After summer holiday I had to rearrange my life that will fit into college duties. To do that I had to find a new job in catering or hospitality, so I could work on weekends and study during the week. I came successfully trough interviews for position of waiter in restaurant and room service attendant in hotel. I choose a position in a hotel as I had more experience to do that, beside it is a bigger environment where I am finding myself more comfortable.

I would like to be seen as a professional at work, so I am working hard to improve my personal and professional skills. I can say that I am quite successful with what I want to achieve, as few people told me that I am the hardest working person within my department. I would like to keep my personal image on that level or even expand it.

I am struggling a bit at college, but I am doing what I can, as best as I can.

What was good? That I stay patient through most of the time. I have done all what I what I have plan to do.

What was bad? That I did not say to my housemate what I am thinking about what she is doing to me. She is always judgeing me, but never look on own mistakes.

What did you learn? That

If they could do it differently what would they do better next time?

Personal Development Planning is a our approach to self-development. We should make a plan which area needs to be developed and choose a way how to do it. In my case I have got a lot to do. I think that when I finish my course, I will have to take some course or just read some over the internet. Then I will need to applied this to my life style. I am sometimes a little bit lazy. I have to judge myself objectively, without it

This is what I am doing at my work placement right now. I am a little bit proud of my work, because I did not expect that I will handle these projects in such a small time. I am so busy that I do not have time for anything, my whole day is filled with lots of challenges. I am more thinking person rather than write about what I have been doing. I am constantly working on my projects to improve them, even when I went for a walk and I cannot see them. In my mind I am creating different versions. When I am in my room I can stare on them for hours. I am trying different colours and fonts, different layout’s. I have to say that it will be really difficult for me, to write a report about this process. I am fully concentrated on the task, and it would be difficult for me to transform pictures from my head in to words and later on the paper.

We are exploring many different aspects of this island form social life, tourist’s attraction, museums, galleries up to beauty of nature. Of course we are working very hard on our work placements as well, all what I have counted is when we have a time off.

I have to say that it is very interesting place with lots of hidden places. I have managed to visit the castle inside and gallery in town library. We are very often eating in the restaurants or cafe’s to discover traditional kitchen. All of the places got unique atmosphere and food, for example I have been drinking honey beer in the Mill refurbished into restaurant. Me and my friend Rubel, went on the bike trip on Sunday to explore places outside the town. It was beautiful weather but very cold, however we did around 15 miles. We were riding on the seaside and later between two small lakes where was a National Park.

Finally I am here and after exactly 1 week I have got some time to write my blog. I am so busy and happy to be here.

In Estonia we are staying on the island Saaremaa in town Kuressaare. We were invited by Kuressaare AmeTiKool which is one of the biggest vocational schools in this country. It is fantastic project because on the school site is 3 star hotel and restaurant mostly run by students. Teachers are more in the role of supervisors and managers. Students are dealing w customers, handling money, cooking, cleaning and mostly running this place. I think that they are gathering much more experience this way, rather than from regular classes. After 2-3 years of studying here, I am sure that they are really prepare for working in busy restaurant or 4-5 star hotel and become supervisors right on the beginning. I would love to be involved in the same kind of project in my college, where I could do projects for real customers.

My work placement is fantastic and expand my expectation same as a whole this country. I am working as a designer for a Regional Development Office, which helps people and companies received donation from EU. I have been asked to design membership card, poster and honourable mention letter. I am so glad that I can use Photoshop and do what I have been ask for, as well as develop my design skills. People at work are very nice and friendly and it is a pleasure to work over here.

It was a long time since I was working on that kind of position, I am very happy to refresh my skills and gather experience from working in a foreign country. I have to say that it is really difficult to work on the projects when you do not know what the text mean. It is really important to understand the purpose of the project and style of the country. Some colours may affect some people and can be connected with the painful past.

What was good – I need to concentrate on the tasks given to me. It seems that when I stop thinking about my problems, I can make my task done. I am slowly starts controlling my emotions, what is crucial to get trough the stress. I can see what kind of improvements I need to do in my personal behavior.

