Randolf the Reindeer
Adobe Flash
The Randolf flash puppet was created for an animation project called Randolf the Great.
This project was both a collaboration and learning experience to create professional puppets for use in a pipeline setting.
The main rig, Randolf, is also to be used as a base for various other characters with minimal editing.
The Randolf flash puppet was created for an animation project called Randolf the Great.
This project was both a collaboration and learning experience to create professional puppets for use in a pipeline setting.
The main rig, Randolf, is also to be used as a base for various other characters with minimal editing.
Step 1 - Character Design
Using the concept provided by Meghan Maxwell, Randolf was created into several vector pieces that would also become the model sheet. During this phase, editing on the final design took place, so the vector image does not align precisely to the original concept.
The comparison to the right shows the changes to the final design. |
Step 2 - Blueprint and Alternate Parts
This rig required the swapping of parts for a unique style animation. Each piece is split into individual graphics - or Flash symbols for animation. They're put into a layered hierarchy to simulate depth. Several of these symbols are complex graphic for swapping. What this means is inside a symbol are other graphics, similar to how a nesting doll works with one inside of another.
Below and to the left are examples of the layering system and various parts visually laid out for swapping. |
Step 3 - Complex Nesting
Because of the way this character is being animated, the complexity of the face is very important. Each part has several, swappable components. The eyes even have specific masking within its own symbol.
To the right shows the various eyebrows available. Below that is a visual representation of the masking of the eyeballs. |
Step 4 - Applying Complex Nesting to Other Puppets
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