I practiced using MetaSpark Studio by following a tutorial on how to motion-track images. 

Testing out different animation methods for plane tiles while also using particle animation.

When I first heard about the project, I was already stumped. The theme revolved around a community that we are in and want to celebrate. I wanted to do a project that connected to KIS, but already so many people chose the community KIS. So I was struggling to think of a creative way to portray community. 

I decided to focus on the classes of KIS, as they are very diverse, and our subjects are communities in a way. It is our classmates that we can relate and understand when we go through the same subjects together. Every time there is a test, classmates gather up together to help each other to study. I find those moments very valuable and find it interesting how quickly one can bond through this method. 

This concept was an augmented reality image that could be viewed on a mobile phone. The only platform that offered that feature was MetaSpark Studio, which is only available to Instagram and Facebook users.

Not only did I think it was a unique method to present my art, but I also believe it relates to the concept of "community," as kids frequently use Instagram to engage with their friends. 

Art Class: I went through the Art History Book to choose an artwork/art piece that is easily recognizable. I was thinking of doing a painting, but I figured that it would look too similar with the English class AR image and that if it was a french artwork, it would be too connected with my french class. So I decided to choose King Tut's Tomb. Not only is it easily recognizable, but already most people have some knowledge about it. I made the animation to look like someone is banging from inside the tomb, therefore, there are words like, "baam." It's just a fun concept to make it seem like there is something alive in the tomb. I also wanted to make the design look very simple, so I kept a color limit, and only shaded and added depth. 

English Class: My English teacher's favorite scene from one of the texts she teaches is when Odysseus washes ashore and encounters Nausicaa, the Phaecian princess, and her servants. They admire this moment because it is the first time Odysseus meets a female character without immediately attempting to sleep with or kill her, and he admits that he needs her help. Odysseus has been humiliated by Poseidon and a sea nymph and has began his change. Thus, his pose is grabbing the hand of Nausicaa (who has her hand extended to help him). I had to separate into different layers to have the bodies moving, so there is not a lot of shading of some areas in the AR image. 

French Class: I had asked my teacher about one of the units she wanted me to highlight. She had made a list of numerous categories, including cuisine, travel, and literature. However, the unit in which she appeared most interested was architecture. As a result, I chose some of Lyon, France's most iconic buildings. I chose Lyon because it was my teacher's hometown. After some study, I chose on the Cathedral of St. John, which is one of the architectures we learned about in class. I wanted to incorporate more specific information, but I also wanted to keep things simple. So I utilized simple hues, with the lineart highlighting its depth and shade. Even though many of the elements were simplified, I maintained the most recognized details (the center circle) to preserve the original look. 

This project contained the most flaws, which I had to sort out without any assistance. Even though there are many tutorials for MetaSpark Studio, there is little help on how to resolve bugs or why AR programs do not perform. As a result, I had to modify settings or even restart my progress to resolve the difficulties myself. During Spring Break, it took me four days to detect the problem and alter my settings so that the AR application would operate again. 

The biggest issue was file size. MetaSpark Studio cannot handle file sizes greater than 6 KB. However, a 10-second animation in Adobe AE is 27 KB. As a result, in order to create a functional AR image, I had to sacrifice both the quality and quantity of the final look. I have to try reducing the animation time to 2-4 seconds with a lower frame rate. Only then was the AR image able to run smoothly. 

My only regret is that I did not know about this situation sooner. If I had solved the problem sooner, I would have had more time to make artwork for all of my classes. However, due to a short deadline, I was forced to settle for three lessons. But I'm delighted I was able to complete three separate animations. 

Although this project encountered various challenges, I am pleased that I was able to develop a working and engaging project. And I am pleased to have learnt new programs and skills.