How I Created My Stop-Motion Animation

 If you haven't seen it already, I released a video featuring a new song (now available to buy -here-) as well as a stop-motion animation to go along with it. 


Patience.  This project was a good test of patience.  Patience and planning.  802 total photos (which probably isn't that many for a stop-motion project, but that's what my final tally was).   Here's a basic breakdown on how I created the animation for this specific video:

• Sketches and planning: characters and scenes.  I knew I wanted to create actual characters for this video to initiate some sort of emotional relationship with the viewers.  Based on the lyrics, I decided to create a cartoon version of me (side braid and all!) along with an owl meant to personify "innocence".  Took me about an hour to really design what I wanted the characters to look like.  Don't believe me?  I have a sketchbook of probably seven pages with multiple owls on each page.  Sketching was the hardest part for me, honestly.

• Drawing, coloring, cutting: NOT my favorite stage.  Everything you see in my video was made by yours truly.  The worst part was cutting out everything, especially the letters and the raindrops.  Many times I felt tempted to use my scissors as a weapon in place of a tool.  But alas...  It also took me a really long time to figure out a color combination for my owl - I'm not really sure why; I probably colored twelve of them until I found a suitable color match.  I should have colored them in a bit darker, though, because trying to saturate them later on became a problem.
 

 
• Understanding movement.  I had to make sure I left out/separated certain things I knew were going to be moving, such as the owl's wings or the girl's mouth.

• Landscape : The main landscape I chose was a lot of fun to put together.  In order to make the clouds and sun rays move, I had to make sure they weren't taped down.  Same thing with the swing.  Everything else, however, was taped down so there wouldn't be any accidental nudges giving the illusion of movement.

• Trial run:  I set up my tri-pod and started clicking away.  I highly recommend getting a remote shutter release to eliminate any accidental bumping.  It also makes it go by so much faster :)  I took about 150 photos of the opening scene to get an idea of what it would look like. Originally, I had all the lyrics written out as dialogue, but later decided to nix it because it seemed unnecessary and spoon-fed.  I realized that the range of motion had to be less wide.  Small movements made for better animation.  I also had to think about what the owl's wings would look like if it was landing or taking off.  It only took me about 50 photos to realize how awkward my owl looked flailing its arms in random directions that defied gravity.  It looked like it was drowning in the middle of the sky.  Whoops!
• For the opening scene, I had to move about ten things: the sun rays, clouds, both of the owl's wings, and the girl.  EACH TIME.  Luckily, when I did the final shoot...I decided to only use the sun rays and clouds as supplement movement.  
• Letter scenes: These were fairly easy.  I essentially added a letter for each photo.  When the whole phrase was complete, I began to move all the letters in between pictures.  This helped create a scattering effect.
• Raindrops.  LEAST FAVORITE TO SHOOT.  Every photo I added 1-2 raindrops and had to move all the existing drops.  It became difficult remembering which ones I already moved.  It was also difficult to move the raindrops without moving the umbrella or owl (which I should have taped down before I started shooting the rain).  

• Shooting time.  I spent about two hours on a trial run and three/four hours on the first half of the video.  I tried to make sure there wasn't any uncontrolled light that would affect the brightness of my photos (still managed to get my own shadow, though.  Ha!)  By the time I created everything for the second half and took the photos, a good 18 hours had passed since the first picture.  For the record, a lot of sleep was lost on account of this project not only by me, but by Brian Mirsch as well.  All for the sake of creation!

• Editing.  I didn't do much editing aside from saturation and contrast changes.  Most of the editing was contributed to adjusting the frame times in iMovie to show (somewhat) normal motion and to coincide with the lyrics.  The speeds vary from .1-10 seconds.   

• Export, upload, share!  <--- my favorite step ;)

 It is now your turn to create a stop-motion animation :) If you do, be sure to send it my way!  I'd love to see other projects.

That's all for now!
xo

Sneak Peek!!

 

Afternoon, friends.  

Just letting you know that I'm working on a special project to be released on the world wide web next Thursday.   I'm so excited about it I was literally up until 7am this morning planning/working on it.  Also, since I always decide things last-minute, I have a lot to do before then!  Cannot wait to share it with you guys.  A special thanks in advance goes out to Brian Mirsch, one of the most talented and creative people I've been lucky to work with.  Check out his page, Brian Mirsch Designs , and show your support!

