with Nigel
This week we focused on how to develop and structure a literature review. The session emphasised that a literature review is not simply a summary of sources, but a critical investigation that builds a balanced academic argument.
We discussed the importance of using peer-reviewed and credible academic sources, rather than informal material. Academic writing conventions were also reinforced, including maintaining formal language, avoiding personal tone, and applying accurate Harvard referencing.
A key concept introduced was the Golden Thread in research. This refers to the clear connection between the research question, literature review, methodology, and conclusion. Each section should logically link together to ensure the investigation remains coherent and focused.
Overall, the session clarified how to structure a literature review effectively and maintain academic integrity throughout the research process.
with Ting
This week involved transitioning from planning into blocking for the Heavy Object & Change of Mind assignment. Working in stepped mode allowed me to focus on pose clarity and the communication of weight. At this stage, I found the process particularly engaging, as it combined body mechanics with acting decisions. Having already practiced body mechanics extensively, I felt more confident exploring performance within the movement.
The Stitch’s Tea Party workshop required applying constraints, locators, and parenting within a structured task. Although I had studied these tools previously, applying them in combination was significantly more challenging. The main difficulty lay in constructing a logical hierarchy deciding how objects should relate to each other while maintaining flexibility. This process required iterative problem-solving, and although it was initially frustrating, successfully completing the setup made the experience highly rewarding.
The introduction to facial posing marked a shift towards more detailed animation. While creating poses was enjoyable, I quickly realised that facial animation demands a higher level of precision than body mechanics. Maintaining structural integrity while pushing expressions proved difficult, highlighting a new area of development.
