Hearing about your process inspires me to loosen up my own. Your sans-storyboard method narrative is innately sensorial. Writing poetry I often start there, and let intuition say where we’re going :)
I had a writing teacher once describe this as being at a party, meeting a lovely stranger, grabbing hold of their shoulder and walking through the night with them leading the way. so good
That’s a fascinating take. In whatever areas I have created in (not an animator at all), I seek a bit of this resonating- the magic in the discovery and the potential losing of interest thereafter ….
Yeah. I definitely see this in other areas of my life. I nearly didn’t follow through on this Substack because I spent so much time planning it. Luckily, it has already grown in ways I never could have planned.
But it’s obviously a balance, I think a little planning can be helpful (even necessary) as long as there’s plenty of room for discovery after.
There’s something in that. A lot of my creative work had relatively quick spans. But in other respects as well, I’ve found I enjoy the build and exploration stage because there’s much happening …:)
I hear that. Something I’ve been thinking about since publishing this post is that with the right mindset EVERYTHING is a discovery phase. I stopped before the final animation, but even with a storyboard, each scene would have posed challenges that required creative solutions. The story itself was done but there were different discoveries ahead.
I really loved reading about your process, I identify in so many layers, but I was always feeling as kind of an imposter (I mean, an illustrator who hates doing roughs?), so it was magical reading about the importance of the discoveries, I guess that learning that someone I admire feels that way kind of validates that feeling for me too. Thanks for sharing, I'm loving this newsletter. All my best from Brazil!
Hi Larissa, I'm so happy to hear this was validating for you. I remember reading that George Saunders doesn't plan out any of his stories—he just dives right in. I had the same feeling that you're describing. It's tremendously freeing.
As someone who is trying to trust herself more throughout the creative process, thank you for this reminder. Also the dancing fish and that twist ending...so stinking good.
I’m not sure i understand the narrative exactly but i love it regardless. And i kinda like that it’s not exactly straight forward. Kind of improvised. The art style is also very cool.
Oh! Thanks for sharing this. I often think I get bored with my projects too quickly, and then I have a hard time finishing them because my mind is already on something new. Maybe I need to rethink the way I carry them out to be able to reach a certain goal. It is always a pleasure to read you and watch your art.
Thanks Natalia! I’m always looking for ways to trick myself into finishing projects. I pretty much spent the last few years exclusively in planning mode, now I’ve switched over into doing mode. Having a deadline helps.
If you're looking for a free and open source After Effects alternative that looks mighty good, check out Natron. It's hard to use but I heard good things about it.
Hearing about your process inspires me to loosen up my own. Your sans-storyboard method narrative is innately sensorial. Writing poetry I often start there, and let intuition say where we’re going :)
Yes! When I let intuition lead the way it always takes me somewhere more interesting than my logical brain ever could.
I had a writing teacher once describe this as being at a party, meeting a lovely stranger, grabbing hold of their shoulder and walking through the night with them leading the way. so good
I love that.
🤩 Thanks!
That’s a fascinating take. In whatever areas I have created in (not an animator at all), I seek a bit of this resonating- the magic in the discovery and the potential losing of interest thereafter ….
*See not seek!
Yeah. I definitely see this in other areas of my life. I nearly didn’t follow through on this Substack because I spent so much time planning it. Luckily, it has already grown in ways I never could have planned.
But it’s obviously a balance, I think a little planning can be helpful (even necessary) as long as there’s plenty of room for discovery after.
There’s something in that. A lot of my creative work had relatively quick spans. But in other respects as well, I’ve found I enjoy the build and exploration stage because there’s much happening …:)
I hear that. Something I’ve been thinking about since publishing this post is that with the right mindset EVERYTHING is a discovery phase. I stopped before the final animation, but even with a storyboard, each scene would have posed challenges that required creative solutions. The story itself was done but there were different discoveries ahead.
Oh wow I loved the story!! And I just installed the app :) let's get homework done!
Brilliant film and I love that you explain your process. Loved the cow in the plane window
Cool!!! love your work, find it super inspiring; thanks.
I really loved reading about your process, I identify in so many layers, but I was always feeling as kind of an imposter (I mean, an illustrator who hates doing roughs?), so it was magical reading about the importance of the discoveries, I guess that learning that someone I admire feels that way kind of validates that feeling for me too. Thanks for sharing, I'm loving this newsletter. All my best from Brazil!
Hi Larissa, I'm so happy to hear this was validating for you. I remember reading that George Saunders doesn't plan out any of his stories—he just dives right in. I had the same feeling that you're describing. It's tremendously freeing.
Love <3
As someone who is trying to trust herself more throughout the creative process, thank you for this reminder. Also the dancing fish and that twist ending...so stinking good.
I’m not sure i understand the narrative exactly but i love it regardless. And i kinda like that it’s not exactly straight forward. Kind of improvised. The art style is also very cool.
Yes! I have so many films that have ended at this exact stage for these exact reasons. zone of discovery forever
I might have to make a Zone of Discovery sign to hang above my desk. Love it!
Oh! Thanks for sharing this. I often think I get bored with my projects too quickly, and then I have a hard time finishing them because my mind is already on something new. Maybe I need to rethink the way I carry them out to be able to reach a certain goal. It is always a pleasure to read you and watch your art.
Thanks Natalia! I’m always looking for ways to trick myself into finishing projects. I pretty much spent the last few years exclusively in planning mode, now I’ve switched over into doing mode. Having a deadline helps.
If you're looking for a free and open source After Effects alternative that looks mighty good, check out Natron. It's hard to use but I heard good things about it.
Cool, I’ll check it out! Thanks for the tip François.
You're welcome
so underrated: rhythmically cutting film to music!
super excited for a stop motion studio journey
Really cool Erik! Thank you for thinking outside the box :)
That was a great short film. Loved it!