Nick Clackett

Making the Most of an Opportunity - My Theory

2012-01-25T05:59:00.001-08:00

In my brief time working here in Paris, I think I've discovered a key piece of information, that I'm sure can prove useful to any of my fellow freelancers, interns or graduates.

If you are offered a set period of time, for example 6 months or 2 weeks at a given company, either as a freelancer, or on a graduate scheme, I think you need to establish very very quickly how you can offer the company something no-one else on their books can. Observation is key; check out who works there, see what they do well. Have they got all their bases covered, and are there things they do better than others? Once you've established these 'gaps in the market' - pounce on them. Maybe you can do it faster. Maybe you can do it quicker. Maybe you can come up with alternative ideas. Maybe you're the biggest contributor in an ideas meeting. The only option I would definitely steer clear of is - maybe I can do it cheaper. No one wants the reputation for being the cheapest, and companies don't want that kind of boast in their corner.

So, observe, assess and adapt accordingly. It may sound a bit OTT, but I guarantee it will do you no harm to get into this mindset. Remember, if you want a job, and you're given a foot in the door, it's up to you to show why you deserve to be kept on. Don't waste an opportunity.

Me, I'm still finding my niche here, there is a lot of talent at Dagobert, but I'm sure I can establish myself in some way. I'll keep looking.

A Mixed Monday

2012-01-24T01:17:00.001-08:00

This blog certainly isn't intended to be an outlet for whenever I get frustrated at work, so apologies in advance for the slight rant, I promise I'll write something jolly next time :) (smiley face in a Blog - too cheesy? Discuss)

A large part of my passion for animation and all things related comes from being able to chip in ideas, ask questions, and engage in discussions about ways to improve the project. It seems, when you take that ability away, there is nothing more frustrating. I am sat in a meeting with ideas spilling out of me, but with absolutely no means of communicating them. I always knew taking a job in France was going to prove challenging, but I didn't realize I would be getting this frustrated with myself this early. I guess I just had a bad day. People continuously tell ,e the language will come and I'm sure it will. But the learning curve is an isolated frustrating place.

Plus I ruined someones surprise leaving do by asking him what the e-mail I'd been sent said, unbeknown to me and my linguistic inabilities that it was plans for his surprise party. Awesome.

No-one likes Mondays.

Week Two @ Dagobert

2012-01-17T04:13:00.000-08:00

Things definitely stepped up a notch last week, and by the end of the week I was loving it. I say I love a challenge on an almost daily basis, but found I do tend to spend far too much time flapping about worrying about a deadline rather than focusing on getting it done from the off. I think this initial panic has been accentuated out here because of the language barrier, and the added pressure of not being able to ask for help if I need it.

The bottom line is, Dagobert have a lot of graduates, and they seem to know exactly what they're doing in terms of exposing 'newbies' to the right amount of work at the right time. My first few days, I was given a few little tasks but nothing too scary, then things got gradually more complicated, and hopefully things will carry on the same way. Obviously it depends on the amount of work they have on, but it has felt like a nice curved increase in both responsibility and difficulty of task. Today marks two weeks since my first day, but it feels like I've been here 2 months. It's a fast paced industry so I imagine this is natural - but I am loving every minute so far.

Website Touch-Up

2012-01-12T04:41:00.000-08:00

My website will be getting a full makeover over the coming weeks including a shiny brand new showreel. ETA is the tail end of April, but it will feature new character animation, new After Effects work, maaaaybe some C4D work, and perhaps even a new jingle. Anyway, in the meantime, I've jiggled the colour scheme and layout a bit just to see how it is, let me know your thoughts!

www.nickclackett.co.uk

a tiny 'WHAT AM I DOING?!' moment...

2012-01-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

OK, so it took just over a week, but yesterday I had my first out-of-my-depth realisation, and it sort of sunk in that I am actually not only learning a load of software and technology I've never used before, but I'm learning it all in a language I don't speak.

