Sunday, March 31, 2013

Autodesk Introduces Maya 2014.

Autodesk has announced their new software products and suites for 2014, providing modelers and animators with all kinds of new gadgets to play with to increase speed and overall performance to provide higher productivity. But that's not all we are getting, Autodesk has rebranded their complete productline and has a fresh new logo.

Check out the brand new look of all the modeling an animation software products found in their 'Enterainment Creation Suite 2014' and the official new logo of Autodesk:


Daryl Obert of the Autodesk team has been so friendly to provide us with several videos showing you what's hot and cool about Maya 2014, and how the new features can be used to create your 3D graphics with less effort and smarter ways to manage your pipeline. Some of the features might already seem familiar to you, as they' ve been available in some way in other products from the Entertainment Creation suite, such as 3ds Max or SoftImage.

What's New in Maya 2014?

The video's are three to four minutes long, with the more advanced enhancements taking up a bit more of your time, say eight minutes or so. I've put all 7 video's in a playlist below with a complete description of what's new in Maya 2014 below. So check them all out, or just pick the ones you like to watch (click the bar at the botom of the player and you'll get a list of all videos. Make sure to watch in 720p).



Accelerated Modeling Workflow.

Building on technology from the well-known NEX toolset from dRaster, Maya 2014 delivers an expanded, integrated modeling feature set that offers an accelerated workflow for modeling. A new Modeling Toolkit panel presents a streamlined environment that enables artists to access new selection, transformation,  and mesh-editing tools in one place for increased efficiency.

With topology-based Symmetry tools that enable artists to work on posed meshes, a Quad Draw tool that facilitates retopology workflows, and a Multi-Cut tool that combines both Split/Cut Faces and Insert Edge Loop tools in a single operation. A new Polygon Reduction algorithm offers a faster and more efficient method for reducing mesh complexity by removing unneeded vertices without affecting the object’s basic shape.

Scene Assembly Tools for Smarter Data.

Creating large, complex worlds is now easier in Maya 2014. Building on the Open Data platform, the Alembic open source exchange format, and File Referencing, Scene Assembly tools provide a mechanism for representing production assets in Maya as discrete elements, each with complete support for multiple representations.

Artists can easily swap between different representations for example: varying levels of detail, enabling them to select the most appropriate compromise between fidelity and performance for the task at hand. Edits can be applied, animated, or queried at any level in the scene assembly hierarchy, while overrides on Assemblies can be tracked via an improved Edits system, helping facilitate collaborative workflows across production departments. A robust API enables studios to customize the toolset to create completely proprietary solutions.
















Grease Pencil.

Most artists use Digicel's Flip book plugin for Maya, to set up some fairly simple 2D animations that can help guide them to create 3D animations accordingly in Maya. Let' s see if the new Grease Pencil can improve on that!

The Grease Pencil allows artists to draw directly into the viewport to capture poses at key frames, and view in-between transitions as cross-fades. The pencil strokes are automatically stored as an image plane sequence, enabling artists to use them as reference while creating 3D animation. In addition, directors and other stakeholders can use the Grease Pencil to mark up performances and record their input in the form of notes for their animators, without themselves requiring knowledge of the 3D application.
















New Paint Effects Surface and Volume Attributes.

Artists can now control how Paint Effects strokes react with surfaces, volumes, and each other. Surface Snap help to make sure that tubes grow from the nearest point on the surface at their base. Surface Attract causes tubes to wrap around or cling to a surface.

Surface Collide helps prevent tubes from interpenetrating surfaces, while Make Collide can be used to make Paint Effects strokes appear to be pushed by a surface. Occupation is based on a Space Colonization algorithm that helps avoid self-collisions, and can be used to cause tubes to grow over a surface or into a volume. Together, these attributes can be used to more quickly and easily create a wide range of natural effects that would be very difficult and time-consuming to create with conventional methods.
















Node Editor Enhancements.

A number of enhancements  to the Node Editor—grid display, grid snapping, custom grid and background colors, better hotkeys, and improved name display—combine  to provide an improved user experience and greater productivity.















