CG Animated Short

  • Logline

    A pottery-maker doesn’t let his large size and clumsiness hinder him from making the most out his favorite recreational activity.

    Synopsis

    James, a pottery maker, is going about an average day in his studio, crafting a teacup. But just as he gets ready to glaze, he accidentally drops the teacup and it breaks into pieces. Instead of getting discouraged, James proceeds to gather the pieces and reveals the growing collection of D.I.Y fairy garden planters and mosaics filling his greenhouse, made from the broken pieces of pottery from previous bouts of clumsiness. He drops the pieces into a crate before setting up his workstation to start all over again. 

  • Running Time - 2 minutes 10 seconds

    Duration - 16 weeks

    Production

    • 1 character

    • 19 shots

    • 2 sets

    • 30+ assets

    Software

    • Maya

    • Zbrush

    • Substance Painter

    • Photoshop

  • Responsible for all aspects of project

    • Concept + Design

    • 3D Modeler

    • Texturing + Surfacing

    • Lighting + Rendering

    • Animator

    • Sound Mixing

    • Editor

  • Complete

    • Independently produce a CG Animated Short

    • Develop an original character

    • Explore a new stylistic approach to character design and environment

Story Concept

The concept for this film is inspired by the saying “a bull in a china shop”. The character is a big man who has a passion for pottery. This hobby is uncharacteristic for his large size, but doesn’t stop him from enjoying himself.

The story is meant to be lighthearted and uplifting and send the message that people should follow their passions regardless of whether they “fit.”

Originally titled “Breaking The Mold”. The storyboards reflect the original flow of the story. It eventually evolved over the course of production and changes were adapted as the story moved from 2d to 3d.

The main character, James, is a retired football player. He minored in art in college. He built his own pottery studio and sells the wares at his local farmer’s market.

Character Design

Key Details -

  • Large build defined by broad shoulders, thick arms, and legs

  • Soft face with thick mustache

  • Calm and welcoming demeanor

  • apron

Character Model

Story Setting -

The story takes place in a small pottery studio in the morning. There is personal greenhouse just outside the studio.

Environment Concept + Design

Key Elements -

  • shelves filled with pottery

  • cobblestone floors

  • casement windows

  • wooden beams and infrastructure

  • brick kiln

The environment is meant to feel full and cozy. There are duplicated assets of the raw materials and tools used in pottery that fill in the space.

Modeling + Layout

The layout was designed to be open concept but full of tables, shelves, and other infrastructure to make clear walking paths.

The slanted ceiling and uneven wall are meant to create the illusion of a smaller space.

The textures and lighting worked to create an environment that the character felt good in. The warm tones and atmosphere make the space feel comfortable and the character fits into the space while also standing out.

Final Look