Freelance Animator - Julian Waller

Zbrush Sketchbook #1

Julian Waller — 2012-03-02T08:18:01-05:00

Speed Modeling: Session 2

Julian Waller — 2011-05-05T11:33:01-04:00

Chairs - 45 Minute Session

Helmet - 1 Hour Session

Speed Modeling: Session 1

Julian Waller — 2011-04-21T10:21:01-04:00

Grenade - 1.5 Hour Session

Bullets - 45 Minute session

Glasses - 1 Hour Session

Portfolio Update

Julian Waller — 2011-03-02T10:22:48-05:00

Just a couple pieces I put together

Envato Cinematic Audio / Video Bundle

Julian Waller — 2011-03-01T09:32:15-05:00

The guys over at Envato are going to be releasing a pretty awesome cinematic bundle on March 7th - $500 worth of royalty-free AudioJungle and VideoHive files for just $39. For those of you who are not familiar with these marketplaces, it’s one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a good tutorial to get you inspired or if you need stock files such as audio tracks, graphics, 3D objects, after effects projects, or even website templates. The bundle, containing 15 mouth watering Adobe After Effects project files and 25 epic music and audio files will be available for a limited time, only 4 days, so be sure to add March 7th to your calendar!

Click Here to check it out

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3Docean.net: Asset Creation

Julian Waller — 2011-02-07T10:26:03-05:00

Everybody needs things done for them. Wether it’s a a model made so they can rig it, textured for a model, or even a lighting setup. On top of trying to become more successful with my animation, money is always a necessity. I have begun, and will continue, to create stock 3d models and various other stock files for 3d projects. It gives me a chance to put out samples of my work and getting a critique from a general audience. 3docean.net has some pretty awesome work and a great community for tutorials and other resources

Evolve CG Conference

Julian Waller — 2010-12-21T09:37:27-05:00

If you ever want to see how the CG industry is doing, what’s new, or you just need some inspiration, definitely look for conferences such as Evolve CG or SIGGRAPH. The 2011 Evolve CG conference will be April 30-May 1, 2011. Definitely go if you can because the exposure is a great way to show you what’s out there and what level of quality your work should be. The Evolve CG conference is designed to offer guidance to students interested in breaking into the computer animation industry with the help of established industry specialists in preparing demo reels, resumes and more. Evolve CG joins computer graphic professionals and recruiters, in delivering multiple high end classes taught by some of the most renowned experienced artists from the most celebrated studios around the world.

Also the competitions are a fun way to expand your creativity. Check out the info about the Heroes and Legends Challenge.

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NEW STUFF...YAAAY

Julian Waller — 2010-12-16T09:49:30-05:00

It’s been a couple of months but I finally came across a few small projects I can begin, while finishing up a few old ones. First off there will be many animated shorts coming soon. There is also a new character seen throughout a lot of work. The site has been updated with a new layout and some under-the-hood features. The animations page is now viewable on any device including iPads and iPhones. Videos will be easier to view and thanks to some help from the local apple store I will also have a section for process videos. This way you can see exactly what’s done to create the work I produce. For those of you viewing this on a mobile device, the mobile site will be updated in the next few days.

Over the past few months I’ve been practicing some cool techniques for modeling, rendering, and developing a better workflow. So some of these video that will be posted will walk you through some interesting tips and possibly things new artists may overlook. So Stay Tuned :)

Quick Tip #4: Lighting The Way

Julian Waller — 2010-10-02T03:09:56-04:00

In the 3d world, you models and environments are only as good as your presentation. If your renders come out looking rushed or quickly put together, people will know. Putting more focus on lighting can make all the difference in a scene. Below are a couple of examples of different lighting tests. They were all rendered with Mental Ray, some using the physical sun, while others combined that with additional lights.

Physical Sun

Physical Sun + Green Spot Light

3 Spot Lights

Physical Sun + 2 Spot Lights

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Cel Shading

Julian Waller — 2010-10-01T09:21:34-04:00

While I enjoy creating realistic environments and objects in 3D, cel-shading plays its own role in the 3D world as well. If you ever want to do anything 2D related with 3D objects, cel-shading is one way to help composite the two. Here are a few examples of how cel-shading can make 3D objects effective in a 2D world.

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Quick Tip #3: Simple Is As Simple Does

Julian Waller — 2010-07-24T04:01:47-04:00

Sometimes coming up with a design can be difficult. There are times when you wish there was an easy button to finish projects for difficult clients, but sometimes its the simplest idea that ends up being the best. While using plug-ins and having the newest software gives you many advantages, sometime you have to utilize the resources that are available.

