One of the great advancements in computer animation was the ability to use vector graphics. Programs like Adobe After Effects use both pixel and vector based elements. Since Computer and TV displays are made up of tiny pixels, the quality of any video or photo image is dependent on what resolution it was brought in. If you try to zoom in on it too much it will start to look blurry and pixilated. With vector graphics however, the file stores the lines, shapes and colors that make up the image as a mathematical formula. So you can scale a vector file up or down as much as you want and it will always be crisp and clean. This comes in very handy for animation.
I created this illustration with that in mind. Using the gradient mesh tool in Adobe Illustrator you can get a realistic or even “Airbrushed” look. The plan is to create an animation that starts really close in on the pupil of an eye. Then the camera does a slow pull out to reveal the image of a Quarterback ready to make a pass as a defender’s outstretched arms try to block it. Then the camera pulls way back as if it is 60 yards down the field and we follow the ball all the way into the hands of the receiver.
I still have some elements to build, but look for the finished animation in a future blog.
Jim Brisnehan