Creative Solutions
Stream Animations
Lucky Ghost Games
I started this project as a skill assessment for an animation opportunity. They were looking for someone who knew character rigging, and I told them I did not, but I learned quickly. I didnt get the job, but about 2 Weeks later, I did have a new skill and friend to play games with instead.
This project showcases how I turned a cartoon character into a motion capture-controlled puppet, able to stream 4K graphics simultaneously to four platforms, while delivering a unique branded streaming experience.
Live Streaming
A few years ago I started an e-commerce business with some friends, and that was my first introduction to live-streaming graphics and platforms.
I needed to incorporate this streaming knowledge and figure out how to cast a Live mask on myself while still being small enough output to maintain a reliable stream connection.
Motion Capture Build
Using Adobe Character animator, I began teaching myself the art of animation rigging. I started with a basic model procivided by the Adobe team, and I built a model of Lucky so I can start testing functionality.
The first model was smooth; however was limited in mobility. The software is designed for single scenes, rather than multiple motions, so it became important to figure out a simpler build for the rigging system.
Arcade Style Build
To simplify the movements, I broke the puppet down into a front view and pinned the body. I added motion capture triggers for the face, head, and eyes. This way, Lucky would look and talk the same way I would. I then began creating the lip movements and matching the different cues to smooth out the motion.
The second step is individualizing the arms. With the Arcade Button System, I needed to create individual positions or frames for each button Lucky can press. When synced together, it appears Lucky’s Movements are intuitive, never breaking eye contact with the viewer or game, always staying engaged, and each movement is able to be triggered through keys.
My Process
Adobe Illustrator
Each of these puppets was created using a combination of Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Character Animator. The puppets required a specific file structure in order to be read by both applications, and then each layer is then broken down in the rig section of Character Animator.
Custom Puppet
After understanding the specific structure, I started building my Arcade puppet that matched a readable format while coordinating each trigger to react to the specific motion capture elements.
Animation + Rigging
These layers had to then be meticulously placed and arranged. I started by completing bones and then joints in each, tagging each part to have specific functions and triggers.
Intro & Exit Graphics
A stream package is not complete without waiting screen graphics and transitions. The Style is cartoonish and contrasts with vibrant colors utilizing subtle movements from colorful blobs to create vibrant branding using a simple overlay.
These graphics were then animated and compiled with 2D motion graphics of Lucky to create a simple yet unique branding system while introducing core concepts of the stream.