I was given my 1st solo brief by 2 project managers, in French obviously. (They can speak English, but I ask them to speak in French to help me learn. Stupid me). I reckon I understood 20-25% of what was said to me, and of course I didn't have the language skills to ask the questions I wanted to, as well as not wanting to look stupid. It was a bit of a Sink or Swim moment (yes, I know it sounds dramatic), but I went for a walk around the block, ate a baguette (cliché alert) and then went back to get on with it with a clear head and a full stomach. Boom, 3 hours later, it was done.

Lesson learned - Panicking gets you nowhere, and if you're going to asked to be challenged, don't be surprised when it turns out to be challenging.

Week One @ Dabobert

2012-01-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

Well, the first week is officially out of the way, and I managed to get through it without offending anyone with my appalling language skills. I'll be honest, that was my primary objective of week one.

The team I am working with are a top bunch, and they've done their best to make me feel very welcome. At the risk of being 'THAT guy', I am insisting they address me in French, hopefully they'll notice I'm making the effort! After finding my feet last week, and using C4D for the first time, this upcoming week promises to be a lot less forgiving. Friday, I sat in on a meeting with a rather important major phone network client, and there is a huge project on the cards. The time for holding my hand and testing the water looks like it's gone and it'll be all hands on deck this week. I do love a challenge. I'll get back later in the week to see how it's going, but so far, I'm absolutely loving it :)

New Year - Nouvel Emploi

2012-01-01T04:41:00.000-08:00

I begin my new graduate position at Dagobert Tuesday morning, and can't wait to get started. I will be working as a Junior Animator and Motion Designer, and having visited the place a couple of times, it looks like the projects I'll be working on are really interesting. They produce adverts and promotional material for a number of large European clients, and I'm sure working there for 6 months will prove massively beneficial to my progress as an Animator. I will be developing my skills in After Effects and learning Cinema 4D, so I'll definitely be coming out the other side with a few new tricks up my sleeve, and hopefully a new language! I'll be regularly updating my Blog (New Years Resolution) so keep an eye out for new posts.

Happy New Year everyone, and here's to a blinding 2012 *raises glass of Chardonnay*

A Busy December

2011-12-31T00:33:00.000-08:00

I begin far too many of my Blogs with a 'I have been busy, honest! So I haven't had time to update my blog...'

Well, no more!

In 2012, my Blog will be given the attention it deserves. So there, my first New Years resolution.

To be fair though, I was actually quite busy in December. I was working predominately on an Online instructional video for the increasingly popular citizens journalist site Blottr (http://www.blottr.com/). I will be posting a link to the final video once it has been released complete with voiceover in the next few weeks. I also spent the largest chunk of December preparing (a posh word for panicking in this case) for the move across the Channel to Paris. I arrived on Wednesday, and have already visited Disneyland, scaled the Eiffel Tower, and eaten a number of Crepes, so now I can definitely draw a line under the touristy stuff and get focused on the new job. Anyway, keep an eye out for new posts, I'll update Monday.

Happy New Year everyone, may it be a jolly happy and successful one.

Notepad Doodle

2011-11-14T06:53:00.001-08:00

I started doodling a happy snail whilst I was on the phone and kinda liked it, so coloured it in!

January 2012 Internship with Dagobert

2011-10-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

I am lucky enough to have wangled myself onto the Dagobert internship for the start of the new year. I will be there initially for 6 months, working with one of the biggest digital media companies in Paris. I will be brushing up on my After Effects and Photoshop skills before going, and of course, learning French in the meantime. Can't wait!

Nickelodeon Storyboards

2011-10-04T04:30:00.000-07:00

Late last year, I boarded some advert bumpers with Nickelodeon, for one of their clients, 'Worlds Apart'. The adverts ran between 4pm-6pm on Nick Jr throughout Spring, and here are my boards, twinned with the bumpers. It's always awesome to see how your storyboards assist the direction of an advert, particularly chuffed with this one.

A Random Reaction - Take 2

2011-09-29T04:54:00.000-07:00

Just to push Mondays animation slightly further along, I fancied Tex Avery-ing it up a bit. Any thoughts on what should happen next? The weirder the better...

A Random Reaction - Take 1

2011-09-28T03:42:00.000-07:00

Just a simple little animation, I spent yesterday working on this as I realised it had been a couple of weeks since I'd animated anything. With the Transform@Lab all finished, I need to get back to the drawing board. Hope you like!

