Illusions.

A camera phone in the hands of a professional can produce stunning imagery. Don’t get any illusions, it’s not the camera that makes the photographer. Whether you decide to buy an entry level SLR or a top of the line model your purchase won’t pay off until you start arming yourself with the basics of photography. Don’t go into the store thinking the most expensive dSLR body and array of lenses on the market is going to make you any better of a photographer. Gauge your purchase and the features that are important to you on how much you plan to learn and how you want to use your camera. You can categorize features into these three categories:

Features you need:

If you know what you are going to use the camera for, you can start identifying the features you’ll need. If you will be snapping photos at a distance, you will want a wide selection of telephoto lenses available to your camera model. If you will be shooting in low light settings, you might want a camera with a fast shutter and large aperture that can take great photos without a flash.

Features you want:

These are features or addons that you would love to have, but don’t absolutely need. Fish eye lenses, water proof cases and video capability enter the picture here for most people. Personally I can’t wait to get my hands on a Fish eye lens, but I really don’t need it on a regular basis.

Features you want, but cant get just yet:

Lets face it, dSLR’s and accessories are expensive and numerous. Note features and addons here that are either out of your price range or that are not yet available for the camera models you are considering. When you have a moment, do some research to see if these features may become available in the near future.

The Road to Upgrades

How have vendors handled the Evolution of their Lenses?

Research how your choice Vendors have upgraded their lens kits in the past. Noting the evolution of their technology can be some indication of where these Vendors are going in the near future. Pentax SLR’s are capable of using KA and K mount lenses. These are older screw-mount lenses that date back 20+years. The latest Nikon dSLRs (Except D60, D40 and D40x) can use many Nikkor lenses manufactured as far back as 1959! Although the older models will require some modifications if you wish to use them (They date back to before Automatic focus and Automatic metering were even invented).  It is good to note these compatibilities, because it shows the vendors tend to try their hardest to keep a wide scope of lens options available and will probably continue to do so.

How well are older model Cameras and Flash units supported?

Explore how your choice vendors have specifically supported and support older model Cameras and flash units. Vendors are continuously upgrading technologies and the most recent Speedlights might not be compatible with past or future cameras. Some might lack full through the lens metering capabilities and other might not work wirelessly. If flash is going ot be important to you and your photographic endevors, be sure to take a good look at your vendors flash units and support.

Which filter size will fit the most lenses?

You might want or absolutely need polarizers, infrared filters and close up lenses. All of the above can be fairly expensive and you probably won’t want to buy one of each for all your various lens sizes. If you own a 62mm lens, a 67mm and a 72mm you might find it a viable option to purchase your lenses at the largest size and use adapters when fitting them to smaller diameters. Decide which filter size is best for your lens choices and research what will properly fit your potential Lens choices.

SLR Bodies: Basic, Entry level, Prosumer and Professional

The last decision you need to make is of what class of SLR body to choose. There is a lot of overlap between the four classes, but at the least, deciding which class suits your needs best will help refine your choices.

The Basic dSLR:

These Cameras are Stripped down versions of more advanced–And expensive– models. Aimed at photographers that are interested in stepping up from their point and shoot cameras, Basic dSLRs allow anyone to test the waters before diving in headfirst. These camera bodies will have many corners cut to maintain affordability and that includes: Slower maximum shutter speeds, one dial for both Aperature and shutter speed rather than two, etc..

• Price range:$600-$800

The Entry Level dSLR:

These Camera bodies are best suited for new, entry level, enthusiasts who want a little more range and features to test. What makes these bodies different from Pro models is not that there are far fewer features, just that corners have been cut from them in a way that generaly doesnt matter to a new photographer. Your shutter speeds, ability to do fast continuous shooting,` sensor size, iso range, etc. will all be fully functional, but a step down from the speed, capture size and range of a pro model.

• Price range:$800-$1200

The Prosumer model:

These Camera bodies are well suited for more experienced Photographers. You will find that professionals often keep Prosumer camera’s as backups or if their demands are more contemplative and they are not required to snap thousands of photos a day, they will even use a Prosumer model as their primary Camera.

Just like the previously mentioned dSLR bodies, Prosumer Models cut just enough corners to save on the final price tag while still maintaining near Pro usability. ALso, unlike the Basic and Entry level models, Prosumer and Professional models are housed in an almost indestructible magnesium casing. The former being housed in rugged but less durable polycarbonate.

• Price range:$1200-$2000

The Professional dSLR

These Camera bodies are at the top of the food chain. You can expect the latest technology, highest quality parts, the largest range of functions, fastest speeds and an overall Tank-Like reliability in these cameras.

