2D Lab Manual

Intro

There are two 2D Animation Labs.

Log Book

Every time you enter the lab please sign in and record the following information:
- Your name
- Materials used (paper, pencil, pen, paint, sand cut-out, etc....)
- Equipment used (compound table, paper punch, computer, sand stand, rotoscope table)
- Record any technical problems (so we can fix it)
- Status of the lab: clean, messy, anything missing or broken?
This is the main form of communication between you and the staff who maintains and audits the space weekly. Failure to sign in to the Log Book will result in a loss of access privileges.

If there is an immediate issue please contact us via email at animation@evergreen.edu

Scheduling

You must always have time reserved when using the labs.
Regular scheduling should be done through Media Loan along with key checkout.
It is your responsibility to confirm your reservation time, day and that you are in the correct room by asking for a receipt.
If you need a substantial amount of time contact animation staff for scheduling.
You may lose your scheduled time if you are more than 15 minutes late, and whenever possible please cancel any time that you will not use.

Keys

Checkout a key from Media Loan prior to your reservation and return it promptly afterwards.
Do not use keys to gain access outside of your scheduled time.
You are financially responsible for the room and its contents.
Lost or stolen keys must be reported immediately to both Media Loan and Animation staff.

Support

Need Help? Please do not attempt to unplug or re-wire anything, especially if you think you know what you are doing. Check the Troubleshooting Guide and see if you can find your answers there. Flip through the Log Book to see if anyone else has experienced the same problem and if a solution was found. If that fails contact one of the following offices:

Multimedia Lab, L1404, 360-867-5455
Animation Lab Aide Office Com 311D, 360-867-6139
Media Loan, L2502, 360-867-6253
Aaron Kruse, L1520, 360-867-6842
email at animation@evergreen.edu

Lab Peripherals

Main Animation Stand

The animation table is a compound table that uses calibrated gears and tracks to incrementally adjust N/E/S/W directions and rotation.
Never use sand, liquids, glitter, or other messy materials near or on this table as it will permanently damage it.
If you need to use messy materials you must first contact animation staff and then use the Messy Stand (COM 2D Multi-Use Lab only)

Camera

A Canon Rebel is permanently attached to the top of the animation stand.
All the menu and camera settings are adjusted through the Dragonframe software.
Do not remove the camera from the stand or attempt to adjust any settings.
Turn the camera switch on during shooting, and switch it off when you are done.

Lens

The camera is installed with a 35mm prime lens and linear polarizing filter.
Adjust focus and polarizing filter rotation position to reduce glare.
Never touch the lens surface, or attempt to clean it - get a staff member to help you.
Zoom positioning is controlled by carefully adjusting the camera arm up/down by releasing the lock and slowly turning the crank.
Do not overtighten the locks or pull on the track - use the provided cranks.

Lights

Overhead lights are adjusted at a 45 degree angle, and a backlight is located underneath the table.
Turn on the lights using the provided power strips.
To reduce glare make sure all room lights are off while shooting, and wear black clothing to reduce reflections onto artwork.
If there is a burned out bulb contact animation staff - do not replace burned out bulbs yourself.

Platen

The platen is an attachment to the Main Animation Stand that is used to flatten artwork. This item is available by contacting animation staff.

Messy Stand

Located in the 2D Multi-Use Lab, Com 309, for animating sand and other messy liquid materials.
Make sure the installed camera on the main animation stand is turned off.

Rotoscoping Station

Located in the 2D Roto Lab, Library 1408.
Video footage that is displayed on the left-hand computer monitor is projected up onto the drawing surface of the stand.
Rotoscope Rules
- Never use liquids, messy materials, on this table, and be gentle with the projector.
- Never: kick the projector, touch the glass lens, change projector menu settings, unplug naything, use liquids or other materials on or near the stand.
- Always: power up and shut down projector properly, double-check projector screen dimensions and focus, create a guide frame, cap lens after use.
Using the Rotoscope
- Log into the log book and note that you used the rotoscope section
- Turn on the main power switch on the desk, fire up the computer, and press the projector power switch. The projector will take a few moments to warm up.
- The data projector is recognized as a third monitor on the left-most side. TO be able to see what you are doing, move the keyboard over to the rotoscope stand and bring the mouse cursor over to the far left.
- Confirm the resolution of the data projector image is set to 1024x768 60 Hz by going to System Preferences > Display Settings > Display 3
- Open your footage in iMovie, Final Cut, or Quicktime and position the video monitor so that it is displayed on the rotoscope station with the desired dimensions.
- On the projector, adjust the zoom and the focus on the edges of the lense. Note: the zoom is adjusted by twisting the lens closer toi the projector body, and the focus is adjusted by twisting the outermost ring.
- Adjust the positioning of the animation registration board on the table.
- Create a guide frame using a piece of paper to line up your artwork at a later time.
- Start rotoscoping! Use the left and right arrow keys to navigate through each frame.
- When finished, shut down the projector by pressing the power button until the display is black . The fan inside the projector will run for a while to allow the lamp to cool down.
- Bring the mouse cursor over to the far right screen. Shut down the computer and turn off the main power switch on the desk.
- Cap the projector lens
- Record any problems in the log book.

Acme Hole Punch

The Acme hole puncher is a calibrated registration system that is the industry standard.
Pre-punch materials before animation to ensure registration of drawings.
Do not punch more than 3 cels or 5 pages of paper at once, or use non-standard materials - they will clog the blades.

File Management

Save all your files in a folder labeled with your name on the Storage Drive, or your home folder to keep them private.
Files can be deleted at any time to free up space and everything will be cleared out by 5pm Wednesday of Evaluation week.
When you are done with your session, backup files to a server, personal hard drive, etc...
Do not work directly off of the server - only copy to or from it and then disconnect from the server while working.

General Use Expectations

There are absolutely no food or drinks of any kind allowed in the labs. Leave them stored outside the door.
Take care of yourself and remember to take a break once in a while.
Please recycle your paper scraps in the corresponding bins. Garbage cans are located down the hall.
Clean up after yourself -the labs are a shared work space. Cleaning supplies are provided next to the door. If you run out of time for cleaning up you are expected to come back later to clean.
Do not delete other peoples' files or mess with any settings, postings, in the lab or on the computer.
Do not unplug or remove anything from the space without asking - cables or registration pegs alike.
Be courteous and respectful to the lab aides and your fellow animators and abide by the campus code of conduct. We are here to help you and make sure that everything is in working order and everyone has equal access to these facilities.

When you are done
- Clean up and restore the room back to normal
- Log out of the logbook and record any notes
- Turn of the camera power, shut down the computer, lights, and equipment
- Return keys promptly to Media Loan