Seiya's Blog

Month: February 2026

Categories
Ting Class

Week 7: Facial Pose Polished Animation, Heavy Object & Change of Mind (Polished)

Facial Pose Polished Animation

This week, I combined three different facial poses with different emotions in one shot. The emotions were angry, sad, and calm. This was very difficult for me because I had only studied each facial expression separately before.

In this task, I needed to change the facial motion and switch emotions within one shot. There was no clear reference for the full sequence, so it was more challenging. To help myself, I recorded my own face based on the real human reference I used last week and observed how the facial parts change during movement.

Even so, it was still hard for me to understand how each facial part should move smoothly between emotions. However, I want to improve facial animation in the future, so I plan to watch more tutorials on YouTube and other animation websites. This week, I also realized something important. Class is a good place to learn new knowledge from teachers, but self study is also very important for improving animation skills. I think of class as “input” and self-study as “output.” I need both to improve.

So, I want to continue practicing every day to improve my animation skills.

Heavy Object & Change of Mind (Polished)

This week, I continued working on my Heavy Object & Change of Mind animation shot. I added small details such as facial movement like eye blinks. I also added more exaggeration to the arms and legs. For example, when the character pushes the door, the arm movement becomes more smooth and slightly exaggerated by adjusting the joints. I also fixed some foot placement. Now, when the foot leaves the ground, it moves more gradually, and it also touches the ground more naturally.

My teacher said my body mechanics are good, so I should keep going. I will continue improving and adding small details. She also advised me to focus more on hand movement. For example, the hand should open gradually when it touches the door, and the fingers should react naturally when pushing or touching the surface.

In my opinion, this shot is very helpful for learning how the body moves and how body mechanics work. The story is about trying different ways to push a door, so I could explore different pushing styles and body movements. Because of this, I learned a lot from this exercise. I want to continue improving my animation skills and also strengthen my observation skills.

Categories
Nigel Class

Week 5: Research Frameworks

Useful website for following the harvard style and quate the documents

ATLAS.ti: https://atlasti.com/

Qualitative and Quantitative Research methods are two established research traditions that underpin all academic articles.

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is an empirical approach that uses numerical data and statistical analysis to test theories and explain or predict phenomena.

Use of Numerical Data: It involves measuring research variables and collecting data strictly in the form of numbers.

Statistical Analysis: It relies heavily on mathematically-based methods—specifically statistics—to analyze the collected numerical data.

Testing and Prediction: The primary goal is to empirically test theories to determine if they can accurately explain or predict social phenomena or human problems.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is a complex, multifaceted approach that produces findings without relying on statistical analysis or numerical quantification.

Complex to Define: Because it is rooted in many different theoretical frameworks (paradigms), qualitative research has multiple dimensions, making it difficult to capture in a single, simple definition.

Non-Numerical & Non-Statistical: The most practical working definition is based on what it is not: it is any research where the conclusions and findings are generated entirely outside of quantification (meaning it does not use math, numbers, or statistical procedures).

Epistemology: (a) Which paradigm or worldview will inform the study design?

Theoretical perspectives: (b) Who or what will be studied?

Methodology: (c) Which research strategies will be used?

Methods: Which research methods or tools will be used to collect and analyse data?

Topics including the arts, entertainment, media or technology can be viewed from one or more of these perspectives.

World Views

Environmental/ecological issues

Gender representation

Ethnic representation

Cultural heritage/Exchange

Cultural appreciation and appropriation.

Diversity

Colonialism

Ethical issues

Education

Industry/Vocation

Equality/Human Rights

Community/Social Issues/Social justice

Politics/Government Hegemony https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B9h1wz4NaXo

Media Sectors

Experimental or Commercial

Emergent Practice

Screen based / Expanded cinema

Installation

Interactive

Augmented

Virtual reality

Broadcasting

Games

Cinematography

Production design

Categories
Nigel Class

Week 4: Developing a Literature Review

What is a literature review?