File Path Editor.

Don't you just hate it, when you get a file from a collegue or friend and all the paths to the textures are broken? It's nice to see the guys at Autodesk finally put a stop to that.

The new File Path Editor in Maya 2014 enables artists to quickly diagnose broken file paths and to fix them in a clean and easy-to-use UI. The editor lists the nodes that use external files: textures, image planes, references, and audio files.When a file path is broken, the artist can quickly relocate the file – or search recursively for the file within a directory structure. Paths can even be set to nonexistent files, in preparation for hand off to another user who may have a different directory structure.



Joint Centering and Symmetry.

Artists can now automatically center joints in a model using the new Snap to Projected Center snapping mode. This is particularly useful for creating skeleton joints and joint chains, but it can be used when creating or manipulating any object type. In addition, new options in the Joint Tool settings enable artists to automatically create symmetric joints and joint chains.



For more information on all of Autodesk's new 2014 suites and upgraded software features, check Autodesk.com.  For more information on Maya 2014 check the Maya 2014 documentation.


Easter Greetings, Y’all

Easter greetings, y’all!
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Thank you, bestie R, for the darling Easter tray!

With the PCP still only half well, we had a very quiet and relaxing Easter at home.  Since we had to miss mass, the baby and I spent a lazy morning making resurrection rolls for breakfast.
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Some bunny hid a couple of candy-free baskets around the house for the littles to find!

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We enjoyed our requisite bunny-tinis, delish appetizers and gourmet sandwiches on the porch.

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The littles hunted for eggs in the basement when rain dampened our outdoor plans.  The PCP donned the traditional shadow wolf ninja Easter attire for the occasion.  (Yes, I spared him the cute Easter clothes since he barely left the sofa.)

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Sister dazzled us with yet another darling dessert!!  This time she made-over Publix’s divine key lime pie with chocolate shavings, Peep’s and paper shreds.

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And we all fawned over this little love pretty much all.day.long.  Can you even believe the gorgeousness here?!?! 

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I hope y’all had a wonderful and blessed day.  I’m hoping the PCP is able to go back to school tomorrow.  This fever thing is for the birds.
xoxo

Medium Curly Hairstyles 2013


Medium Curly Hairstyles 2013
Medium Curly Hairstyles 2013

Curls have always been attractive hair details so getting the medium curly hairstyles 2013 won’t be a regretted decision. For any facial shapes, curls are unique, fluffy and elegant that makes the face profile looks more sophisticated and volumized. Both natural and artificial curls are equally nice so there is always way out to be looking beautiful with curls though you are born with natural straight hair. Now, let’s reveal the popular trends this year.

Layered Curly Hairstyles

Layared Medium Curly Hairstyles 2013
Layered Curly Hairstyles

 

You may be wrong when thinking that layers can only work for straight hair. The fact is curly hairstyles 2013 work great as well with layers. Layers can even make the curls fall nicer and have beautiful ends. You can start the layers from the mid part of the hair until the hair’s ends. This will nicely help the curls to be shaped in unique angles. While the hair is curly, you can leave the side bangs straight or a bit wavy. You don’t need to do anything with it. It will help balancing the look and minimizing the significance of the curls especially if you have round face.

Tousled Curly Hairstyles

Tousled Curly Hairstyles 2013
Tousled Curly Hairstyles 2013

 

Another way with curly hairstyles 2013 is by creating funky yet “bad girl” looking. This style will greatly add volume to the hair making it perfect for thin hair to be looking more volumized. Making tight curls is the first thing to do. It may take sometimes so you’d better be patient in styling it. After all the curls are nicely shaped, use your fingers to create tousled effect at all parts of the hair. Don’t worry about making some mess because this is what you need to do. To get the curly stays longer, apply light hairspray. Then, just leave it be.

With the existence of beautiful curly hairstyles, we’ve come to a time where the need to be looking beautiful doesn’t always have to correlated with natural straight hair since curls have its own way to offer sophisticated look.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Not Quite Crood


I happened to catch the first big animated film of 2013 just a few hours ago... DreamWorks' The Croods!