...get excited :)  

COMING SOON!

xo.

Behind: Prepared for War

Bam, bam!

 

I seem to write songs two at a time.  I started humming a melody line yesterday morning while getting ready and even began to pair it with lyrics.  When I sat down at the piano to try and come up with a chord progression, it sounded too much like "other songs".  It probably still does to some extent, but I tried to change the character of it by changing the rhythm and voicing.  It needs a bit more structure...I can see that already by listening to it a day after being written, but I like the path it's on.  It's a little more pop-py than my other tunes have been lately.  I wanted to try and do a walking bass in the left hand because it's a staple skill for most keyboardists, especially in the pop world.  I even fooled around with splitting the keys in half, using an electric bass sound in the lower register and a vintage keys sound in the upper, but I ended up resorting back to piano because I figured simple was better for the time being. 

This is probably one of my favorite songs I've written lyrically.  Mostly because it's advice that I've been given over the years and advice I need to remind myself of every day.  I'm not necessarily sure who the "She" is, but I guess she's more or less a combination of a motherly figure and a life coach.  The last tagline of the chorus "build a fire in the rain" is supposed to represent the concept of survival (You're probably all smart enough to figure that out). 

I've been wanting to write a song about the idea of feeling small, because let's face it: I'm pretty damn small.  My students like to remind me of this all the time.  "Miss Nikia...I'm taller than you.  That's crazy!"  Why yes, thanks for pointing that out, you degrading nine year old.  But in all seriousness, being small has left me with a chip on my shoulder, feeling like I constantly have to prove to the world that I'm not just a little girl.  Hence the line, "You gotta' prove you're not just a little girl".  (Is it all coming together now?)  I am not one to be pro-crazy feminist, in fact I find most of those women to be overbearing and unnecessary (oops), but I do think young girls need to learn what it means to be independent and capable.  Life is hard.  You can't cry in your cheerios and expect things to be given to you.  This song is a call to arms.  Fight, fight, fight!

xo.




Prepared for War

She said, girl you gotta grow some thicker skin
And girl you gotta learn what it means to win
You ain't gonna' have nobody in your corner when I'm gone.

And she said, child I tried to show you the better way
And child, I tried to teach you not to be afraid
You step outside, you better prepared for war.

If you wanna be somebody in this world
You gotta prove you're not just a little girl
If you want the people to know you by name
You better learn to build a fire in the rain.

She said, send your army of the noble
Claim your throne as rightful owner
You will be the leader of your cavalry

If you wanna be somebody in this world
You gotta prove you're not just a little girl
If you want the people to know you by name
You better learn to build a fire in the rain.

It's you who'll be the one to turn this around
It's you who'll be the one to make the trumpet sound

If you wanna be somebody in this world
You gotta prove you're not just a little girl
If you want the people to know you by name
You better learn to build a fire in the rain.

Behind: Daydream

 

So it's been a little while.  I've spent the last month trying to figure out a long-term plan for my musical life.  And I think I have it.  But I'll wait for announcements until I start moving forward with certainty.  There are big things planned, though :) BIG.  Like, Tom Hanks BIG.  Okay, that reference doesn't work...I know.

Something I've always struggled with when it comes to songwriting is writing even when I'm not emotionally inspired.  I may be creatively inspired, but if the emotion isn't there...it's very difficult for me to dive in and complete a song.  I guess it's a version of writer's block.   But yesterday I announced to the Facebook world that after work I was determined to write a song.  So I did: Daydream.

I started writing on guitar because the piano was unavailable to me for most of the day.  I picked a pretty standard set of chords (which made it extremely challenging to avoid any and all melodic ideas of Taylor Swift's songs.  No, but really.)  It wasn't like I had an idea about writing a song specifically about daydreaming, in fact, the only phrase I had for a good half hour was black tie affairs.  I liked it so much I forced myself to think about where I could go with it lyrically.  And then somehow the lyrics started coming out and represented how I feel about my life right now.  Funny how that happens.  Often times, I don't think I'm actively aware of how I'm feeling until I write a song.  Maybe that's not healthy...or maybe it is...?  For a while now I've felt like I'm at a crossroads - I could pursue a life of security and fancy things or I could pursue a life of simplicity and contentment.  But what I've felt conflicted about for the past year or so is the fact that I want neither.  I want to daydream.  I want to pursue life in an unconventional manner and as my one good friend has been encouraging me to do, I want to seize the day.

