I’ve been here over 2 months now and so far it’s whizzed by. When everything was new the first few weeks felt like I fitted a lot in and made the most of every day, but as you get used to your surroundings and fall into patterns an extra effort has to be made to continue to make the most of the situation!

First of all to work, as that’s why I came here. I’m working as a 2D animator (using Flash) on a children’s TV series and it’s going really well. The main area of note is that it’s more fun than I expected! We’ve just ramped up to full blown production right now, so no doubt it will get more stressful occasionally, but the way how the team has been introduced to the workflow, series style and characters has been pretty impressive. I’m looking forward to seeing the episodes roll in and watching the various parts form together.

I’m enjoying the animation process and learning a lot about the production pipeline and what the director is looking for (especially when you consider the production schedule during the planning of your scene). It’s a constant lesson in visual communication! One of my favourite parts so far was recently. We’ve been working on the many jaunty songs plotted throughout the show and each one is like making a music video for kids…about space! There’s rockets, high energy and generally a load of fun. I go into my 5 year old mind for around 8 hours a day! Maybe the youthful nature of the work will affect my looks as the years progress…

National pride down near the docks

As for Ireland and living in a new country, it’s not so different to back home. There are enough changes to make it interesting but not too many that it’s hard work to sort out life here. The evenings out are really great and there’s a general friendly nature to people when you’re having a pint after work. People talk outside their ‘groups’ which makes nice change to where I’m used to.

I’ve had a visit to Belfast and a fair old look around Dublin by now, but nowhere else much yet. I’m planning on doing some trips in the coming months. Hopefully there’ll be a bit of sun too! Oh and my new place is cool, I get a relaxing stroll along the canal on the way to work in the morning with the southern hills in the distance, so a pretty good place to be situated (especially for greyhound racing or the Aviva stadium…they’re practically next door!)

That’s about it for now. So far it’s all going well. Next stop, finish a few side projects and get some video work under way!

All is going well in Dublin, we’re currently working our way through one of the animated songs. It’s a lot of fun and my section will hopefully be signed off tomorrow…in time for Guinness and a trip to the cinema (Avengers!)

The other day I trekked across town to attend life drawing at Trinity college…but I was late! So instead I enjoyed a bit of lovely weather (sort of). Talk soon!

Trinity college, Dublin

]]> http://www.adamoliver.com/2012/swift-update/feed/ 0 http://www.adamoliver.com/2012/the-beginning-of-ireland/ http://www.adamoliver.com/2012/the-beginning-of-ireland/#comments Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:47:35 +0000 Adam http://www.adamoliver.com/?p=889 Hello from Dublin!

Just a brief update. I’ve begun work at Monster Animation and the first week was really great. A fun team and the project is going to be fantastic, it has me hooked! When I’m allowed to post preview work I will, but for now I can tell you I spent all day testing out and pushing poses for various characters. They’re fun to animate too (I already have a personality for one of them carved out quite well in my mind!)

Whilst looking for more permanent digs I’ve been staying at a hostel. There’s been a couple of others here who are working and in the same boat as me, so it’s been really good fun. We’ve been out for one drink most nights (kind of hard to escape here!) Everyone has been top banana. Fun times out with the international crowd this week too!

Tomorrow is St Patrick’s day so it’ll be out and about to see what the craic is (see, so local already). A three day weekend too, so time for flat research and getting jobs done. Here’s some pictures from my phone if you’re feeling nosey.

Wandering around the bars

The walk home from work. Nice part of town!

Guinness o'clock with the studio boys in a swanky old bank

Note: My mobile number will be changing so in the meantime, please use the contact page or add me on Skype. It’s adamoliveranimation

Irish mash up! Don't spill the black nectar...

I’ve been wanting to post a picture of my Jon Burgerman clobber I’ve acquired recently. After Anxieteam’s Hand and Heart gig where I picked up a few bits, I found myself falling for the lure of the Burgerplex and investing in some limited edition Puma high tops. And yes, I will be wearing them! They may be worth some serious cash in the years to come but I can’t be fussed with saving things. I have too much stuff already and not enough pairs of shoes. So…here’s the swag! (P.S, haven’t worn them yet, only 30 worldwide! If you want to make me a ridiculous offer, be my guest)

By one shoe get one free..amazing deal!