• Price range: $2500-$5000

Final Thoughts

There are still many more questions to ask and subjects to research before you

decide on the right dSLR for you, but I hope this has helped you take a step in the right direction.   Remember to ask yourself what you need, want and can live

without.

Best regards,

Chad Fox
Visual Effects Artist | Modeler | Lighting TD | Instructor

There is no doubt about it, Protodemon’s competition will have their hands full trying to match the level of detail Protodemon delivers. I have had the opportunity to hold ten different digital sculptures output by Protodemon ranging from less than inch small to just over a foot tall and can’t wait to have one of my own made.

Their Rapid prototyping machine, dubbed “The Water Cooler” because of its transparent plastic casing covering the machine, has far fewer limitations as to what it can output compared to the most frequently used machines in the industry. As you can see with the resin outputs for Heber Alvarado’s “Chaos Armin” and Chris Bostjanick’s “Tentacle Girl” you are not limited to large well fastened accessories and details. Their basic output prints details as small as 100 microns (0.1 cm) and when needed or requested, they can print details as small as 50 – 25 microns (0.05 cm -0.025 cm)!

Along with an astounding level of detail, Protodemon’s resin models are very lightweight and though not indestructible, they are not super fragile. The polymer used is similar to hard plastic and can take a punch.

As a friend of Joe Bullock and Michael Amasio, the founders of Protodemon, I should wish them luck with their new business, but I don’t think they need it. Protodemon is going to take the rapid prototype industry by storm and has already set the bar several notches higher.

Regards,

Chad Fox
Visual Effects Artist | Modeler | Lighting TD | Instructor

Alchemy is a free, open source program that allows the user to draw basic silhouette shapes with lightning speed. You can then use a variety of shape and painting modifiers that can transform your sketch into.. who knows what. The gold in Alchemy is the speed at which you can start to generate ideas from what can sometime be called homemade Rorschach ink splotches.

You have to sign up for the mailing list to receive the link to download and there is no catch to signing up your email.

For best results, I suggest changing the “Style” (Left most button) to solid fill.

In the posted image here, the artist sketched various ideas in alchemy (Left hand side) and Painted over the sketches (Right hand side) with another software e.g. Photoshop or Painter.

www.al.chemy.org/
Interface Manual for Alchemy

Chad Fox
Visual Effects Artist | Modeler | Lighting TD | Instructor

Cheers,

Chad Fox
Visual Effects Artist | Modeler | Lighting TD | Instructor

As mentioned before “Keep Everything!”. Any receipt, invoice or paperwork related at all to your business. I also recommend you brush up on your organizational and bookkeeping skills to keep a track record of your finances and to keep your paperwork in order — This will also save time for your accountant when reviewing the years paperwork and ultimately save you money from the time saved.

Here is a quick checklist of expenses that you should keep paperwork for, whether in the form of receipts, invoice, investment gains, etc.

Examples of business expenses:

• Accounting, legal, and consulting expenses
• Advertising
• Automobile expenses (used for business)
• Bad debts
• Business-related memberships and subscriptions
• Business taxes, fees and dues
• Continuing Education to improve business skills
• Convention expenses (up to 2 per year) – Siggraph, Spark, etc
• Delivery and freight
• Depreciation of capital assets
• Equipment rental
• Insurance
• Interest and bank charges
• Maintenance and repairs
• Management and administration fees
• Meals and entertainment expenses (50% deductible)
• Office expenses
• Property taxes or rent on business property
• Purchases of materials and supplies
• Salaries paid
• Subcontractors’ costs
• Traveling expenses
• Utility expenses
• Workspace in the home (proportionate – includes rent, mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance)

Remember, keep everything you can. Your accountant will separate the wheat from he chaff and let you know what you can and can’t deduct in the end.

Next, I found these useful tax checklists for your personal and business income tax. Read them through now to see if there is anything you should look into further or if there are any actions to take now for next years taxes. For example,

Personal Tax Checklist 1.htm – Simplified but informative.

Personal Tax Checklist 2.pdf – Detailed and up to date for 2008.

Personal Tax Checklist 3.pdf - Even MORE detailed, I am personally using this one and cross referencing the others to make sure I have all bases covered.

Let me know if you have any questions. or other information that I could post about.

Regards,

Chad Fox
Visual Effects Artist | Modeler | Lighting TD | Instructor

1. What type of Business type do you want or need.

You can register your business in one of three ways: sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation.