To start off, the animation in this film is jaw-dropping. Not only does it look great, but the whole design of the film is just flat out creative. Prehistoric Earth is different presented in a far more colorful way than the usual, from the unusual-looking rock formations to the vibrant vegetation. The creatures that we see in this film are just awesome... The designs of all the beasts that the titular family encounter on their journey are very nice... Again, it's just one really great-looking film. Everything in it is just eye candy, and it's the kind of eye candy that only an animated film can give you. Thumbs up to the traditionally animated opening sequence!

The story? It's decent enough. It's not exactly shattering or innovative, it's the standard kind of story where the father fears anything "new" and prefers to stick with the tried and true. I think they did a pretty good job with the father-daughter story, and it didn't really come off as the typical "parent is overprotective of the adventurous child" story though it wasn't exactly a fresh new spin either. It was harmless for the most part and it works, it stays consistent throughout though. Most of the characters are likable too.


The family is well-defined and the father's actions make sense as he does have every good reason to be afraid. That's all well done and yes, there really isn't too much to the story but there isn't too little either. It's decidedly very simplistic. I was initially not too sure whether I'd like the leads because from watching the trailers, I just wasn't too fond of their designs. I felt that they were a little too exaggerated, but once you get halfway through the film, you get pretty used to them.

So is the writing any good? Well... It needs a little work. The first half of the film has very uneven pacing, making the film feel more like a kids film than a family film. It had its hyperactive moments, but they weren't quite well balanced with the slower moments. The pacing of the first half can best be described as... Fast! Slow! Fast! Slow! Fast! Slow!

The second half is far better, where the film finally starts taking a real breather and allows for some development to be made on Grugg and his daughter Eep. The other characters, aside from Guy, really only function as comic relief more than anything. The humor ranges from clever to forced. There is a lot of slapstick, but not all of it really works. At many times, the slapstick seems to come out of nowhere... Again, this is a result of the pacing. The film has a hard time finding a mood in the first half, feeling like a kids film. The second half feels like a family film, with less random humor and more focus on the story.

The film was directed by Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco. Sanders is usually renowned for his sense of storytelling and his quirky creativity. His creativity definitely shines in this film, like I said, it's wonderful to look at and there are sequences where you find yourself immersed in this world that they created. These are the better moments of the film where the story actually has a point, rather than taking a backseat to jokes. I feel that there was definitely a clash of styles with this film, as Kirk DeMicco doesn't have such a hot track record. My theory is that Sanders wanted quirkiness and emotional stuff (much like his other two films, Lilo & Stitch and How To Train Your Dragon) while DeMicco wanted jokes and pacing that's suited for kids after they've downed a bowl of candy.

A lot of the humor is either slapstick or Flinestones-esque spins on modern things, some of those jokes were better than most of the stuff that was on display in that show. The photo joke was particularly funny along with a few other things, while some were just cringeworthy. Some of the humor concerning the different animals was well-handled too, particularly the bits with the saber-toothed tiger. The humor is overall a mixed bag, something I was somewhat expecting since DreamWorks is still figuring out how to use humor and what kind to use.

So The Croods is basically half good family film / half "hit-or-miss kids film trying to appeal to adults". It's not a bad film, it's just wildly uneven at parts. Messy first half, very good second half... The Croods is a fun little flick at best with truly impressive visuals. It's nice lightweight fare with a little extra. Recommended!

Easter Eve

The PCP has been sick with a fever the last two days so Honey took care of him at home while Cookie and I joined the rest of the family at the club for breakfast and egg hunting this beautiful (and finally spring-like) Saturday!

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After a spur of the moment hibachi lunch and the baby’s baseball game, we managed to get the PCP off the sofa for just long enough to dye some eggs.  He’s looked forward to this for weeks now, bless his heart. 

 

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We spent the rest of the evening lounging on the porch and enjoying a lively adult only supper while the PCP slept and the little ones watched a Mickey Mouse Easter special on tv.