DC Universe Online: Mass Animation Trailer

Julian Waller — 2010-06-18T11:18:01-04:00

Some months back DC and Mass animation started a contest where animators had the opportunity to animate scenes for a trailer of the upcoming game “DC Universe Online” While many animations were submitted, only the best were chosen. I was one of the many animators who’s shot was chosen to be in the trailer.

Motivational Piece

Julian Waller — 2010-05-12T10:46:28-04:00

I’ve been working hard on a lot of things both with freelance and otherwise. One of my main objectives is to update my reel and possibly create a motion graphics reel as well. I am currently putting together two pieces that are geared towards motivating others. It’s amazing what a few tutorials and some creativity can do for a lot of people. On that note, here’s a few snapshots of what I’m piecing together.

INDIVIDUALITY

CREATIVITY

Loving the Exposure

Julian Waller — 2010-05-05T08:43:27-04:00

So not only am I excited that my animation will be in the trailer for DC Universe Online at E3, but I am a featured artist, or Mass Animator, on Mass Animation’s website. Mass Animation is the coordinator and mind behind the animated short, Live Music, and the DC Universe Online Animation Competition.

Illustrator - Web Designer: Kevin Mercier

Julian Waller — 2010-04-30T11:47:34-04:00

Need a web designer to have your company on the cutting edge? Check out Kevin Mercier’s work. He’s a recent graduate from the Art Institute of Tampa. The kid’s got some skills. I have a lot of friends I get my inpiration from and he is definitely one of those people. He’s got a nice style for illustration and a great sense of humor when it comes to character design. Here are a few samples of his work but you should check out more of his portfolio.

Quick Tip #2: Render Layers

Julian Waller — 2010-05-01T09:22:34-04:00

For all the 3D artists out there, working on a dynamic design or animation can be fun but time consuming. When it comes time to render we want to make sure everything is perfect so that we don’t have to wait for hours just to realize we didn’t add enough lighting to the scene. A more proficient process would be to use Render Layers.

Quick Tip #1: The Power of Presets

Julian Waller — 2010-04-29T14:59:26-04:00

For those of you using After Effects, there are a few things you should know about to make your workflow better or to get better quality out of your work.
1) Presets
2) Bit Depth

Let There Be Wallpapers

Julian Waller — 2010-04-10T21:32:20-04:00

I am proud to present a new section of my portfolio with downloadable content. Everybody loves free downloads, so why not make them for my portfolio. It only makes sense. So feel free to browse my crafty creations. This is something I plan to continue for a while. I would love to get some feedback on the work and setup of the page. If anybody has any suggestions or feedback, feel free to email me.

Coming Soon: Downloadable Wallpapers

Julian Waller — 2010-04-05T11:02:21-04:00

So with the release of the iPad along with all of apple’s other amazing mobile devices, I will be adding a new section to the Portfolio for downloadable wallpapers for all iDevices.

Animation Page: UPDATED

Julian Waller — 2010-03-06T15:08:04-05:00

Just updated a few pieces and added some as well. I some animations as a playblast, so those are now rendered. I added the Spiderman animation. Thanks to Gary Wee for the rig. Also, I enter an animation contest for the new DC Universe Online game. These are the three shots I submitted for the trailer, the last one being the winning shot I animated. It’s exciting to be a part of such a big project right out of college.

Parkour Sequence: UPDATED

Julian Waller — 2010-03-02T17:06:37-05:00

Just a few samples of my progress so far, I’m currently working on a few animation tests for the complicated sequences.

Environment Light Study

Character Motion Study

Run Cycle 1st Pass

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New Logo Character

Julian Waller — 2010-02-26T14:48:09-05:00

Meet Bit the robot. He’s the start of a family of robots that will serve as part of my rebranding, logos and such.

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Parkour Sequence

Julian Waller — 2010-02-23T17:21:18-05:00

So I noticed that I’m getting better at animating camera moves and action scenes. My next big animation, among all the others I want to put together, is going to be a parkour runner being chased by enemies. I started on the environment, and once I get the story completed I’ll begin to start the actual animation. Until then expect to see some test animations of different maneuvers. A big portion of inspiration came from the game Mirror’s Edge. I’ve checked out a lot of youtube videos and it’s actually really interesting. There’s a lot of mechanics to the body movement that I think will help me get better at character animation. Here’s a preview of what I’ve got going on.