What was bad – My private life is badly affected by the things which are disturbing me. I need to concentrate twice harder to get any results. I am working too much and I do not have enough time to do my study.

What did you learn - I was learning this week on WBL about skills that are required for a job that I want to gain.

If they could do it differently what would they do better next time?

On the 2nd PPD we was talking about our SWOT analysis and gained skills, how are they change since the last year. I have to say that I wasn’t thinking too much about it, and I didn’t notice any change in my professional approach. But it looks like I’m wrong. First time in my life I have achieved something without anybody help (I mean parents or friends). My success is even double, I have finish the first year of my Foundation Degree and I get a new job walking in from the street for an opening day.

Description of job titles which I would like to do:

Modeller CG
“Modellers build three-dimensional computer models of everything that is needed for a CGI project. As they develop their skills and interests, Modellers may concentrate on different areas such as characters, objects, environments or special effects.

Further on in the process, Riggers will rig the models to enable them to be animated and Texture Artists will apply texture which will be further enhanced at the Lighting stage when tone and depth are added.

What is the job?
From designs, concept drawings and any other available reference material, Modellers create three-dimensional models using whatever software is applicable to the production.

They work to established designs and need to produce an accurate translation of the reference, staying on model (in style). There may be occasions when Modellers will need to do their own research or scan in a maquette or sculpture as reference.

The models they produce need to meet the creative requirements of the Production Designer and/or Art Director and/or Client, but it is just as important that they should satisfy the technical needs of the CG department and be efficient, reliable, to scale and easy to rig and animate.

It is important that Modellers understand and appreciate what will be required of their models in the later stages of production because this can affect the work they produce. Information about the action that is going to be required from a model will be provided by a Director, Supervisor or Animator, or can be found in the storyboard or layouts.

On smaller productions, Modellers may also rig, build textures and create lighting. On larger projects, they may be required to liaise with riggers, texture artists and lighters.

Typical career routes
There are several levels of Modeller from a new entrant taken on as a trainee or junior, through to a Senior Technical Director or Supervisor. This job profile relates to a mid-level Modeller. Modelling can be a good career choice or can lead on to other roles, such as rigging or texture.

Ideally, Modellers combine both modelling and texture skills which give them flexibility when progressing through the CG Department. With the appropriate talent and skills, a successful Modeller/Texture Artist may aim, eventually, to be either a CG Supervisor or a VFX Supervisor.

Essential knowledge and skills
One of the most important skills is to be able to think in 3D. In addition, it will be necessary to demonstrate at least some of the following within a portfolio submitted for a Modelling position:
ability to follow design reference accurately and work in a range of styles;
ability to create moderate to complex and organic models;
ability to model characters, props and environments, working to a good level of finish, if required;
good drawing skills including use of light and shadow and a good understanding of anatomy;
strong sense of scale, form, weight and volume;
Key Skills include:
good understanding of modelling with either Polygons or NURBS;
ability to do UV mapping;
ability to problem solve;
ability to communicate with colleagues and work as part of a team;
ability to take direction and willingness to address comments and make changes;
ability to work with a minimum of supervision and capacity to function as team leader, if required;
ability to deliver on schedule, working under pressure if required;
respect for the procedures and requirements of a particular studio, production or pipeline;
knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures

Training and qualifications
Modellers are likely to have gained a degree in one of a variety of different disciplines including Mechanical or Civil Engineering, Industrial Design, Architecture, Computer Graphics, Computer Animation, Sculpture, Woodwork, Metalwork, Ceramics, etc.

It is possible that a period of comparable professional experience, or working up from a trainee, may replace an academic qualification providing that a portfolio can demonstrate the necessary talent and skills.

Modellers will be expected to have solid experience in at least one of the 3D CG packages regarded as standard by the industry. Maya is currently the most widely used programme for film, television and facility houses in the UK. However, it is unlikely that knowledge of a specific programme will affect employment.