• Sole proprietorship means that you are the sole owner and directly responsible/liable for your entire business.
  • Cheap and easy to setup.
  • You can write off many of your purchases, bills and even a % of your rent. –More details to follow in this post–.
  • You don’t pay taxes upfront, so you need to save for taxes as you go, The plus side is that you can invest those savings until tax time comes around and turn a profit of a few Hundred or more.
  • You don’t pay EI, so if you are out of work, you can’t get EI.
  • You pay both the employer and employee CPP premiums.
• Partnership is a split proprietorship. Each partner is equally responsible for the business.
  • Again, cheap and easy to setup.
• Incorporation registers your business as a separate entity all together and opens a whole new realm of possibilities.
  • Costs more to set up and maintain, mainly accountant and lawyer fees.
  • Allows for significant tax deductions. Example, all income to the corporate account is only taxed 15% as opposed to the %30+ for personal income.
  • You can pay yourself with dividends (this is a limited % of the total income) from the corporate account with little additional taxation.
  • You are protected by the corporation, if sued, you cannot be sued directly.
  • You pay EI and CPP on any Salary paid out. You might need to pay yourself some salary if the Dividends do not cover your needs.
  • When you pay yourself salary from the Corporate account, the corporation no longer pays taxes on those funds, you now pay taxes at personal income rates.

I have chosen sole proprietorship until such time where my business income is consistent enough to justify spending money and time on incorporating.

2. Name yourself!

Now you need to choose a business name. How do you want to brand yourself? You can be as creative as you want, but there are only 2 rules.

The first part of the name must start with a distinctive, non-descriptive word or phrase. Your name, a location or fictitious name or phrase are all allowed. ie Rick Smith, One Up, Ooga Booga or Long Live The Pixel.

The second part of your name must be a descriptive word. For example, Marketplace, Digital Art, Entertainment or Creative services.

So the business name Long Live the Pixel Creative Services would be legitimate, but Creative services by Long Live the Pixel would not be.

One great tip that my good friend Peter Hunt shared with me is that if you can, try to make your descriptive word as vague as possible so the government can’t limit you to your services rendered. If you make your business name Ooga Booga Digital art, then you can actually get into some legal trouble — Though very unlikely — if they find you have been providing non digital art services too. This is a little more serious if you are say, registered as an accountant and you start providing art services.

Here are some vague name suggestions: Entertainment, Creative services, Art services or Arts. Prime example. Electronic Arts!

• Request your name approval in BC online at bcregistryservices Note that you can request up to Three names at a time, if your first requested name is approved, they won’t check your second and third. This will cost you about $35.

3. Register your business with all 3 levels of government.

Provincial - When you receive approval you have 56 days to register your name with BC. Step 3 from this page at bcbusinessregistry will take you pretty the rest of the way. To register your approved name it will cost you $40.

National – When you are done, the website will ask if you want to transfer to the Canada CRA –Revenue Agency– Website to register your business in Canada and obtain a GST number. Do this next and note that you only need to register for GST if you are going to make more than 30,000 income with the business in it’s first year. After that, you will need to register for GST.

Municipal – This step is fairly easy. Browse to your city of residence’s website and see if you can register online. I registered my business with North Vancouver. This can cost you anywhere from $50 to $150 or more. I paid $110.

Information.

GST.

• You must charge 5% GST on all invoices and pay the collected GST to the CRA.
• You choose how often you want to submit your GST to the CRA. Quarterly or Yearly.
• Keep track of your numbers, there are penalties for missing or undercutting GST owed to the CRA.
• The plus side to having a GST number is that you can get back some or all of the GST paid on any purchases or bill payments related to your business.

Taxes and write offs.

What is a tax write off? Basically, if you make $1000 you will be taxed a %, basic info, I know. So say you are charge 30% tax on your $1000, you pay the Government $300. Now if you purchase some equipment for $1000 and write off the purchase, you will get the $300 back because the $1000 you spent is business related and is no longer taxable income.

• Get an accountant and save every receipt from everything you buy.
• If you are running a home office, you can write off a % of your rent/mortgage equal to the amount of space your office and equipment takes up. My desk, materials and equipment take up about 25 to 30% of my apartment. So I will write off 27% or so of my rent.
• Write off 100% of your Cable, internet or phone.
• Write off some of your food.
• Write off your Toilet paper.
• Bought a new TV? Write it off, chances are you will be using DVD’s as reference and testing your Portfolio DVD’s, so it counts!
• AND get your GST back from all or a % of these purchases.

Links.

http://www.taxtips.ca/small_business_income_tax.htm

http://www.taxtips.ca/gst.htm

http://www.canadaone.com/tools/startingabusiness.html

Good luck!