ChompChallenge Presentation

2011-09-27T02:30:00.001-07:00

http://prezi.com/getwj0rogr55/chomp-challenge/

We learned about a super wicked presentation programme called 'Prezi' in Budapest, and so Chiara and I decided to present our project using it. The link to our presentation is above, feedback as ever is more than appreciated, and any questions, let me know!

'ChompChallenge' - 'The Healthy Heroes'

2011-09-27T02:24:00.001-07:00

Introducing, from left to right, Carly Carrot, Ollie the Onion, Brock Lee and Pippa Pepper. These guys were designed to front our project, and will feature on our promotional material...
Introducing

Transform@Lab 2011 - Done & Dusted!

2011-09-27T02:16:00.000-07:00

After 11 masterclasses across 4 months in 3 countries, the first ever Transform@Lab is done and dusted. I met some amazing people, heard some great ideas and learnt a load of new things. We pitched to an industry panel on the final day, including executives from channel 4 and the BBC. The course really was a fantastic experience, I feel my skills have been significantly developed, and I've added a new Transmedia string to my bow. Going forward, my business partner on the course Chiara Carbonara and I, will be looking to develop our idea further after receiving very positive feedback. I'll upload a couple of jPegs now to give you a taster of our project 'ChompChallenge' ...

tut Kids these days...

2011-08-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

Inspired by a lady I encountered at the bus stop the other day. I think the little girl was called Jordan. No, genuinely.

New website finishing touches

2011-07-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

Howdy!

I have had a frustrating few days having completed the new design for my website Thursday evening. I then changed the URL over from the old site, which apparently takes 72 hours to do, and now, 72 hours later, I realised designing the site on a super sexy 22inch screen might be an issue not giving enough consideration to people with wee screens. I'm itching to flaunt it around, but need to iron out these minor issues before I throw it into the world.

Any day now...

Transform@Lab 2011

2011-07-14T15:46:00.001-07:00

I was recently selected to attend the Transform@Lab Workshop in Newport, Budapest and Paris with 5 fellow Brits, 2 Hungarians, and an excitable Frenchman. I have completed the Newport and Budapest stages, and am only just getting around to blogging about it (rolls eyes at same old excuse). So far, it's been top drawer, a great opportunity and very interesting. Transmedia as a concept is still relatively new, but it's worth looking into for all you budding creatives out there. I am collaborating with an Italian MA Student whom recently graduated from Newport, watch this space for all the development news, it's exciting times!

2011 Animation Showreel

2011-07-10T03:08:00.000-07:00

Blog Formatting Palava?!

2011-06-08T02:39:00.000-07:00

For some reason, all of my posts seem slightly 'off' on the formatting front, covering the description or the title? I have no idea why this is, so apologies if you have trouble viewing any of the videos or pictures on my Blog. I've found with the videos, if you click slightly above where the play button is, and slightly to the left, it'll play! Obviously something is up with Blogger, but I will endeavour to sort it out - Sorry again!

Re-Worked Running Man

2011-06-08T02:27:00.000-07:00

In a bid to tighten a few things up on my Showreel, I spent a bit of time going back over the 'Running Man' dance cycle I put on my last showreel (see about 5 posts below for original). You can always push like this a bit further, and hopefully this is a bit more fun to watch than the original. I especially like the larger hair and bendier body.

Clean Runaway Key

2011-05-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

A clean up of the rough jump and run. For the original roughs, check out a couple of posts below.

Cheerio ABF/ESkills Matters

2011-05-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

In my last week in my current contract, and as a leaving present/online image, have illustrated the ABF team in the style of one of the companies online characters. Was great fun to do, and luckily no-one was too offended!

Runaway Keeeeyyyy!

2011-05-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

A rough rough jump and run, an initial idea for a much grander project in the pipeline, this is what you get sitting at your desk with a spare afternoon and a digital camera. Feedback massively encouraged and greatly appreciated.

The Jolly Clean Walk

2011-05-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

Cleaned up an old pencil line test in Flash, threw on a tie and some wispy hair for good measure, hopefully it works!

Old Man

2011-03-26T02:53:00.000-07:00

Work Experience Storyboarding for Nickelodeon!