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3D Composition and Lighting

Julian Waller — 2010-02-11T12:19:05-05:00

So while my schedule has been hectic as ever, I’ve managed to get some time to work on modeling and composition. As for my character concepts...I’m about 90% sure that I’ll be having a new logo character. If not, then I at least have a family of robots to animate.

Contest Winner

Julian Waller — 2010-02-11T12:13:27-05:00

So I entered this contest with Mass Animation and Sony where I could animate shots to the trailer of the new DC Universe Online game. I’m super stoked because I won!!! So now I have to rework my animation and talk to the director as far as what changes are made. Maybe I can talk them into hiring me. It makes me feel good to know that my resume will now show my name as an animator for a major game company. Anyways, I need to update a bunch of stuff and get ready for the ADDYs tonight. It’s time to network and make some connections. More details to come on the game...I just gotta wait until the big guys upstairs say it’s okay.

Motion Graphic Trials

Julian Waller — 2010-01-29T13:28:25-05:00

While working on a few things for the Addys Awards, I have gotten back in the habit of playing around in After Effects. Here’s a few videos of older projects I’ve done. I think it’s time to re-work these and start a few new ones.

Cute Demon Baby

Julian Waller — 2010-01-07T09:19:55-05:00

While working hard on my portfolio and trying to design a few more characters. I stumbled across an idea for a cute, clumsy demon. I made a basic mesh and figured I would try ZBrush for the details. Needless to say, I love this program and this character is going to be awesome. Here are a couple early samples of the little booger.

ZBrush Practice

Julian Waller — 2010-01-07T09:15:44-05:00

I haven’t posted anything new in a while because I felt that if it wasn’t interesting enough, it’s not worth posting on my blog. However, there are many people who are either new to 3D modeling or aren’t exposed to enough of it. I am a big fan of cgsociety.org Their articles are so in depth and their forums are the best resources I’ve found for feedback. While working on a few character concepts and modeling some rough ideas, I occasionally look at the W. I. P. thread to see what other artists are doing. I noticed that a lot of people who don’t post concept drawings usually have ZBrush sculptures for their concept work. I was able to get a hold of an older version of ZBrush and so far I love it. I use it as an alternative to concept drawings at the moment, but I plan on using it to take my modeling to the next level as far as details and textures. I just started using ZSpheres and it’s fun. It’s almost like modeling with bones.

Check out a few basic pieces I started

Graduation Aftermath

Julian Waller — 2009-12-29T16:33:48-05:00

Now that graduation is over, finding a job in 3D animation or modeling is priority #1. Other than that I’m trying to regain some of my social life. I’ve been practicing some new hip-hop dance routines and making more music. As far as graphics, I’ve been trying to learn better lighting techniques with Mental Ray. My academic advisor said that I’m doing well and that I should take a look at the Renderman software for more options and things. Until I get the money to get a student license I guess I’ll stick to Mental Ray. Soon all the pieces will fall into place...just like these cheap candies :p

Character Concept #2

Julian Waller — 2009-12-13T00:47:17-05:00

With graduation coming up, I’m creating a lot of personal projects including T-shirt designs and keychains. It’s all because of this spark of ideas for quirky, simple characters. Here’s a few examples...

Featured Artwork

Julian Waller — 2009-12-05T23:43:13-05:00

So I was doing a job search since I’m graduating in two weeks, and I get an email for the Tampa Creative Network. My profile was listed as a featured portfolio. This means I had some work that seemed unique enough to be shown publicly. I’m pretty stoked.

New Character: Meko

Julian Waller — 2009-12-03T11:17:25-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you, Techno the Cyber Monkey
Over the next few days i will be designing accessories and such, as well as cleaning up his appearance.

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Graduation: Part 1

Julian Waller — 2009-12-02T18:04:21-05:00

So there’s a lot that goes into graduation. There’s preparation for your final presentation, exit exam, reworking old projects for your reel, and finishing boring classes while working a job you’re tired of working. I have finished my final version of the CD inserts for my demo reel handouts. Next is to get the physical portfolio together. Read out this thread to see the layout. and some of the pieces. the portfolio section will be updated soon as well with some cool stuff...

Animations Page: Update

Julian Waller — 2009-11-29T22:56:19-05:00

I’m doing a lot to prepare for my graduation coming up in 3 weeks. One of the major thing is making my site easier to navigate and view content. I just finished updating my animations page.

