Final Blog Post (2016)

1. Why did you take this class?

I took this class initially last year because I thought it was the perfect way for me to get a kick start on my career as early as possible. When I first went to the BOCES presentation at my school I wasn't really expecting much. It was mostly stuff I wasn't really interested much in. But then, I saw the class which was at the time called "Digital Media". As soon as I saw the animation class I knew that was something that I needed to do. Not only would it give me credits, but also I would be spending time doing something in school that I love. And again, this year I decided to take the film portion as well because I thought it would further enhance my skills in of course video production, but Animation as well.

2. In general, what did you like most about this class?

I liked learning a lot of new stuff this year that further enhanced my skills in video making. After Effects is definitely my favorite program I learned about. I was excited to learn about it, as I had never known much about it and been fascinated by it. And now, it's my favorite program to Animate in. I love how good it's compositing tools are. And even for a non animation program at heart, It's so great to use for animating. I also got to learn Premiere better this year, and it is definitely my favorite editing software I've used. While I was already pretty familiar with Photoshop, I still learned a few new techniques this year as well which I now use regularly

3. In general, what did you like least about this class?

The biggest thing I struggled with this year by far was meeting deadlines on time and general lack of time on projects. I'm not really putting the blame on anyone either as film naturally is a bit more complex than animation when it comes to time management in many ways. I also understand that we have to move fast to get to all the projects. But halfway through the year I don't think there was a single project that I 100% finished on the "due date". Even if a few projects where cut out (such as smaller ones like the Video Poem Project) I think it would've benefited everyone in general.

4. What was your most favorite project and why?

I guess I'll give two answers for this one. One project I actually finished, and one I didn't. My favorite finished project is probably my Furry Documentary. I think I managed to be very non bias and well using humor, still managed to make something that could be respected by non-furries and furries a like. I think the script and editing where nice and tight as well. The only thing I wish I had done was use more of my own art/animation and fixed some of the audio levels and color correction. And my favorite unfinished project is a tie between my Evolution video and Fictional Short. I used a new animation style using Photoshop and After Effects in the Evolution video that I came to enjoy very much. And in my fictional short I think I had a good story, humor and decent effects. I plan to finish both of these projects and others in one way or another soon.

5. What was your least favorite project and why?

Probably the Video Poem. I don't hate it or anything, but it just feels like kind of a filler video to me. It doesn't help that it's another unfinished one as well. I do think that I pulled off a pretty interesting style though.

6. Discuss the overall effectiveness of the instructor (for example: preparation, availability, interest, content knowledge, expectations, etc.).

I always thought Ms. Licata was a great teacher and I have very few complaints over these past few years. She always was very helpful to me and answered questions I had even if she was busy with something. She is also of course very knowledgeable in the subjects that she teaches as well.

7. What are the most valuable things you learned in the class?

Definitely learning a lot of new tools that I use in my projects. The most valuable being Photoshop, After Effects and Premiere probably. Also probably a general sense of what a professional work space is like in the field.

8. Do you feel that this class will help you achieve your future academic or career goals? How or why (or why not)?

Definitely. I'm soon going to school in Daemen for Animation and the skills I learned in this class directly apply to this. I want to go into making video games and everything from the environment to the techniques started with this class for me.

9. How could this class be improved?

Slightly adjusting deadlines in coordination to student interest in projects. Maybe have big projects that everyone has to do and smaller ones to choose from. This way students will have a individual deadlines and also have the interest and time to finish projects when they're suppose to. Of course this would be a lot harder to keep track of and grade, But I think it would benefit the class exponentially in the end..

10. What would you tell incoming students to help them be more prepared for the class?

Be prepared for a lot of work, but still be excited. It's not a walk in the park but really would you want it to be? There's still a lot of great people you'll meet and it's just a great environment to work in. Be excited for your own work and to see what your classmates are working on. Always look for ways to improve yourself and take constructive criticism well. No one is trying to put you down, they just want to see you exceed to the best of your abilities.

11. Additional Comments:

I'll always look back on this class and be so happy I did it. It really did make High School so much better for me and I would strongly recommenced it to anyone with an interest in animation and video production who wants to improve there abilities. Also, I liked it.