The Kimmy Torch

I found another interesting tutorial on Creative Cow, this one showing how to turn someone into the Human Torch. I decided to try it out on Kimmy.


The Kimmy Torch from Nicole Van Luvender on Vimeo.

 The hardest part (though not so much difficult as it was time consuming) was animating the mask that followed her movement (and contained the flame).  Then I had to troubleshoot certain areas where the flame decided it didn't want to go.  Through a bit of trial and error, I was able to branch away from the tutorial and get the effect to do what I wanted it to.

Many thanks to my furry actress.

Particle World Transitions

I was trying to watch a movie on my computer and couldn't get it to load, so instead I decided to teach myself a little about particle transitions. This is based on a tutorial I found on creativecow.net and involves the word "Text" transforming into sand, dust, smoke, fire, and water (although the water looks a bit more like candle wax.)

If anyone else would like to give it a try, you can find the tutorial here:
Particle World Transitions - Part 1

I really enjoyed my first venture into visual effects. I'm finding it to have the technical side of rigging, which I enjoy, but without the inevitable explosion of rage. Time for more tutorials!



Particle Transitions from Nicole Van Luvender on Vimeo.

Frankenstein Dance Party

A while back I was watching a documentary on the real-life science of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." It was really fascinating (and at times, rather gruesome) to see how scientists really were attempting things like that. And so I was inspired to make a short about it with my own special twist -- a little less gruesomeness and a little more dance party.

This AE short finally has color and sound! Woo! Enjoy!


Frankenstein Dance Party from Nicole Van Luvender on Vimeo.