A literature review is an objective, critical summary of published research literature relevant to a topic
under consideration for research. Its purpose is to create familiarity with current thinking and research on
a particular topic, and may justify future research into a previously overlooked or understudied area.

Why write a literature review?

A literature review is important, as it provides an overview and an analytical analysis of what is known about a
particular topic. It establishes and identifies:

  1. An understanding and knowledge of a topic.
  2. The current research in this area.
  3. Gaps in the literature that helps justify your research.
  4. The context for your research and illustrates how it relates to the wider research landscape in this area.
  5. The key authors writing in this field
How to approach the literature review

One way to approach a literature review is to start out broad and then become more specific. Think
of it as an inverted triangle, or a funnel.
Using the funnel comparison, find:

  1. The background information to your topic. This will identify the broader issues and research
    related to your topic and help you orient it, in the wider subject context.
  2. Narrow downyour focus and identify the research that is closer to your area of research.
  3. Focus on specific research that is directly related to your topic

Funnel approach to literature reviews

Go broad
Start by looking at the broader issues around your project. Look at works that
give a general overview of your topic and put it into the context of the bigger
research landscape.
This will show an awareness of the breadth of your subject.
Narrow down
Then try and focus your research on issues that are more related to your topic.
Focus on the specific
Look at the most relevant research that relates to your topic and spend more
time discussing these key studies that are directly related to your research.

Structuring a Literature Review

Introduction: Sets the stage by defining the core theories and main ideas of the research topic.

Main Body: Organizes sources logically, moving from broad background information down to specific studies. It also points out what is missing or flawed in the current research.

Conclusion: Briefly wraps up the findings, explains how past studies support your work, and suggests next steps for future research.

Categories
Nigel Class

Week 3: Understanding and Establishing A Research Topic

1. Topic & Questions Define exactly what you want the reader to learn. Break your topic down into a logical flow of main questions and detailed sub-questions.

2. Sourcing & Critical Analysis

  • Source Types: Use both Primary (original artifacts, interviews, raw data) and Secondary (academic books/articles analyzing a subject). Use reliable platforms like Google Scholar.
  • Be Critical: Never take sources at face value. A good thesis analyzes the context and compares the different biases or perspectives of the authors.

3. The 4 Stages of Research Explore, Plan, Execute, and Finalize.

4. Planning & Structuring

  • Build an Argument: Structure your thesis to make a specific point; do not just list events in chronological order.
  • Take Control: Dictate the structure yourself—don’t let your raw notes guide you. Group relevant notes by chapter, assign supporting literature to each section, and ruthlessly cut irrelevant material.
Categories
Nigel Class

Week 2: Thesis Proposal Structure

Thesis structure

A thesis will usually contain most or all the following sections:

  • Title page

A clear title or research question

  • Abstract

A short overview of the reasons for and the aims of the research.

  • Acknowledgements (Optional)

You may wish to acknowledge any significant contributions to the research from others

  • Contents page(s)

Examples will be provided.

  • Introduction

Here you should provide context for the study, briefly outline the methods of the study and establish the overall and specific objectives. The reader should clearly understand what they will learn.

  • Literature review

Review all the literary materials and sources you plan to use in your research, establishing how they will provide a foundation to support the enquiry and enable the study to reach viable findings and fulfil the research objectives.

  • Methodology

This section should review approaches and methods applied to develop findings, including any not covered in Literature review. This might include literary comparison, case studies, surveys, interviews, experiments, exhibitions and events. It should explain how these methods will generate relevant findings or results.

  • Themed topic chapters

This will form the main part of the discussion and the number of topics /chapters will vary. Main chapter headings should be clearly labelled e.g., Chapter 1. Contexts in Animated Documentary.

Chapter subtitles should be labelled as e.g., 1.1 Enactment and Re-enactment of Documentary, 1.2 Interview and Animated Documentary

  • Results/or Findings (Optional)

This section will present findings and discuss the implications. Consider the practical value your findings will provide to practitioners, educators, and other academics in your field, any ways your work can challenge existing theories and assumptions in your field.

