First Critique Session. Adib Attends Playgroup.

We had two critique sessions earlier this week. Basically all the assignment submissions were projected onto the large screen in the studio and everybody was encouraged to offer feedback and constructive criticism. I did realize how much self-learning came into play here - quite a number have put in impressive bells and whistles in their work, ranging from detailed props and textures, to lighting and camera angles/moves. These are topics touched upon only briefly during lessons or not at all yet. Overall, I did enjoy the exercise, although understandably some people might not have felt comfortable having their work analysed and openly commented upon. For my part, I do admit to being quite nit-picky (and sounding overly critical and negative at times) but I do try to offer suggestions/improvements with my critiques. I must remember to try and balance them up with more positive observations the next time round I suppose. Personally, I don't mind having my work ripped apart and lambasted upon. I just feel that at this level, I should really be aiming for high quality professional standards. If I don't cut it, it's better to find out and do something about it now rather than later. I always try not to take it personally (it's hard when you've spent all that time slaving over the work). All in all, it's a constant learning process indeed.

In case any of my course mates are reading this and felt I was being a little too harsh in my comments on their work during the sessions, please accept my apologies. I hope I was being constructive and honest. I'm just critiquing the work - not the person.

Anyway, now that the first assignment is out of the way, the drawing sessions are slowly making a comeback. There'll even be a weekly (I hope) life drawing session starting next week. Expect more drawings uploaded soon!

Then again, our next animation assignment is due in 2 weeks time. And it's a much longer and harder piece involving a rigged humanoid character named Billy...

And the overall pace is starting to speed up, with topics covered in our lessons getting more complex.

On a side note, Adib has been attending playgroup for the past couple of weeks at a local public infant school. They have 3-hour afternoon sessions from Monday to Thursday. He seems to enjoy going to school, partly because he gets to take a short (3 bus-stops) bus ride to and from the school with his mother and little brother. That kid just loves bus rides! He likes the story-telling sessions, snacktime and playing with sand. It's comforting to know he's settled in well.