jae Valencia, Gyanna Yumping, UST COMACH – CFAD Unit and me

WALKTHROUGH: Tutorial on Sprite Animation and Game Development

Location: Manila, Philippines

Animation, game art and programming are essential in developing a video game. If you love games and want to learn how to make them, then this seminar will start you down. Students gathered up for “WALKTHROUGH: Tutorial on Sprite Animation and Game Development”, a seminar was held last March 25, 2017 at the AMV-COA Multi-Purpose Hall B.

The guest speakers shared their experience and knowledge about Game Development and Animation to aspiring game developers and programmers.

Miker Rivero is an Art Painter, Manager, Art Director, 2D/3D Designer and one of the pioneers of game development in the Philippines.

Jonas Peralta is a Cavite based illustrator and Concept Artist. He is currently doing commissions and projects for games and animations.

Ranulf Goss is a graduate of BS in Computer Studies specialization in Software Development. He is doing Technology consultancy for mobile games, apps and web development.

With that, I made a little list about what I learned from the seminar:

Animation is an illusion of life.
See assets as bone when creating characters.
Sprite using image sequence.
File name convention. Need to be organized.
Eye movement, composition and story telling are essential in creating art.
Revisions = takes time and effort = additional cost
Mr. Peralta’s creative process. Sketch. Highlights and Shadows. Color Variation.
Components in a game.

– Life screen, life bar, milkshape 3D (3D tool for game engine), 3D model and animation, sound format, skybox (creating backgrounds to make a computer and video games level look bigger than it really is), stage objects.

9. Choose the tools.

– Game engine selection (unity, unreal, game salad)

– 3D and 2D tool (3DS max, maya, ps and ai, blender, GIMP)

– Art and sound asset

– Components, middle ware, server programs

– Model (agile, event driven)

10. Be updated with current events and forums.

Photos by me | Taken using my iPhone 5

Graphika Manila 2017 D-2

Location: Manila, Philippines

In Graphika Manila, the event starts in the afternoon-but the venue is already jam-packed with attendees, queues from different sections already began to pile. On our second day of Graphika Manila, we saw six awesome speakers to bring insightful and inspirational talk to young artist and designers.

I decided to buy prints from Artgerm but unfortunately it was sold out. But luckily, he was giving a meet and greet with free sketches on your sketchpad. I got the chance to consult and have a sketch from him. He was really down-to-earth and cool at the same time!

JOHN ED DE VERA

The first speaker was John Ed De Vera, who is a multidisciplinary designer – with penchant for lettering, paper-cutting, and experimenting with different and new media. He talked about not being afraid of try new mediums in creating masterpieces. Ed also emphasizes on sharing your point of views, Find inspiration from ordinary and be silly or be witty in art.

RIZON PAREIN

Next in line was Rizon Parein specializes in unique 3Dstyle that is colorful and playful; and his digital models come beautifully close to reality. He showed to us his latest work that impressed the whole crowd. “Don’t follow the norm” and “Be a trend!” was the piece of advice the exploded in my mind at the time.

KERBY ROSANES

Whimsical lines, patterns, characters, and little elements that are combined to create massive compositions by mainly using black pens. Kerby Rosanes shared his experiences throughout the years. He said that “Pursue what you enjoy,” “Always be yourself,” “Share your work” and “Personal work > Commercial work.”

AVID LIONGOREN of ROCKETSHEEP STUDIO

Rocketsheep Studio is a tiny production company that isn’t (really) a company but a small house with few computers and dogs that produced the indie film, Saving Sally. The studio, represented by Avid Liongoren, discussed the 11 tips when they produced the indie film. Some tips that he shared are “Lens flare can make your work beautiful,””Everything that is black and white is art!,””Always have a backup file because hard drives are cheaper that hard work,””Respect Chromaman” and “Marketing is just as important as art.”

ARTGERM

The one everybody is waiting for and mostly known by his handle, Artgerm, Stanley Lau wears different hats as an illustrator, designer, concept artist, and creative director. Artgerm talked about what it means to be a fan and building a fan base or audience.

He also shared some important points to ponder: “Respect the original design intent,” “Be unique in styles and ideas,” “Stay current with trends,” and “Always have fun.”