  • Conclusions

Conclude the study by evaluating and reviewing the implications of the study identifying any policies that could be impacted by your findings, problems your work can potentially help to fix, or how your work might contribute to current or future research. Identify any limitations and recommendations for future research.

  • Reference list

List all the sources cited in your thesis. Arrange your references alphabetically by author surname.

  • Bibliography

List books that you have consulted but not cited. Arrange your references alphabetically by author surname. You may also require a filmography

  • Image list

       For academic referencing, visuals are categorised as either:

       Illustrations (artwork, photos, screenshots, film stills, charts, graphs etc.) or,

       Tables (numbers or text in columns and rows)

  • Appendices

Materials such as letters or relevant documents can be presented here.

Categories
Nigel Class

Week 1: Thesis Proposal Brief: Topic potentials motivations and applications

From this week, I got the information about this unit and next task and process. In particular, Thesis Proposal Approaches, Thesis Proposal Structure. These are link for these topics.

Thesis Proposal Approaches: https://moodle.arts.ac.uk/pluginfile.php/2090152/mod_folder/content/0/Thesis%20Proposal%20Approaches%20.docx?forcedownload=1

Thesis Proposal Structure: https://moodle.arts.ac.uk/pluginfile.php/2090152/mod_folder/content/0/Thesis%20structure%20and%20notes_master_V1.docx?forcedownload=1

I could understand about tips for writing thesis, especially, structure and contents which I should include in this thesis.

Summary: Should Include the Contents in Thesis

Keep Objective Style

Following Harvard Style: https://www.citethemrightonline.com/

1 Objective (Planning & Topic Selection)

  • Select a Topic: Choose a motivating topic with potential impact that meets your assignment’s learning outcomes.
  • Define your Target: Clearly identify your Audience (who will read it) and Purpose (what you want them to know).
  • Plan the Research: Read the brief, break your thesis into logically ordered main questions and sub-questions, and plan your investigation.

2 Structuring the Thesis

Establish a working title and use the following 5-part structure:

  1. Introduction: State the main issue, the topic being investigated, and the report’s purpose.
  2. Methodology: Explain your chosen research methods, why you selected them, and how you applied them.
  3. Literature Review: Critically evaluate the existing sources and literature that inform your research.
  4. Investigation: Present your main discussion, options, and findings based on evidence (use citations and sub-headings).
  5. Conclusions: Provide final takeaways or recommendations for your audience based on your findings.

Key Guidelines for Thesis & FMP

  • Sources: Use and properly cite academically recognized sources (books, media, etc.).
  • Practical Project (FMP): Base your project on your career goals. Decide how to exhibit it and whether it connects directly to your written thesis.
  • Format: Choose an approach (experimental or commercial) and a medium (screen, installation, interactive, AR, games, etc.).
  • Research Value: Define your audience. Clearly state why your research is original, important, and how it advances existing knowledge.
  • Assessment Focus: You will be graded on deep research (Enquiry), skill synthesis (Knowledge), experimentation (Process), clear articulation (Communication), and professional quality (Realisation).
Categories
Ting Class

Week 6: Facial Pose (Connecting Poses), Heavy Object & Change of Mind (Polished)

Facial Pose (Connecting Poses)

This week, I worked on facial poses in Maya. The process was similar to last week, but I used a different type of reference. Last week, I used animation drawings and 2D sketches, but this week I used real human actor facial references. I also used a new rig character called Yuron. It looks like a child character, around 5 years old. The face is very cute, especially the eyes and mouth, which are larger compared to the rig I used last week. I really like this more stylized animation style rig.

I realized that using real human references is more difficult than using animation references. This is because the rig is stylized, but the reference is real human. So I need to exaggerate the facial shapes more to match the animation style and to show clear emotions. This was the most difficult part for me, but I tried my best.

After I submitted my work, my teacher gave me feedback. She said my eyebrows are moving too much, so I should keep them simpler, like only moving up or down slightly. She also advised me to think more about C-shape and S-shape lines, and to check which side of the face is open.