2010-11-19T02:02:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to be contacted by Nickelodeons Commercial Support Unit, and asked if I would like to spend a few weeks helping them out storyboarding some adverts to be screened over Xmas. I had an amazing time there, definately the most fun place I've ever worked! Due to the top secret nature of the work, I thought I'd better only put up one board, but even so, enjoy! I'll let you all know when it's screened on TV!

Sketching Away

2010-11-19T01:57:00.000-08:00

During my time travelling in Thailand, I often found myself sat for sometimes hours on end waiting at a train station, bus stop, or in a bar. I tried to put this time to good use by grabbing my sketchbook and pencil whenever I got the chance. I came up with around 8 new characters, but have only had the chance to colour a couple. I also got back to basics by sketching some characters out of the good old Animators Survival Kit book, just to loosen myself up before I headed off.

Going for a Dip

2010-11-19T01:52:00.000-08:00

Just a quick flash animation to close off my showreel, felt the reel was all a bit too 'Another Last Case' heavy, so as and when I get the chance between work and freelancing, I'll be splicing some fresh flash work into my showreel. As ever, feedback is welcome!

'Virgin Trains' Online Game

2010-10-04T02:56:00.000-07:00

Before I headed off on my travels, I spent several days animating a character for te upcoming Virgin Trains advertising campaign! You may have seen a few posters of zombies on billboards and the Underground, but as I don't know how much I can say until it is released, you'll have to just wait and see! As soon as it is out, I'll let you know!

Two Months in Thailand

2010-10-04T02:54:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from 2 months travelling in Thailand and Laos, but my sketchbook and pencil were never far from my hand! I am currently working on uploading a new section of character designs and life drawing sketches to my website www.nickclackett.co.uk. Keep a look out!

Let's all do the Running Man!

2010-06-02T05:16:00.001-07:00

I have been working on this for a few days, inspired by one of the oldest go-to dance moves in the world! I chose to do The Running Man to fit in with my show reel track (Paolo Nutini - Pencil Full of Lead), as I think animated dance certainly goes hand in hand with the upbeat tune. It needs a bit of tweaking and I am looking for a way to incorporate some secondary motion, but for now, enjoy!

'Another Last Case' to be screened at Glastonbury 2010!

2010-05-24T03:56:00.000-07:00

The Screen Academy of Wales have selected the film Matt Pollock and I produced last year, 'Another Last Case', to be shown on an enormous screen at this years Glastonbury Festival 2010 - amazing! Thanks Screen Academy Wales, hope all the festival go-ers like what they see!

Galloping Gazelle

2010-05-13T05:22:00.000-07:00

Here is my first little animal cycle for quite a while, and I am pretty happy with it. I opted to animate a galloping gazelle, and watched quite a few wildlife programmes on iPlayer to get some decent reference. I think it works quite well, would love to know what you all think!

Flash Animal Cycles

2010-05-13T05:19:00.000-07:00

Over the next few weeks Im going to experiment with a few animal walk/run/gallop cycles in Flash. This will not only keep my Flash skills moving along, but as I am working on some more complicated Flash dialogue shorts, it's nice to work on some basics on the side when you need a break from the bigger project!

Website Launch!

2010-04-12T04:24:00.000-07:00

www.nickclackett.co.uk is officially launched! After much work, editing, and asking people far more technologically-minded than me, its out there on the world wide web. Theres more work to be done on it, and I'm aiming on adding new stuff as often as I can. Let me know what you think, hope you enjoy

Hands

2010-04-07T08:30:00.001-07:00

Always helpful drawing practice...

Dynamic Poses

2010-04-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

Experimenting with dynamic poses with the intention of basing characters around their body positions in the near future.

Showreel Characters

2010-04-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

These characters will featuring in the latest cut of my showreel, the Jazz trumpet player in the opening sequence, and the comedian in a 10 second 2D performance piece I have been working on.

2010-04-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

Back in the Swing Part III

2010-03-16T01:47:00.000-07:00

Now quite literally back in the swing of things, I have been working on a few simple dance cycles, to the timing of my showreel track. I sincerely hope the LAVs I had to 'perform' for these dances NEVER see the light of day, but it had to be done!

