RealFlow and Cinema 4D – Fluid Dynamics Simulation

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I’ve been curious to try out fluid dynamics simulations in a 3D package for a while now. The image above is my first test using RealFlow together with Cinema 4D. It’s a very powerful tool, but also one that is very demanding on hardware. RealFlow works as a standalone program, but I started inside of C4D, to create my name as a 3d object, which I imported to RealFlow to serve as my “container,” so to speak.

I’d like to show you the full animation, but with Global Illumination and Ambient Occlusion on (for the uninitiated, basically settings that help renders look richer, and more realistic), outputting this single frame on my laptop (never the ideal setup for 3D) took long enough. I likely would have had better luck with my trusty old Mac Pro tower, but really, this served as a reminder that it’s probably a good time for an upgrade! Long render times have never stopped me from trying things in the past though, so even if I have to leave my system running over night, I plan to explore this tool further.

Here is another pass of the same simulation, textured more to resemble clear, natural H2O:

Motion Tracking and Particle Generator Test

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The motion tests continue with more footage from the same shoot as my earlier fireball test. My laptop recently died on me, but luckily I was able to salvage the files. Thanks to Cesar Vargas again for his acting skills, he got totally into it. This is a rough cut of a motion tracking and particle generator test (using Trapcode Particular). I haven’t even gotten to rough sound effects yet. I used the built-in tracker in After Effects, but I had to do a fair amount of hand correction/roto to get it to work right. The crossing of arms didn’t exactly help. Look closely and you’ll notice I have masked out the intersections to create a slightly more convincing fiery hand effect. I know, you thought he really had superpowers.

Clínica Romero Fundraiser and Mixer – Event Flyer

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I was recently called upon by the Los Angeles community clinic, Clínica Monsenor Oscar A Romero, also know as simply, Clínica Romero, to help promote their upcoming fundraiser at Suede Bar and Lounge, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Downtown. The clinic takes its name from the famous late Salvadorian Archbishop, Oscar Romero, who was assassinated for speaking out against injustice in his country. Appropriate for a clinic serving primarily low income Latino communities. I made the above flyer to help announce the event, and some of their available sponsorship levels, since the organization does depend heavily on donations.

LAtinas – Yxta Empowerment Mixer, E-Flyer

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I recently was called up  again by LAtinas – LAtina Public Service Academy, an education and professional mentorship program targeting girls from primarily Latino areas of Los Angeles, this time, to help promote their upcoming mixer at Yxta, the trendy bar and Mexican restaurant located in Los Angeles’ Arts District. With the colorfulness of the venue in mind, I whipped up the above e-flyer. Everyone is welcome to join in on July 15th during their happy hour, from 5 -7 PM.

Christmas in July – Event Branding and Promotions for State Senator Holly J. Mitchell

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Here is the initial print/e-flyer I designed for the upcoming community event, “Christmas in July,” brought to the people of Los Angeles by California State Senator Holly J. Mitchell. This will be the 4th year Senator Mitchell (formerly State Assemblywoman Mitchell) has put on the event, which helps promote fun, healthy living, education, and family unity, in the community, with the help of sponsors.  She and her team figured it was about time to brand it, and polish its visual presentation, and promotions. This is where I came in.

“Activity Zones” have been a part of the event since its inception. I decided to help communicate these through simple icons, which I will also be carrying over to an activity punchcard, or passport, that will be completed and printed in time for the event. The goal is to also have branded collateral/swag, including t-shirts and stickers. Stay tuned for updates!

Hadouken! Fireball Test

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Just a basic VFX test shot, set up as simply as possible (stationary, on a tripod). My main priority here, and in most video/motion tests you may see throughout my blog, is practicing techniques and tools to achieve effects I find cool. But I do need to get around to practicing some storytelling at some point. My subject for this was my friend and fellow designer from my UCLA Design/Media Art days, Cesar Vargas.

Here I used Trapcode Form to create the main fireball, and combined it with some other canned effects (glows, blurs, and animated masks/solids, inside of After Effects), to create a Street Fighter 2/comic book inspired fiery orb that Cesar grows and throws (yes cheesy rhyme intended). I shot the video with my Canon 60D in the Downtown LA area.

LAtinas Launch Party – Final Event Flyer

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Here is what the final event flyer for the LAtinas Launch Party ended up looking like. I continued the look I established with the initial “save the date,”  for the most part. One important addition was the logos of all the sponsoring companies, including, most prominently, the Southern California Gas Company, as the biggest donor. All the board member names are also integrated in the background, to recognize their contributions, and serve as a textural element. I attended the event, and by the size of the crowd, it seems to have been a success.

“Couples Therapy” Butterfinger Campaign – AMA Event Flyer

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I’ve made yet another flyer for an AMA/Marketing Analytics Group event. This time Jeremy Vandervoet, Marketing Director at Nestle, will be discussing the launch and campaign performance tracking behind Butterfinger Cups (essentially a Butterfinger version of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, another Nestle property). The Butterfinger Cups were launched with a big splash with a Superbowl ad, and several online components. Jeremy will break down some of the details of the campaign creation and launch, and will take part in an casual, open-ended Q and A session.