Overall, I learned a lot from this exercise.

Heavy Object & Change of Mind (Polished)

This week, I also polished my Heavy Object & Change of Mind animation shot. I fixed small details such as foot placement, timing, and spacing. For example, when the hand reaches the wall, I made the fingers gradually open and added a small scratching motion. I also adjusted the shoulder movement, so it moves slightly forward and backward depending on the body action.

I also focused on the Center of Gravity (COG), because it is very important in Maya animation. It helps make the movement look natural and smooth, so I paid close attention to it. My teacher also gave me advice. I should focus more on the COG in the hips, because the hips do not move too much in natural movement. If the hips do not move correctly, the animation can look unnatural. So I want to observe this more carefully next time.

Overall, my teacher said my work is good and I should keep improving. I was happy to hear this, and I want to continue polishing my animation with more passion.

Categories
Ting Class

Week 5: Facial Pose (Photo Ref), Heavy Object & Change of Mind (Blocking Plus)

Week 5: Facial Pose (Photo Ref), Heavy Object & Change of Mind (Blocking Plus)

I also paid attention to C-shape and S-shape lines in the face to make the pose more natural and appealing. To be honest, this was very difficult for me because it was my first time creating facial poses in Maya. I had to work on many small details, such as the eyebrows, eyes, and mouth shapes. I also needed to observe carefully how each part of the face moves and how the structure changes in different poses.

However, I also felt excited because this is a different type of animation compared to body mechanics. It was a new and interesting experience for me. I want to continue practicing facial poses to improve my skills and knowledge for my FMP project.

Heavy Object & Change of Mind (Blocking Plus)

This week, I improved my animation based on the feedback from last week. First, I changed the character model from Spider Man to a simple human model because it is better for practicing body mechanics. I also used stepped keyframes for the blocking pass first, and then changed them to spline keyframes to refine the animation. I changed the story a little as well. In my first idea, the character tried to push a heavy door but failed. Then, the character found a button and pressed it to open the door. This time, the character tries to push the door, becomes disappointed, and sits down. Then, the character notices a small door and pushes it lightly to open it. I think this new story shows the idea of “change of mind” more clearly. It also gives me a better chance to practice body mechanics because the character pushes a door at both the beginning and the end of the animation, instead of only pressing a button.

Finally, I used a good reference video to study how the body moves. This helped me understand the movement better and create more natural poses and actions in Maya.

Stitch Tea Party

Categories
Ting Class

Week 4: Facial Pose, Heavy Object & Change of Mind (Blocking), Stitch Tea Party

Facial Pose

This week, I learned about the key points of facial posing, especially how the face changes depending on the direction a character is looking. For example, if a character looks to the left, the left side of the face tends to open more than the right side, as shown in the reference image.

Based on this, I need to pay attention to which side of the face is opening and apply this knowledge to my character animation in Maya. In particular, I learned that the chin usually moves from the open side toward the closed side, while the top of the head moves in the same direction. At the same time, it is also helpful to be aware of the C-shaped line created by these movements, as it makes the pose look more natural and appealing.

Heavy Object & Change of Mind (Blocking)

This week, I started working on my Heavy Object & Change of Mind shot animation. The animation starts with the main character trying to push a heavy door. The character tries different ways to open it, but the door does not move. After giving up, the character looks down and finds a button on the ground. When the button is pressed, a small door opens. The main idea of this shot is to show the character’s change of mind, from trying to push the door to finding an easier solution.

First, I made a blocking animation. However, my tutor told me that it is better to use stepped keys instead of spline when making the blocking. Stepped keys make it easier to focus on the key poses and clearly show the character’s actions before adding smooth movement. I want to use this advice in my next version.

I also received feedback about the character. I used Spider Man, but my tutor said that the character looks too realistic. My animation has a funny and cartoon-like story, so it would be better to use a more stylized character. Next time, I will choose a character that matches the style and feeling of the animation better.