June 1, 2018 : Long Overdue Reel Update

Many people I know (myself included) often say they need to update their reel. This has been on my To-Do list for quite some time, which is why I’m happy to share the link below:

As with my previous reel, I wanted to do something different with the music. This time around, I used Jazz Chord Progressions and mixed them with non-instrumental synth sounds. It took some time getting it to a place with which I was happy, but I like the end result.

posted by Pi Visuals at 8:41 pm

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May 20, 2018 : Hopping On The ‘Whiteboard Animation’ Train

Whiteboard Animations are quite the craze these days. Actually they have been popular for a while now. I’ve never made one before, but I am currently working on one for a client. I could probably use After Effects, but there are multiple software packages that specialize in the creation of these types of videos – which are more efficient.

Per the client’s request, I am using VideoScribe. It is subscription based software (what isn’t these days?), and a cheap one at that. It cost me $29 for a month of use, and it would have been less than half of that had I purchased the Yearly Plan.

This is the first time using such a program so I can’t really compare to its competitors; and while it isn’t perfect, so far it seems to do the job. I am sure there are more robust packages out there to create really complicated animations, however I have been able to couple the resulting animation with After Effects to add on a few bells and whistles and make things look solid.

I can’t say this genre is my favorite, but the project has been a nice change of pace and a fun challenge.

posted by Pi Visuals at 8:34 pm

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May 3, 2018 : Streaming Vs Cable TV – Kids Programming

An interesting article from Bloomberg details the struggles Kids’ TV networks are having ratings wise. The three networks specifically named were Nickelodeon, Disney, and Cartoon Network.

Not surprisingly, many kids in the 2-11 demographic are getting their content via streaming. In fact, Kids’ TV networks have lost half of their audiences over the past decade; and the article doesn’t paint a pretty picture moving forward.

While these networks are trying to establish their own platforms, it sounds like they are significantly behind in the game. Netflix seems to be where it’s at – and there are others that are decently positioned (YouTube, Amazon, and Hulu).

TV is still making money – and quite a lot – but the trend doesn’t look good. The younger demographics are really highlighting these issues, but it doesn’t take an expert to realize this trend is not only going to continue, but it will get worse.

As somebody who has also considered ‘cutting the cord’, I realize the business model for much of the industry is changing. I am curious where it goes – and who will do something about it to survive.

posted by Pi Visuals at 11:51 pm

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April 19, 2018 : Bebop Cafes In Japan?!

As if I needed another reason to go to Japan, in honor of its 20 Anniversary, not one but two Cowboy Bebop themed cafes will open for a limited time.

New art for the cafe was recently released, and it’s menu has even been constructed with the series in mind (presumably shiitake mushrooms are somewhere on it). Chances of me making it out there to enjoy it is rare, but I have to believe there will be plenty of cool footage about it out there on the Interwebs.

posted by Pi Visuals at 10:51 pm

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April 6, 2018 : C2E2 2018 This Weekend!

C2E2 2018 starts today, and it will be the fourth straight year I’ll be in attendance (and the third where I’ll hit all three days). As usual, there are some interesting looking panels, and there are always cool artists and merchandise booths to check out.

Sadly, I won’t partake in any cosplay this year. I just didn’t have any time to come up with an idea (not to mention actually making the costume). But that won’t stop me from enjoying other people’s excellent work.

posted by Pi Visuals at 8:50 am

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March 23, 2018 : New FLCL Premiere Dates Announced (And They Are Right Around The Corner)

Premiere dates for the two new FLCL seasons were recently announced. The 12 new episodes will be broken up into two 6-episode seasons.

The first season, FLCL: Progressive, will premiere June 2nd – while the following season, FLCL: Alternative, will air in September. The episodes will air in Japan and America concurrently (ala Space Dandy).

I have tried to avoid trailers or spoilers of any kind, but I did find out that the two seasons won’t have much in common. They will follow different characters and even had different crews working them (except for the high level positions like Chief Director and Script Writer).

To be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about the different cast and crew for the two seasons. I was hoping for a unifying story. Yet again, FLCL tends to dance to the beat of a different drum. Either way, I’ll still watch whatever they make with bated breath.

One thing I do know: The Pillows are involved throughout; and for that, I’m stoked no matter what. Do you like Foo-Ree Coo-Ree?

posted by Pi Visuals at 9:38 pm

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March 14, 2018 : Happy Pi Day!

You know what day it is? Of course you do – it’s the nerdiest day of them all, and this year it has been made extra nerdy special with an animation:

After you re-watch (and share) the video several times, be sure to reflect on the awesomeness that is Pi. Although, if you come to this site, I guess you already do that. Then again, if you regularly visit this site, you are probably fictional. Either way, Happy Pi Day!

posted by Pi Visuals at 1:14 pm

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March 7, 2018 : Frame x Frame Tumblr

I apologize if the title had you believe the post was going to be about Hunter x Hunter (I really need to catch up on that series). Instead, it is about a tumblr I came across, Frame by Frame.

OnePunch

The site shows frame by frame sequences of various animations – from movies, shows, and even some sweet anime. It also includes a gif of the animation for reference. I find it both interesting and educational, which is why I’ve spent a lot of time perusing through it lately.

posted by Pi Visuals at 9:54 am

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February 14, 2018 : Animated Sequence Cut But Not Forgotten

A recent project was rather involved and had a lot of different animated sequences. There were plenty of moving pieces during Production, including re-writes to the script and storyboard.

As things progressed, it became evident that some of the sequences no longer fit the video’s overall message and had to get cut. Below is one such sequence that I particularly enjoyed:

All the animation was done in After Effects, while the icons were designed in Illustrator.

It was a bummer the client decided to ax the clip – albeit totally understandable. On the plus side, the animation was already complete so I kept it and plan on putting it on my reel.

posted by Pi Visuals at 11:11 pm

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January 28, 2018 : Checking In (And A Bebop Mention)

Has it really been over a month since my last post? Sadly, yes – but for good reasons. Since the New Year, things have been crazy hectic working on several projects. They have been fun but are slated to be around for a few more weeks.

Shifting gears, I came across this article, highlighting the fact that Cowboy Bebop turns 20 years old this April (although technically it didn’t premiere in the US until 2001). So how is Kyoto celebrating this event? By having an all night, 26 episode marathon of course. I’d totally go if I didn’t use my miles on that trip to Namek last Fall.

posted by Pi Visuals at 12:44 am

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