MR. BINGO

And finally, Mr. Bingo is an illustrator, artist and speaker. Well Known for his Hate Mail Project in 2011. Mr. Bingo talked about his life as an artist who generally serve his art to entertain and amuse people. He also talked about how to make a good rap and components on a good music video.

As the conference comes to an end, people get ready for meet and greet with the speakers from day one and two. I got to meet Rizon Parein, Kerby Rosanes and Thang Lee of IML. They’re nice and approachable! Mr. Kerby even gave us some postcard and it was awesome!

Unfortunately, we only got to only one line due to the cutting of line. but we manage to sneak one person to the line and make her autograph for us. Mr. Daryl also gave us a postcard and it was beautiful!

My weekend in one photo! Thank you Graphika Manila for bringing this amazing speakers to give such remarkably talk to young artist and designers. The event went well and it was worth the pay! Plus got a lot of loot and freebies from the conference! and that’s it for the second day of Graphika Manila! Until next time!

Photos by me | Taken using my iPhone 5

Graphika Manila 2017 D-1

Location: Manila, Philippines

Kicking in the New Year with the premier creativity conference in the Philippines wherein the most creative minds of artists and designers get together.

Graphika Manila is a two-day, yearly conference held in the Philippines last January 21 – 22 that focuses on showcasing latest multidisciplinary creative approaches and strategies when it comes to design, art direction, illustrators,web and animation from invited local and international speakers.

I, together with Kim, and Karl, were all crazy excited about the event (for it was our first time). We all agreed to meet up at UST to get a grab taxi together.

After 30 mins, we finally made it to SMX Convention and when we get to the venue, we were greeted with a long line of people! So we decide to buy some merchandise while we were waiting. And I saw some of my college friends and classmates along the way.

BENJAMIN ANG of GENESIS MOTION DESIGN

To kick off the event, Benjamin Ang of Genesis Motion Design was the first one to talk. They produces creative concepts, thoughtful designs, wondrous animations, and places a sincere emphasis on its unique aesthetic direction. They also designed this year’s Graphika Manila branding and it was totally lit!

He talked about being comfortable with the uncomfortable, that taking a leap of fate might give you some great results and also fight for your passion.

DARYL FERIL

A combinations of overflowing foliage, organic elements and splashing colours merging chaos and elegance. Daryl Feril lectured about that real challenges (failure, rejections, criticism) begins on your step outside. He also said that “Always listen to your voice;” “Don’t validate to others opinion” and “Put yourself out there, defend your work.”

JONATHAN KIM of RARE VOLUME

Co-founder and creative director, Jonathan Kim of Rare Volume specializes in motion, creative code and interactive installations. He talked about that working together with other artist is essential on one’s part. “Always innovate,” “Create out of this world” and “Design + Technology is the new trend today.” And did I tell you this guy has got the groove!

State Design is a boutique design-driven production studio that specializes in design, animation, live-action direction and editorial. The number one tip for clients is never check an artist every 5 mins!

MARCEL ZIUL

Marcel Ziul talked about their strategy to be successful: Creative control, stay small, build portfolio and learn form various of people. He also said that “Show your best work,” “Show what you like” and that will get people excited.

GARY BASEMAN

Gary Baseman explores the beauty of the bitter-sweetness of life through painting, performance, film and fashion for both light and serious subject matter. He talked about his life and art. Gary merges art and his experience to create a beautiful masterpiece. He said that “Art is the essence of everything” and that “Story and Expression is important in making a craft.”

THANG LEE of INDUSTRIAL LIGHT AND MAGIC

Last but not the least, an American motion picture visual effects company that specializes in special effects powerhouse that revolutionized movie making and animation. Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) represented by Visual Effects Art Director, Thang Le gives us glimpse of how film development works. He discusses the stages of film development and how valuable each phase in movie making. lastly he showed us few behind the scenes on how they put visual effects on famous films like Battleships, Star Wars and Tomorrowland.

(Unfortunately, The ILM didn’t allow photos or videos)

After the conference, we had a chance to meet some speakers and have there autograph and picture. I got the pleasure to meet sir Marcel, Jonathan, Benjamin and ArtGerm! Crazy! I’m gonna stop writing now and enjoy some photos from the event! Enjoy!