Some studios may provide the necessary re-training if modelling talent and skills are well established in a portfolio; alternatively, Modellers will need to upgrade their own skills and take training on the relevant software. Life drawing and experience of sculpting or traditional model building are an asset.”

(Modeller CG [online] 05.10.2009)

Animator CG
“In principle, the role of Animator is the same for all techniques of animation. The differences are in the tools used, and in some of the skills required. Computer Animators produce images which, when recorded in sequence and projected, create the illusion of movement: they breathe life into an image, or give personality to a character, by creating a series of static poses. In character animation, Computer Animators may be cast, like actors, for their special talents – comedy, dialogue, song & dance, action, men, women, children, animals, charm, simplicity, sympathy, etc. On other projects, they may be selected for their particular technical skills and ability.
Responsibilities
Depending on the project, Computer Animators follow a brief from a Director, Animation Director or Lead Animator, and refer to established designs, layouts, models, and existing characteristics when creating the movement which will appear on screen. They may work alone, or they may supervise the work of more junior Animators, and may be responsible for the standard of their team’s work. They must keep up to date with the relevant software, and adapt to different studios’ systems. Computer Animators need to be aware of the production schedule, and must deliver their work on brief and on time.
Skills
A feel for movement and timing is necessary to produce convincing animation, and Computer Animators need creative and artistic qualities, along with the appropriate technical skills. For character work, animation experience, observational skills and acting talent are all very important. Computer Animators must be able to take direction, and work as part of a team. Organisational skills, attention to detail, and the capacity to communicate clearly with colleagues are all valuable assets.
Qualifications/Experience
The most valuable qualifications are experience and a good track record of working on well-regarded productions in well-respected studios, enabling Animators to build up show-reels which effectively illustrate their skills and talent. In such a relatively small industry, personal reputation and recommendations from previous employers are also invaluable. Computer Animators have usually worked previously in another department, such as Modelling, or as a more junior member of the animation team. Certain individuals with particular talent progress very quickly to the role of Animator, while others can take much longer to reach that position.
Computer Animators are likely to enter the industry as graduates of Animation degree courses, or with comparable Computer Science degrees, before progressing through the animation roles. Studios may consider re-training Computer Animators from one software programme to another, if their fundamental skills are apparent from their showreel. Many Animators cross over from 2D, and retrain to acquire the necessary computer skills. A background, or training in, drawn animation is regarded as a strong asset for Computer Animators, many of whom continue to take life drawing and/or acting classes throughout their careers. It is possible that some Computer Animators may have no formal qualifications, but because they possess the necessary passion and talent, they are promoted from Runner to a junior technical role, which may then lead to an animation role.”

(Animator CG [online] 05.10.2009)

Bibliography:

Modeller CG [online]. [Accessed 5th October 2009]. Available from World Wide Web: <http://www.skillset.org/animation/careers/3D_computer/article_4637_1.asp>

Animator CG [online]. [Accessed 5th October 2009]. Available from World Wide Web: <http://www.skillset.org/animation/careers/3D_computer/article_4485_1.asp>

]]> http://lukelozowski.wordpress.com/2009/10/06/who-i-would-like-to-be-in-5-years/feed/ 0 lukelozowski http://lukelozowski.wordpress.com/2009/09/30/beginning-of-the-year/ http://lukelozowski.wordpress.com/2009/09/30/beginning-of-the-year/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:36:50 +0000 lukelozowski http://lukelozowski.wordpress.com/?p=16 ]]> Work related learning?
Gathering expirience during work

What is it?
It is a subject which can help us to improve our knowledge by the work placement . Helping to understand the rules in the business environment.

What is your opinion of WRL?
It is really useful. You can learn much more by being involve in a project.

Is it a waste of time?
Absolutly not.

Do you work? Does this impact on your answers?
Yes. Unfortunatly not in IT environment, but I am improving my customer service in a Hospitality.