Chad Fox
Visual Effects Artist | Modeler | Lighting TD | Instructor

This link may only be useful to a select few who use 2d tracking in compositing. But of those few, they will find it an invaluable tool.

Cheers for now.

Chad

Leave your mark on everything!

How can you make your portfolio stand out from the next guy in line? It’s simple; Make sure your work is better than his!

Ok. So that’s not the purpose of this post even though it is kinda true. Instead Imagine your work is on par with a fellow artist, how then can your portfolio grab the attention of those reviewing it?

Upgrade your Presentation

1. Make it Clean and Clear. Refrain from sending your portfolio out until it is refined and functional. You want your portfolio to show your work and not distract the viewer with broken links, disorganization or poor video/image quality. Clean it up and make it work!

2. Branding and Common design. Integrate your logo, business card, and folder into one well-designed theme. Your contact information should be on everything.

3. Add multimedia. Today, the best portfolios combine a multimedia presentation with hard copies. Build a simple and functional website, print business cards, build a working DVD with menu and Print some of your best stills on good quality photo paper to display in your interviews. And of course include your resume as well. PS. Make sure you brand EVERYTHING with the same logo, color, Imagery and font.

4. Show your best work ONLY.

Organize and label your images

5. Group similar artwork together. Character, Vehicles, Paintings, etc.. Group as you see fit.

6. Include all the important information. What software did you use? Do you have good render times? Did you do all or only part of the work? Make sure you include this information so viewers won’t have questions and assumptions.

In person, give the right attitude.

7. Be positive. Never put yourself down or apologize for your art. This is more of a problem for Artists coming out of school. Understand that if you were called into the interview, it means they thing you’ve done SOMETHING right, don’t forget that. Show instead that you love your art. Share your passion and they will notice.
8. Don’t be a prima donna.You’re never too good, or too famous, of an artist to be nice to others. Sugar can get you everywhere!

Brush up on your salesmanship

Learning HOW to sell is part of being a professional artist. Practice often.

9. Sell yourself first. Most companies have head hunters, but why leave your career options up to chance. Step up and put yourself out there. Start getting involved in the industry community, network, and put your best foot forward. If someone likes you, it could lead to a big break.

10. Persevere through rejection. It is important that that you continue trying, even after the tenth phone call or tenth door slammed on you. Keep going and keep smiling!

-Chad

This has long been a pet-peeve of mine when updating files on a portable drive or consolidating my reference images together to eliminate duplicates.

However, I recently discovered a solution to this time waster. Hold SHIFT and press “No” to say “No to all”!

I hope that helps some of you.

I would also like ask if you have any Windows OS pet peeve solutions? There are many tips and tricks out there. So lets here them!

Cheers

I have long known that Doing one thing at a time and Focusing on it are two of the most important habits to have when it comes to getting things done and moving forward with any project you are working on. However I had no idea just how difficult it would be to hold true to those habits. It seems that every day more and more projects, tasks and things to do get added to the already never ending ToDo list. And I am just talking about CG projects here, not even mentioning what life has waiting for me when I open my email or step away from the computer!

So in an effort to manage the big and small, it is easy to get tangled up in the thick of thin things. We are also continuously bombarded daily with information that distracts us too. News, radio, blogs, email, forums, articles, magazines, Advertisements, etc. ad infinitum. All those inputs give us ideas, thoughts of projects to start, things to buy, things we might want to learn, ad infinitum again. All of of the above are things that can be added to the.. thats right, todo list! Information just creates things to do that didn’t even exist to you before you were informed, ignorance is bliss in this particular case.

Time for recovery.
As Tim Ferriss says in his book, “The Four Hour Work Week”, go on an information diet, go cold turkey if you can. No news, no blogs, no magazines, you name it. Do this for a week or two, then ease yourself back into the info world, but don’t overflow yourself again.
Now it’s time to simplify. Start with Importance.
With information aside and distractions at a minimum, you need to take a look at your todo list and prioritize. What Projects or Tasks are most important? Pick a top 5 or 10, leave the rest unsorted for now. Once you know what project is most important, get started on it asap. You may have 1001 personal projects you want to work on, most of which you are itching to start and more importantly, finish. With little free time to work on side projects, you really need to focus, so work on that top Priority project and work it until it is done. Don’t worry about the next model or animation you want to make until the one you are on is Finished! The time you spend thinking about another model while your working on your current model is time wasted getting the current one done and out the door. On a smaller scale, Get one thing done at a time while working on the model. If you start texturing the boot, don’t stop to go texture the face. Finish the boot! You may need to make revisions later, but that’s ok, when your doing the revision, start it and finish it. The rule still applies.

I may be ranting here, but I know this a problem among many artists.