Photos by me | Taken using my iPhone 5

Recent things that illustration has taught me

Location: Manila, Philippines

I’ve been thinking a lot, while making these illustrations and fan arts using Photoshop and Illustrator.

Well, mostly I’ve been trying to figure out how I could improve my workflow. I don’t consider myself as a fast painter due to the fact It takes me a day or two or a week to finish a certain artwork. Anyway, here are some thoughts so far that has been helpful for me:

1. Thumbnailing is a must!

Thumbnailing is the brainstorming for a brief/idea and can really determine strong and concrete ideas from the get go. Having a strong sketch in the beginning, where most of it is already figured out can be a life saver for an artist.

2. Organized files saves time and effort

It’s a good thing to save often and maybe save your work at various stages. Corrupt files are not great and can be frustrating to artist so sometimes making iterative saves might be a lifesaver.

However, after the job is turned in and approved by the client, you need to clean up that mess of NewNEWFINAL_ReallyFnal_Painting.psd and similarly named files. Have a system so you don’t end up deleting stuff you might need later on or end up with tons of unnecessary files that might make your hard disk full.

3. Just get it done already

Just do it. I tend to work and procrastinate things for like… Forever. Have a sense of discipline. Things can’t be perfect anyway, nothing is. Each work changes your point of view, your skill level and understanding. Creative people are always evolving from time to time, you never get anything just right because creativity is not static.

4. Leave your comfort zone

Challenging yourself to draw from your comfort zone is a great way to improve. Accepting commissions and request that isway out of your league will surely help you improve and be comfortable.

That’s what I’ve figured out for now. Hope you find this somehow useful!

Balancing Life and Art

Location: Manila, Philippines

Many artists seems to have little trouble juggling schoolwork and making art. Dividing their time and attention between personal stuff, school stuff, hobbies, taking a nap, socializing and many more. Well in my case, as a fine arts student, allocating time for plates, doing paperwork and research, personal stuff etc. can be frustrating and tiring. If you’re a busy student, whether in an art or non-art related field of study, this may be useful for you!

1. Identifying one’s goal

Figuring out how seriously you’re going to take art. Do you intend to become so good at art that you become popular (like the ones on social media) or do you want to become professional, so that you can be employed in an ad agency, animation company or any art-related field? or you just intend it to be a hobby, something to relieve your stress? Your goals will become your inspiration to further harness and become more confident of your skills.

2. Allot time to create

Once you’ve decided on your goal, fine tune your expectations to meet goals. We all know that you only have 24 hours in a day and you’re only a human. plans are going to change, things are going to come up, your attention will be divided. If you decided to become really really good, the only way is to spend almost every minute of your free time doing something productive. Setting your priorities will help you focus and be motivated.

3. Art Lessons/School

They aren’t necessary until you reach a reasonably high purpose such as becoming a skilled artist or professional in the field of art. Art schools are an expensive investment and need quite a lot of time to figure out how serious you are about art. It will be beneficial for you will meet different artist, best teachers that will give you tips and skills that you are lacking. Learning art by yourself, through exploration and trial and error is another way to constantly gain progress and at the same time having fun.

4. Work Smarter not Harder

A major problem for most people is having too much work and not enough time to do it. Fine-tuning your time management skills by using working hours more efficiently will gain more in control, be more productive or giving yourself more time to relax and enjoy life. Having smaller goals that lead up to bigger goals means you can make the most of the hours you can put in.

5. Aim for Constant Progress

There will come a point of time where you don’t see significant improvement and starts to question why you’re working so hard. You’ll just go back to number 1 and remember your goals in doing this.

Treat your art like a game. You’re gathering XP to level up every time you play. Make your new piece an improvement from the last. At the end of the day, celebrate every accomplishment to motivate yourself. Setting yourself up for failure and then beating yourself up for it isn’t healthy and is eventually going to destroy your creativity and confidence.

These are the things I learned in my 2 years in college. Time really flies so fast and now I’m a 3rd year student next semester and I expect things to be a lot tougher, in terms of standards and number of requirements. I’m just on the halfway mark of my college life. A little more push and it’s done!