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Happy Easter Eve, y’all!

xoxo

Mens Curly Hairstyles 2013

Mens Curly Hairstyles 2013
Mens Curly Hairstyles 2013

Women are not the only ones who look great with curly hairstyles because mens curly hairstyles 2013 also offer great versatility. It certainly makes men with natural curly hair no longer has any worries how to create the best fashion statement. Just like curly hairstyle for women, the curly hair for men can be in any length from super short, short and medium. The most appropriate one has to be chosen according to the shape of the face.

Short Men Curly Hairstyles

Short Mens Curly Hairstyles 2013
Short Mens Curly Hairstyles 2013

 

Cutting the curly hair into similar version of Faux hairstyle is great idea. Though these hairstyles 2013 usually apply for men with straight hair but it still looks nice for curly hair. Always make the crown slightly longer than the side part of the hair. It is considerably great for almost any kind of facial shapes. Its versatility and unique angle makes the face profile more symmetrical. It can also be styles in messy way to get more “bad boy” appearance out of the self. Applying hair gel or mousse has always been recommended tips to get the hair shiny and make the curls look perfect.

Medium Men Curly Hairstyles

Medium Mens Curly Hairstyles 2013
Medium Mens Curly Hairstyles 2013

 

For more classic look, cutting the hair in medium length is one great option. The basic style has to be medium-length bob which is then combined with layers for nicer hair ends. Deep layers will do great. Make sure the hair is below the ears so that the face will appear longer. Try to get medium-length side bangs as well to the hair will look thicker and frame the face more symmetrical. The curls itself can be in small to medium size, depends on how you want them to be. You’d better not use hairspray so that the curls will stay natural.

After all, curly hairstyles 2013 for men are doing as great as straight hairstyles and this is one great offer that men can get once in their lives.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Short Curly Hairstyles 2013 Trend


Short Curly Hairstyles 2013
Short Curly Hairstyles 2013

Short curly hairstyles 2013 offer great uniqueness and glamour when it comes to fashion styling. This cut simply fits with any kinds of facial shapes from round, heart-shaped to the oval ones. It has been recognized as one of the major hairstyles 2013 every year so it’s no wonder that more and more celebrities love to have it. For both women with natural curly hair and women with straight hair, the cut can always work. The important thing is getting the detailed style which is most appropriate with facial profile.

Short Curly Graduated Bob

 
Short Curly Hairstyles 2013
Short Curly Hairstyles 2013

Have you ever thought about mixing graduated bob with curls? This is something you have to try. The graduated bob will make the curls appear in unique style that is volumized. It is great to wear by women with round and small face. Take a look at Rihanna’s and you’ll see how this cut will work for you. You’ll feel very sexy as well once you have this short curly graduated bob. Combine it with wavy short side bangs to get certain nice angles of your face. And, do the curls using curling iron with small barrel to create nice and sexy small curls at all parts of your hair.

Very Short Curly Hairstyles

Very Short Curly Hairstyles 2013
Very Short Curly Hairstyles 2013

If you want to go super short, you are certainly welcomed. Longer version of short pixie haircut is perhaps the answer. Here, ask the style to cut longer layers especially at side and back part of the hair and make the crown shorter. Then, get curling iron and start making curls. This kind of hairstyle has some limitation, unfortunately. Women with round faces are not recommended to have it since it will only ruin their faces’ profiles and make the faces more round. So, only oval and heart-shaped faces that will look great with these curly hairstyles 2013.

Apply hair mousse after making curls is another recommended tips to make the hair stays smooth, shiny and natural-looking.

Plane Crazy...


I was one of many who had absolutely no interest in Planes. Planes, in case you don't know, is a feature-length spin-off of the Cars franchise that was produced by DisneyToon Studios; the same animation studio who produced the direct-to-video Disney sequels including the Tinker Bell films. Of course, this was commissioned because the Cars franchise is massive. Of course Disney would want to expand on that... What better way to do that than with aircraft?

