May

Always be a Student

Recently, I finished reading Show your work, one of the three books by Austin Kleon. The other two books are Steal Like an Artist and Keep Going. I have planned to re-read them.

In the chapter ‘Begin Again‘ of Show your Work, Austin Kleon explained that one should never settle for being a master in just one subject but always be ready to learn something new and grow.

As a curious and impatient individual, I’m always trying new things, such as styles and mediums of art, representing ideas in different ways, etc. And this has made me face plenty of questions regarding my specialty during job interviews since the areas of work have always been diverse.

Does this make me a master in all the things on my list?

No, I am not a master because I believe once you master something, an evolution of that subject happens. A simple example would be Adobe Flash turning to Adobe Animate and the use of Adobe Animate turning to Toonboom Harmony or even classical animation turning to 3D animation. Evolution and growth are unstoppable.

Imagine if Windox XP continued to date, or the level of technology was still the same as it was in the early 90s or something!

Everything needs to grow, which does not mean that whatever was there previously or whatever you have learned to date has expired. It is with you. The only thing that happens is an enhancement and expansion of you along with your skills to grow and move ahead.

And that is what Austin Kleon also explained. A new beginning is what everyone needs, again and again, to move on.

Recently, I have been sharing Character designs using reference photos. And that is something new to me. It has been an exciting development in my art journey. I enjoy doing it for two reasons: firstly, it has improved my ability to design characters, and secondly, it has enabled me to use my other skills, like doodling, inking style, etc, to create something unique. I believe what I am trying to share is understandable now 😉

So, why I wrote this Blog?

I wrote it because I wanted to share with you that wherever you are, at whatever age you are, plus if you feel stuck, just become a student again, a child, and learn something new and move ahead.

Remember, I made fridge magnets recently and also made character designs!

(Did you check the video? 😉

Relax, Breathe, be a child, a student, and keep moving forward with a positive mind and belief.

Thank you so much for reading.

Lots of Love,

Thoughtpotarts

Mar

It’s Time to Talk about Virtual Reality

As per Wikipedia, Virtual Reality or VR is a simulated experience that employs pose tracking and 3D near-eye displays to give the user an immersive feel of a virtual world.

However, I define it simply as a 360-degree experience of the virtual world.

CINEMA IS EVOLVING, AND SO IS TECHNOLOGY.

Watching movies is fun, and I love it. Since I dream of being a storyteller, it has made me experience cinema in various forms.

A film festival connects movie lovers with movies from all over the world. When attending a film festival, I always look forward to seeing an animated film or a movie with a great storyline, if the screening is affordable (wink)

So, India Habitat Center had its International Film Festival from the 17th to the 26th of March, 2023. When I learned about it, like always, I checked the screening schedule for any movie that stirred my curiosity to watch and also for animated films. Additionally, IHC hosted VROOOOM, a VR film screening event organized by Goethe Institut in association with Virtual Reality and Film Festival (VRHAM).

So, I registered for the only animated movie in the International screening schedule and VR films. My dad is also a movie enthusiast, so he booked his slots for international movies.

STORIES THROUGH VR

Finally, with all the daily schedules updated, my reserved slot for the first set of VR films came, and I arrived at the venue to enjoy them on the 17th. It felt like entering a completely different area, with multiple stations and rooms allotted to particular screenings. Each station had a volunteer or two for guidance. I was excited to watch them all. And luckily, I saw five of them, if not all of the first VR slot screenings. They were – Father is Gone, The Choice, A Seven Story Building, Kindred, and Oh De Pu.

I experienced a new medium of storytelling through VR, and it was extraordinary. I was able to feel every kind of emotion the film wanted to portray. Honestly, I had no idea, or should I say had no expectations, that movies in VR have reached this level. It was an enjoyable evening for me, and I could not wait for my next slot of screenings to happen.

THE LAST DAY ARRIVED!

On 25th March, I decided to watch the second slot of VR films. This time I saw four movies, one being a three-part series. They were On the Morning You wake (the three episodes), Midnight Story, Rock Paper Scissors, and from the Main Square.

These felt different in reaching me than the ones I saw the last time. I learned about some of the real-life events that took place and felt like I was there. The interactive VR films where I selected the questions or where I was to play with one of the virtual characters were something new to me. It was amazing to be a part of such an experience that was so different from the stories I have seen in 2D, 3D, IMAX, etc.

I am not reviewing the movies here because I wanted to share my experience. As a creative person, or as someone who wants to learn and know more about filmmaking and its other areas, and as someone who loves movies and stuff, I would suggest you all to experience all this and know how vast storytelling and storytellers have evolved and how technology helps in giving life to the stories.

Don’t hesitate to join clubs or become a member if you get the chance to experience the cinema. You do not need a paid membership to receive updates everywhere. Some only need your Email ID to send you the update for upcoming events.

Like the one I got!