Artist Documentation
About
@thinhnuen
thinhnuen@gmail.com
©2024 Thinh Nguyen
Dojo
My first ever animation project was an unforgettable experience—one filled with excitement, confusion, and plenty of trial and error. At the time, I had no idea what an animation rig was, let alone how essential it is to animating characters. I jumped headfirst into the project, assuming that everything had to be made from scratch. As a result, I modeled all of the assets myself—characters, props, environments—simply because I didn’t know you could download 3D objects.
It was a true underdog journey, where I was learning as I went, figuring out the basics of animation while juggling the challenge of creating every single element in the scene. It is a lilttle ironic that I just hapenned to name it Dojo. Like I was trainning for the battle ahead. Each step felt like an uphill climb, but it taught me the importance of persistence and the immense value of foundational knowledge. While the final result may not have been perfect, it was a project I’ll never forget, and it sparked the realization of just how much more there was to learn in the world of animation. Looking back, I can’t help but laugh at how much I didn’t know—but that’s exactly what made the process so rewarding.
Moodboards are a game-changer when it comes to starting a project. They help organize your thoughts, set the tone, and establish a clear visual direction before you even touch a design tool. Having all those references and inspirations in one place keeps you focused, and it’s amazing how much clarity it can bring to the creative process.
Picture a wise yet goofy dog with a soft, scruffy coat, and eyes that twinkle with both mischief and wisdom. He’s proudly sporting a karate black belt tied snugly around his waist, slightly too tight over his round belly. His ears perk up in focus, but every now and then, they flop down as if forgetting their job. Despite his goofy grin and playful stance, you can tell he’s a master of his craft—he might trip over his own paws at times, but when it comes to the art of karate, he’s no joke.
I vividly remember that the professor for this class was new, and while they were enthusiastic, there were moments where things felt a bit uncertain. As a result, I often found myself turning to the seniors for guidance. They had been through it all before, and their experience became a lifeline. Whether it was tips on how to improve my workflow or even small details like shortcuts I didn’t know existed, their advice filled in the gaps and helped me navigate the course. It was like having a second set of mentors alongside the professor.
Looking back at all these project notes and documentation, I feel a renewed sense of inspiration. Seeing the progress, learning from the mistakes, and remembering the journey gives me a fresh burst of motivation. It's a reminder of how far I've come and how much more there is to explore in animation—each step forward makes the work feel more rewarding.
Thank you for reading these silly messages, enjoy the anim!