New to the forums, first demo reel to show

ajch22

Hi, I've just recently entered to this forums, seeing that it might help look at other people's work, get to know other animators and artists and to have a little more of exposure as well.

I've recently updated my demo reel and although I might feel it's good, I still want other people's opinion, so feel free to comment on anything so I can fix it on my next update


https://vimeo.com/143660571

slipsius

Welcome to the forums! 

Your reel is pretty unique. The presentation is definitely way different than the majority of reels, and shows some creativity, so kudos for that. 

However, when it comes to animation, the presentation is extremely poor. All the moving elements, and squares around the screen are so distracting from your actual work, it's extremely hard to focus on your animation, never mind judge and critique it. You want to make it as easy on the eyes as possible for potential employers. They need to see that you can animate. So focus on presenting that, and that alone. Right now, it seems your main focus is hitting the beats of the music. Black backgrounds are also a no no for rendering as well. If you want neutral, go for the dark grey. It comes across much better, and doesn't hide any animation in the darkness. Shadows blend into the black too easily and destroy your silhouette. 

It does look like you have some nice animation in there though. Your runs and walks especially. They look really nicely done. I would drop the jump from your reel though. 

Good stuff though. Keep at it! 

ajch22

Hi, and thank you, although on my inside I kinda knew that it my fall down to be more distracting than appealing, I wanted to do it like I did, but you are right, people might not consider me if they feel I am doing that editing for the sake of avoiding them to look into my mistakes.

I was not aware of the black background problem, though (or more specifically I did not consider the consequences of a black background), but in any case, being the very nature of my reel the biggest problem, I will probably end up starting from scratch.

Thanks for your criticism, I rally appreciate it.

Arturow

Hello and welcome AJCH22!

What Slipsius said is spot on I have some critique too:
- The first one is really fun but a studio that creates animation for children ( or an extremist studio ) would not like that animation haha
- After the curtain, I don't think its necessary to have the character just standing there.
- Instead of the transitions , use that time to keep the animations running.
- For the last shot , it looks cool the videotape effect , but if the recruiter want to look it again he will just play that part again.
- Good job!! Join us in the Weekly Challenges :P!!!

ajch22

Hi Arturo, and thanks for the crtitique, and sure thing, I will try to get into the Weekly Callenges

Oh, and although I am not discarding the possibility of working in animation for children, I've always really wanted to work more on the videogame side of animation, but I will take in consideration what you said (maybe I'll replace the baby for a football or something).