Now I have descriptions of each animation and what software was used. This eliminates any confusion as to what software I actually used. Next on the agenda for my site will be a section for all my process videos (modeling, lighting, etc.)

Quick Character Design

Julian Waller — 2009-11-24T15:27:49-05:00

I’ve been expanding my ideas a little more and I made a 3D model of the tiki character from Pocket God for the iPod Touch. I also came up with my own character based on that. Next step is texturing. I always wondered how to animate textures, so after I texture these guys I’ll probably learn how do work with set driven keys.

Updated: 3D Typography

Julian Waller — 2009-11-09T15:41:17-05:00

Here are a few ideas of some 3D typography. Read more to see the breakdown of the monster.
thanks to Kiel Figgins for the original rig.

UPDATE:

Environmental Modeling: Final Renders

Julian Waller — 2009-10-28T19:35:01-04:00

So after much school work and graduation prepping, I finished a couple environments I was working on.

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Process Blog #1: Cave Environment

Julian Waller — 2009-10-26T01:12:17-04:00

A new thing I decided to start was a process blog. I draw every once in a while, but I do a lot of spontaneous modeling. So why not put it on my blog? This is the first of what will be many. I flip between Maya and the reference photo I was using, which was concept art for the latest Prince of Persia game.

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Enviromental Lighting

Julian Waller — 2009-10-22T23:07:56-04:00

I’ve been working on the lighting for my environments and came across a good example of what I’m going for...

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Environment Modeling

Julian Waller — 2009-10-15T14:01:09-04:00

I’ve been doing some other work outside of character animations recently. Environment modeling is something I would like to do on top of 3D animation. These are just a few concepts I’ve been working in between in the past week. Most of the scenes are finished, so after some last minute tweaks I will finish lighting and move on to texturing.

A Stairwell

Bathroom

A Gym

A Spaceship Hallway

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Storyboard Artist

Julian Waller — 2009-09-22T11:22:17-04:00

These are just a few samples of some drawings by Jared Stokes, a storyboard Artist at the Art Institute of Tampa. I’ve worked with him on a few ideas and he never fails to amaze me. This guy really knows how to tell a story. If you have a fantasy you want to become a reality he’s your guy...wait...I meant regarding a story or idea. If you want to see more of his work you should check out his blog.

Video Copilot Banner

Julian Waller — 2009-09-07T15:07:39-04:00

Videocopilot.net is allowing users to create a banner for their site. You may submit as many as you like as long as you follow the guideline, which are pretty loose. Here’s my submission. I’ll probably make a few more just for kicks.

Cinematic Animation W.I.P.

Julian Waller — 2009-09-02T22:36:33-04:00

While cleaning up the animation, I decided to add a little more to this animation. So I also started on another part where the main action in the scene will take place. I decided to start the animatic for the entire animation. This also gives me a chance to work on camera animation and subtle movement with it. The character rigs were designed by some amazing people at www.3dfiggins.com and www.creativecrash.com

Flight Animation W.I.P.

Julian Waller — 2009-08-31T21:30:12-04:00

I’m working on a few new animations for my demo reel. I have a lot of character animations I’m trying to cleanup, so in the mean time I’ve started animating more mechanical objects. Here is a sample of what I’m working on.

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Updated Reel

Julian Waller — 2009-08-08T20:18:04-04:00

Started a few animations and finished a few as well. Click here to view the new reel.

Feel free to leave me any comments.

SIGGRAPH '09

Julian Waller — 2009-08-08T19:56:47-04:00

Met a lot of cool people. Made some great contacts. There wasn’t that much as far as swag and free stuff though. Now it’s time to catch up on some more animations. While i was out I also got the opportunity to get some stock footage for some VFX ideas.

Character Concept

Julian Waller — 2009-08-03T13:10:42-04:00

After watching a few demo reels, I saw a character I liked and decided to adapt the same concept.

Action Trailer

Julian Waller — 2009-06-25T13:59:02-04:00

Inspiration

Julian Waller — 2009-05-21T00:22:29-04:00

After spending so much time on my project for my Film Production class, I’ve developed a passion for filming. I was out with some friends after class and after realizing the weather was perfect for filming, we decided to do just that. Now I’m currently spending my outside time producing a teaser to a film me and my friend Ian are working on.

