Over the last few months, I've been experimenting with video, graphics, artwork, text and music. It started when my partner asked me to help her produce her knitting podcast "YarnderWoman". I'd been looking for an excuse to brush up on my video editing skills using Adobe Premier and After Effects and the podcast production gave me the perfect excuse.
Video content is an effective way to communicate with your audience all over the world. Viewers enjoy watching short videos for entertainment, whether it be a trailer for an upcoming film, a shared funny video or an amazing feat of skill. YouTube has fast become one of the world's most viewed video channels - streaming via smart phones, tablets and PCs making access to video content easier than ever before.
A dear colleague suggested that I create videos of my artwork - short films or chapters of work as a teaser to things to come, to engage or entice potential fans of my craft. I have created 3 films to date. They can all be found on my DKS Art & Design YouTube Channel. If you have some spare time, please check them out and let me know what you think. If you really enjoy any of them, please share the YouTube video link with anyone who you think may appreciate my work.
Now, the focus of this blog post is my latest short film "forty two". This video is unique - it features a look at my thought/work process set among the narrative. The music is taken from my 2013 instrumental album, Alchemy. You can download "Alchemy" for free here; www.dks.net.au/music/
Now, I'm pleased to present "forty two".
Here's a look at what went into the creation of the above video.
Initially, "forty two" started as a 3 page comic strip that was originally intended for another publication. As with most of my work, it started as a rough outline and sketches in my A4 sketch book (scans below).
I then illustrate all the separate parts on small pieces of paper using pencils and marker pens. These are then scanned and etched in Photoshop and set out on water colour wash backgrounds. Here's the 3 page comic strip as featured in an earlier publication.
42 - page 1
42 - page 2
42 - page 3
I generate a slide (Jpeg image) for every frame required for the video. I use various transition speeds to create motion. Additional footage was captured on a mini action camera that was set-up in my studio. Most of the content was hand drawn or painted except for a few slides which featured some photo manipulation and Photoshop painting affects and some vector elements generated in Illustrator. Below is a single JPEG that features thumbnails of all the slides used in the production of this video.
Here's a closer look at some the hand illustrated / painted parts of the animation; the folding of the crane into a ball and the a summer background.
I hope you enjoyed the video and the look into the process. Any and all feedback is welcome. As usual, I'm working on several projects in tandem - my next original video will be a teaser for an illustrated story called "RUST". No set date at this point so watch this space or follow me on Facebook.
1200px.jpg)