Early on, I didn't mind that this film was being made. After all, it wasn't being made by Pixar and it was going straight to home media. If Pixar was making it, then I'd be a bit concerned. But then last year, Disney announced that the film was going to get a theatrical release. I wasn't pleased... Direct-to-video product in cinemas? Bad idea. Plus, since a lot of people can't tell what studio made what, people will think it's a Pixar film and if it's a bad film... Then it would only further all the "Pixar is dying" hoopla. Cars 2 being poorly received and Brave's reception was enough...

I was not okay with any of this... That was until Morgan Stradling of The Rotoscopers reviewed the film, as she had seen a test screening of the film... Apparently it's a pretty decent film!

Yes, you heard that right... A decent film...

Now this doesn't completely change my mind about the film. I'll probably skip it, seeing that it's still a cash grab that's more for the kids than us adults. But after reading the review, I'm thinking that John Lasseter really made sure that this film would be no clunker. Remember, Cars is his baby. He's in love with this universe and idea since he's a car nut. There's nothing wrong with that, and again, I'm one of the few who doesn't consider Cars 2 a horrible film, not even a mediocre one. Lasseter gets a lot of flack for this franchise, but I'm actually glad that he's involved with a film like this.


Why's that? Well Lasseter put the kibosh on the direct-to-video sequels, saving us from monstrosities like The Aristocats II and Dumbo II. But the Tinker Bell franchise got a huge start with the first film in the series, so they inevitably had to make more. I have not seen any of the Tinker Bell films nor do I want to, but I hear that they are a significant cut above all of the previous direct-to-video sequels. Apparently he wants them to be good enough, despite the fact that they are direct-to-video products that are aimed at children more than anything.

Also, since this is part of the world of Cars, it would make sense that Lasseter would be heavily involved. Now you may say, "But Cars 2 was bad." Well, as I said in my defense of Pixar, I think that most of Cars 2's problems were there from the beginning before Lasseter came on board... And if you ask me, I think he may have been too late. Lasseter replaced original director Brad Lewis in 2010, when the film was already being animated! I don't think that he had enough time to improve the story... This sort of thing needs to happen before production begins on the film! Ratatouille, anyone? Also, he directed the film from an iPad. So he had very little time to "improve" the film and he could only do it via technology. This is why I think Cars 2 is the problematic film that it is.

Anyways, maybe Lasseter put some passion and effort into this project? Maybe he made sure that it was more than just a cash grab... Who knows, but this review is a good sign... But we don't know how other critics will react to the film.

None of this means that I'm all in support of the film. I'm just glad that it isn't a Pixar production, because the franchise can still make Disney happy without having the Emeryville folks involved. Pixar can continue doing what they want to do, while Disney can have other outlets continue the Cars (or pretty soon, Autos) franchise. But do they need to come to theaters? Personally, I think this should be the only one and all future spin-offs should go straight to home media.

Let's just put it this way... I'm conflicted on all of this. Sure this will come, make money and please fans and children. Pixar didn't work on it, so animation fans need not worry about the studio's future or image... But I just hope that the non-Pixar side of this franchise doesn't become a theatrical thing. It just doesn't sit right with me for some reason. However, after reading this review, I won't be surprised if the film happens to get anything better than the reception that Cars 2 received.

Are you okay with Planes being a theatrical release? Or not? Do you think that it could be a decent film? Or do you think it's going to be a disaster?

Sound off below!

live * love * Lilly

I had the great pleasure of spending my evening with two fab gals at a local boutique for their Lilly Pulitzer launch party!

Lemonade girls welcomed guests with pink lemonade and lime green whirly pops at the most darling stand you’ve ever laid eye on.  Inside were all sorts of divine sweets and treats, and of course LILLY.  A cookie artist was monogramming pink and green confections right there in the store – I could die at the cuteness!

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Afterwards we rehashed our purchases and caught up on love, lives and local gossip over cocktails and chips at Marlow’s. 

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It was a PERFECT evening!!  Now, if only we can get some warm weather down South – I cannot wait to wear my new white eyelet shorts!!!

xoxo