I had my camera to record, but I opted to use my iPhone because I didn't want it to be as "put-together".  I guess I wanted it to seem more intimate and raw.  I also didn't plan to use any other instruments at the time so I could record one track and be done.  So that's what I did!  In about two-three hours I wrote and recorded my song, despite feeling tired and creatively drained, I did it. 


Hooray!  And now the lyrics...
xo





Daydream 

Black tie affairs and shiny cars
Fancy drinks in my hand and pearls in my hair 
This could be my reality
Or I could run away to daydream
Or I could run away to daydream

Braided hair, walking barefoot outside
Playing old folk tunes without any cares
This could be my reality
Or I could run away to daydream
Or I could run away to daydream

La dah dah dah

This could be my reality
This could be all I'd ever need
This could be my reality
But I will run away to daydream
Oh, I will run away to daydream

La dah dah dah

Song Development

 

buy this print here

What a blustery day.  Pretty sure I'm going to fall over as soon as I go outside.  

I wanted to share some exciting news with you.  It's exciting for me, at least.  Last night was spent laying down a scratch track for my newest song, "Don't Say".  If you don't know what a scratch track is, it's the first base track you record so you can then record more polished tracks and begin the layering process.  So last night scratch keys and drums were recorded.

My good friend, Brian, has been working with me on it and it's the first time I've experimented with additional instrumentation.  I've never had the opportunity or reason to think about what else to add to my songs, so this is completely new to me.  Luckily, between the two of us we probably have enough contacts to represent each instrument we'd ever want. 

We brainstormed some ideas and I have to say, this is going to be an awesome process.  I can't wait to show you guys the final recording.  I'll try and do a few vlogs throughout the process so you can see what goes into it.  Needless to say, I'm so excited!  

Here's an inside look at part of the set up.  Make sure you guys visit and like Brian's page, Brian Mirsch Designs.  If you ever need a drummer/photographer/videographer/audio recording/friend, he can do the job. 

I'm currently working on a new project which may require some outside help/contribution, so keep your eyes out over the next few days. 

That's all for now!

xo

Behind: Don't Say

 

Welp, friends.  I managed to write and record a new song this past weekend.  If you've been following my posts, this is the song I started writing in my car to try and challenge myself.

This was pretty fun to write and record.  I had first envisioned it to be more quirky and less gypsy, but when I picked up my violin to try a few parts, it ended up sounding more like Scene de Berio meets Zigeunerweisen (staple violin showpieces).  There are actually 11 separate violin tracks, but it probably doesn't sound like it to you.  The pizzicato at the beginning (plucking) is actually comprised of six different parts, mostly for harmony and texture.  Throughout the song I have a few layers, but brought them down in the mix because again, they're mostly there for texture.  Musically it's all based on A Harmonic Minor to give it that gypsy feel and I don't really abandon that.  The violin solo after the second verse is purposefully supposed to be more flashy than any other solo I've done thus far.  And it'll probably make more sense once I explain the lyrical inspiration.  

I've been wanting to write a song about a feeling I've had for a while.  I wasn't quite sure how to put it into a phrase of words until I remembered that book, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten" and laughed because it was so utterly true. 

If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all.

Kaaaa-blam.   We have all said not-so-nice things to others and we have all had not-so-nice things said to us.  So really this is a song dedicated to everyone, I guess.   But here's the real story...

So you probably all know by this point that I'm a teacher.  I really do enjoy it and I'm glad that it never really feels like a job.  The kids are great (most of the time) and crack me up (most of the time) and it can be really gratifying (...most of the time).  If you talk to any other private or public teacher for that matter, one of the complaints you probably hear is communicating with parents.  Now don't get me wrong, most of the parents I do business with are absolutely wonderful.  I have encountered the most caring and respectful people through teaching their kids.  Every now and then, though, I get a few parents who like to tell me how I should teach.  I get parents who talk down to me because of my age and assume I cannot play because I'm merely a teacher.  This.  Drives.  Me.  Crazy.  I probably won't ever speak up for myself until I've dealt with this for many years (I'm a coward), but hells yes, you better believe I'm going to write a song about it! 

I already feel small in this world and I don't like it when people make me feel smaller.  So this is how I planned to retaliate: a passive, carnival-sounding song with a showy solo section to prove that I can play something other than Ode to Joy and The (freaking) Happy Farmer.  I have great tactics, obviously. 