Screenshots

Julian Waller — 2009-05-08T21:05:15-04:00

So here are a couple more screenshots of the film. I’m in the last stages of both filming and editing. All that’s left is CG and compositing. Then the final edit.

Film Prodution: Color Tests

Julian Waller — 2009-05-02T21:19:53-04:00

Officially started filming for the project yesterday. About 60% of the film has been shot. Just got a few more scenes. Can’t wait to start on the CG compositing.

Car Movement

Julian Waller — 2009-04-23T11:08:08-04:00

I was playing with some old models and came up with a silly car ad. This is just a rough animation I’ll use with the car.

Brain Cells...Sorta

Julian Waller — 2009-04-23T10:45:17-04:00

While working on my film project, I thought that a good reference would be the brain and how our thought process adds to our daily influences. So after watching the first spiderman I decided to try the cells animation. Now I’m working on figuring out the lightning portion of the effects.

Location Scouting

Julian Waller — 2009-04-16T01:03:48-04:00

I went scouting for locations to film this project at. I am waiting to get calls back from the owners of a few stores and buildings. Until then, I’m working on the storyboard. Then I’ll start on the animatic.

Fun Stuff

Julian Waller — 2009-04-11T19:35:52-04:00

So After further tampering in After Effects. I managed to put together a silly video with a snapshot camera, on video mode. Trust me this was PURELY experimental.

Practicing

Julian Waller — 2009-04-09T16:49:55-04:00

I’ve been practicing some visual effects for my Film Production class. It’s cool the concepts I came up with.

Robo Wars

Julian Waller — 2009-04-01T22:37:57-04:00

So these are a few concepts from a set of ideas I had. I plan on either having this as a game or an animated series.

Animation Test - Argument

Julian Waller — 2009-04-01T11:18:53-04:00

So here’s an early test animation to another short I’m currently working on. There isn’t any audio in it though. Sorry...

Break Time

Julian Waller — 2009-04-01T10:52:10-04:00

So I’m on Spring Break as we speak. I do still have to work so I don’t have to much time to work on any new ideas. However, I am sketching a few things up over my lunch breaks.I’km trying to come up with more modeling projects so I have something else to work on other than animations.

Shower Scene: UPDATED

Julian Waller — 2009-03-24T20:56:53-04:00

So yea. This is more or less the final product. Other than last minute tweaking and fixing the lighting, I just have to add the last few frames. and the rest of the audio. It'll be about 30 seconds in length. it was originally a minute, but I slacked off and also over worked myself. Funny how that happens. Whatever...I'm proud of it.

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Shower Scene

Julian Waller — 2009-03-12T17:54:29-04:00

Workin on my final for a class. Maya is acting funny right now but the beginning will actually be credit then the scene starts here.

Freelance Animator - Julian Waller

Zbrush Sketchbook #1

Recommended Reading: Updated

Speed Modeling: Session 2

Speed Modeling: Session 1

Portfolio Update

Envato Cinematic Audio / Video Bundle

3Docean.net: Asset Creation

Evolve CG Conference

NEW STUFF...YAAAY

Quick Tip #4: Lighting The Way

Cel Shading

Quick Tip #3: Simple Is As Simple Does

DC Universe Online: Mass Animation Trailer

Motivational Piece

Loving the Exposure

Illustrator - Web Designer: Kevin Mercier

Quick Tip #2: Render Layers

Quick Tip #1: The Power of Presets

Let There Be Wallpapers

Coming Soon: Downloadable Wallpapers

Animation Page: UPDATED

Parkour Sequence: UPDATED

New Logo Character

Parkour Sequence

3D Composition and Lighting

Contest Winner

Motion Graphic Trials

Cute Demon Baby

ZBrush Practice

Graduation Aftermath

Character Concept #2

Featured Artwork

New Character: Meko

Graduation: Part 1

Animations Page: Update

Quick Character Design

Updated: 3D Typography

Environmental Modeling: Final Renders

Process Blog #1: Cave Environment

Enviromental Lighting

Environment Modeling

Storyboard Artist

Video Copilot Banner

Cinematic Animation W.I.P.

Flight Animation W.I.P.

Updated Reel

SIGGRAPH '09

Character Concept

Action Trailer

Inspiration

Screenshots

Film Prodution: Color Tests

Car Movement

Brain Cells...Sorta

Location Scouting

Fun Stuff

Practicing

Robo Wars

Animation Test - Argument

Break Time

Shower Scene: UPDATED

Shower Scene