Getting back in the Swing Part II

2010-03-16T01:38:00.000-07:00

Again, keyed out by Richard Williams, I have inbetweened this walk and experimented with different timings to make it slightly more unique. I have animated this partly on 1's, and partly on 2's, and am relatively happy with the outcome.

Getting back in the Swing

2010-03-16T01:33:00.000-07:00

To get myself back into the swing of things and the animation mindset, I re-read Richard Williams 'Animators Survival Kit' cover to cover (and then again), just to remind myself of the animation fundamentals and to ease myself back in. Here is a simple line test of a bulldog keyed out by Richard Williams, to get the animator thinking about the possibilites of secondary motion. I may develop this a lot further (drool, bigger cheeks) and include this in my showreel, but for the time being, its just to get me back in the swing...

Back in the Game

2010-03-16T01:27:00.000-07:00

Following Uni, I didn't feel ready to take the plunge into the animation industry, and felt I had too many things to get out of my system before I commited to the industry I wanted to work my way up in. My plan was simple; to work for 6 months, and then travel for 6 months.

I worked for 6 months, had some amazing laughs, but in the back of my mind was my craving to animate. Instead of travelling, I have decided to take a chunk of my savings and put that towards not working for a few months, shutting myself away in my room, and bringing my showreel up to the best possible standard it can be. Bit of a risk, I know, no income, no job, but Ive been animating for 4 weeks now, and after a slow start (I have been out of the game for 6 months remember), I am absolutely loving it :)

Glammies 2009

2010-03-16T01:24:00.000-07:00

Here's me and my animation partner in crime Matt Pollock withour awards. Great day out, and was absolutely chuffed to win considering some of the amazing work in our categories. The Glammies was the perfect end to a fantastic 3 years at Glamorgan University.

The Glammies 2009

2009-06-12T03:57:00.000-07:00

Matthew Pollock and I picked up 2 'Glammy' Awards for our 2009 Final Major Project film, which we are absolutely chuffed with. Please watch this space for the film to be uploaded in the very near future.

2 Weeks in Volda, Norway

2009-05-09T03:56:00.000-07:00

Myself and 3 fellow BA students have spent the last 2 weeks in Volda, Norway at the school of Animation. It has been an amazing experience, where we have partaken in acting for animators workshops, as well as puppet animating excercises. Having never animated a puppet in stop motion, I was pretty nervous going into this, but found that the principles of animation that are the same across the board are easily applied to a new discipline. I have had an absolutely brilliant fortnight, and am looking forward to putting what I have learnt into practice. I will post the work I produced, as well as examples of the acting workshops we took part in in the next few days.

The Original Idea

2009-04-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

Myself and my collaborative partner, Matt Pollock, were intrgued by the concept of combining 2D animation with stop-motion animation. This intrigue turned to interest, which turned to brainstorming, which turned to an idea. That idea is currently in the process of coming to fruition, but way back at the beginning, we needed to get an idea of how stop-mo and 2D would look on screen together. Hence the below video, shot in about 5 minutes! Suffice to say, we learnt alot.

Where It All Began...

2009-04-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Character Design and Expression Sheets

2009-04-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

Below are several pages of initial character design for my final major production this year. I was aiming to create a comical gangster duo. Also seen below, are the heads of my final characters performing various expressions.

2009-04-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

'Legs' expression sheets

2009-04-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

'Joey' expression sheets

2009-04-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

2009-04-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

2009-04-23T07:27:00.001-07:00

A few character designs I done for the pre-production stage of my final major project.

'Another Last Case' 2009 - Preview Pictures

2009-04-23T02:16:00.000-07:00

Here are two still images taken from our latest major production, entitled 'Another Last Case'. It is a collaborative film, mixing 2D with stop-motion animation in a 3D environment, and is due for 'release' in early June. Not much to go on, but we like to keep our cards close to our chest for now. Watch this space!

2009-04-23T02:15:00.000-07:00

Scene 02 - Shot 10 - 'Boys Hiding'

2009-04-23T02:14:00.000-07:00

Scene 02 - Shot 07 - 'Legs Dodge'

2009-04-22T10:39:00.000-07:00