Hope you enjoy it!  As always, please share my music if you like it.  Many of you follow me quietly which I appreciate and am flattered by, but if you want to be a part of this musical project and help...please share, share, share!  :)

xo.

Don't Say 

You think you know more than me

My dear won't you show me what I'm doing wrong?

You think you are better than me

Then please tell me what you've been holding inside.

I guess you never learned

The easiest rule of all

If you don't have anything nice to say

Then don't say anything at all.

Save me the lecture today

You're nice, but I don't think I'll take your advice

Quick to tell me your feelings

Over and over you drown me in them.

I guess you never learned

The easiest rule of all

If you don't have anything nice to say

Then don't say anything at all.

If you are not happy then why are you giving me countless opportunities?

If you are not pleased with me feel free to leave and spare me from your fake tragedies.

I guess you never learned

The easiest rule of all

If you don't have anything nice to say

Then don't say anything at all

If you don't have anything nice to say

Then don't say anything at all.

Behind: Blue Skies

 

This is my most recent song...written only a few weeks ago.  It had been almost a year (yikes!) since the last song.  I've written a few in between, but nothing really of substance.  

Blue Skies is a song that already exists and I'm sure you've heard it before.  If not, listen to it here.  I've found that I like to reference other songs in my songs and I don't know if it comes off as clever or cliche.  Opinions?  I like being original and creating new music, but I also like sewing it together with phrases or ideas people are already familiar with.  If I could, I'd want to be present for every A ha! moment.  The moment people realize that what they're hearing is actually from something else.  Classical composers do it all the time.  Why can't I?

One two three four five One two three four five One two three four five.

So I learned that it was really difficult for me to play in five...on piano...while singing.  I've had my share of not-even-fair time signature changes from varied orchestral experiences, but this was a whole new playing field.  I didn't want to stay in five the whole time, so I added an extra beat to make a happy, even six by the time the pre-chorus rolls around.

Musically, nothing too extravagant happens.  I had some difficulties figuring out what I wanted to do during the solo section, so I opted to just quote the original blue skies to preface the vocal line and create a running scalar pattern underneath to give it some motion.  The harmonies are pretty straightforward - the one you probably hear most clearly is a higher harmony...something I don't always do.  Generally I like to sing harmonies that are lower than the melody, but the range of the song and the chord voicing made it more difficult to stack lower harmonies, so I built my snowman with the bottom on top instead.

As far as the content goes, I wrote this song as sort of a wake-up call to people.  In case you haven't noticed, I'm not a white picket fence kind of girl.  At least not yet.  Maybe down the road I'll be one, but definitely not now.  The phrase blue skies is supposed to represent the American dream that everyone chases so desperately.  And it's not a bad thing if you want that, but the song is supposed to address the concern of not thinking and/or pursuing what you really want.  We have all been taught to crave blue skies, but what happens when you get it?  What happens if you don't?

I spent last night in the company of some great musicians.  I'm excited to be collaborating again and hearing other people's music.  It's refreshing.  Here's a little shot I took last night of our loved ones:

This wraps up my last "Behind" post...that is, until I write a new song :) I have an idea I've been working on in my car.  I've been trying to challenge myself to write and think about harmony and chord changes while away from an instrument.  Audiate, as they say.  I have a general idea so I'm going to the piano today to give it some structure.  It will be a different song for me...think Ingrid Michaelson and Elizabeth and the Catapult-esque (Thanks Steve - totally hooked on Eliz. now).  Expect some video postings this weekend.

Stay warm!  I have heat!  I am no longer an eskimo.  Just a regular Asian.


xo.


Blue Skies

Think you know the truth
But all you know is what you're told
Think you know the way
But you don't know which way to go

Like a ship that's been wrecked at land
A captain lost his sea

You say there's no better way
Than counting numbers and figures
And adding it all away
Your life is at stake
Will you abandon the calling of blue skies?

Trade your soul for gold
Before you know it's all been sold
Hope for something more
But you build your fence around your home

Like a ship that's been wrecked at land
A captain lost his sea

You say there's no better way
Than counting numbers and figures
And adding it all away
Your life is at stake
Will you abandon the calling of blue skies?

Blue skies smiling at me
Blue skies calling to me

You say there's no better way
Than counting numbers and figures
And adding it all away
Your life is at stake
Will you abandon the calling of blue skies?