04 - Tortoise. Completing the file
Having completed the line layouts it is time to add colour. Not one of my strengths. For this reason I keep my eyes open for colour schemes that I like and put scans or clipping of then in my notebook. The one above is something I spotted in the magazine Digital Artist. I pick out three or four colours from a scheme then add them to my page as coloured rectangles. As a side note after I completed the model I realised that yet again I'd used orange as the base colour. Note to self - don't use orange for a while!
I create a new layer in Illustrator for the colours.I have a layer above this for the lines and numbers. Having the colours on separate layers lets me quickly flip the colours on and off so that I can quickly change between colour and mono versions of the model.
Once I've got the colour added to the model I print out the parts sheets on my cheapo printer (It's and Epson Stylus S20) then carefully score and cut out all the parts.
Once I have the bits all cut out I put the model together, taking photographs as I do so. This works as a test of the model and gives me a set of photographs which I use in the instructions. I usually have the laptop open by the camera. Any mistakes I spot at this stage I correct directly in the file.
Depending on the time of year/time of day I use either studio flash or daylight. In this case I used natural light. I set the camera up on a tripod in our conservatory and took a set of photographs showing the model being put together.
I run the pictures through PhotoShop to trim them down an reduce their size. I then place the pictures in the instruction document in Illustrator and write up the instructions.
That takes me to the end of the process. All I need to do now is upload the file to the website and let people know it's there by writing a newsletter.
I realise there's a lot of information covered in this description. I'm planning to go into more depth on individual aspects of the process in future editions.
I hope you've found this introduction to the process of creating a paper animation interesting.
Comments
Much more than interesting, Rob! Absolutely fascinating to see some of your methods. Knowing your approach doesn't ruin the magic, it only increases my admiration.
Thanks Shelley!
Its only as I've gone through the process that I've realised just how many stages there are. I plan to produce a more details outline of each stage, perhaps one stage in detai for the next few upcoming models
Congratulations for knowing us to understand how is a design process. I always wanted to know how many steps to create a model and you showed us a little about creating. Thank you very much, Rob, for your class.
I am enjoying your behind-the-scenes coverage. Fun to see the progress (and especially the iterations/reworks -- shows how even a pro keeps trying new things).
After I had my tortoise cut out, my 7-year-old took over and wouldn't let me do any of the gluing. Very cute, works great. He had no troubles putting it together.
I should take a picture of my "Rob Ives Models for Members" collection! We've got an owl, crow, sundial, triceratops and tortoise all lined up on a shelf.