Contest The Great Triathlon Challenge #3: Build a World!

.gif and GIMP
DISCLAIMER: I have not made my .gif yet, but I'm researching how to do so with my current computing set up, and for those of us sillies with open source software, here's a tutorial I found on working with GIMP to make your .gif. Not as simple as the online gifmaker and whatnot that was linked to in the first thread, but still doable, and gives you the same sorts of tools the Photoshop-ites have. And if you're familiar with GIMP for your photo editing already, should be a breeze for you--I, unfortunately, have not used GIMP yet. But time to learn! I also found this Livejournal bit about adjusting frame rate helpful. Now, there are all different versions of GIMP, just like with Photoshop, so my apologies if the tutorials I have found don't follow exactly your version--they don't follow mine either. But hopefully, once I get everything in order today, I'll be able to muddle through it tomorrow. Hope it helps someone.

EDIT TO ASK....
I'm assuming, since it was said to be okay for someone to shoot in color and then post-edit to black and white, I'm assuming I am allowed to use my camera's settings for such things? Hope so...I'd already started shooting before I thought the mods might make a distinction between the two.

 

whitewings: At least you're being quietly dignified.

I tend to mumble to myself, but by now I'm saying all my complaints out loud. If you could hear me, your ears would turn blue!
I began very early this morning while the light was good and took my fifth set of pictures. After each time the pics are put together, I'd find something else that needed fixing. For sure this has been a lesson of trial and error...or is it trial by error? lol
(Photobucket is not my friend. )

Time for chocolate.

 

I have to admit, I'm wishing now that this challenge hadn't happened in the same time-frame as a four-day convention. It really does look like an intriguing project. Maybe I'll give it a try next month when I have something like free time.... but I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone's results, best of luck and fortitude to all who're still working onward!

 

Between school starting back up last week and lack of motivation in general, I'm not so sure I'm going to pull through. I know I don't stand a chance at the prize after seeing the entries from challenge 2 anyway. But I still want to complete this task so I can have the "I completed the triathlon!" bragging rights, haha.

 

I now have a working gif but so far I have been unable to get it to 450 pixels on the longest side. I've tried photoshop and photobucket; I've typed in the size requirements and it still wants to show it in a smaller size. This is completely new territory for me, though it is fun (and satisfying) to see I've really made a working gif. I hope I get to use it. Can anybody suggest anything that may help? About resizing for pixels, I mean

 

Hey Shulamite! I made a tutorial for photoshop which includes resizing the gif if you think that might be helpful: Tutorial
Feel free to ask me any questions too ^^

 

Thank you ellipses, I'll try it again

 

I had used photoshop to change the pixel sizes for each one of my gif frames to the required size. They were correct until I used them in gifpal and then they changed to another size. I have to go to work now, but thank you for your help elipses! Good luck to all.

 

August, why you so hot? Spent the day in the attic, taking photos for as long as I could take the heat, coming back to earth for water and cool air, then running back up again. (The attic is mildly insulated and boasts both exhaust and ceiling fans, so it wasn't so hot as to be dangerous. Just hot enough to make me sweat through my set when I got too close.) Am curious to see exactly how many photos I took...will see tomorrow. I'm sure my brain has liquefied, and is of no use tonight.

 

Dagnammit!!! Had a great idea.... drawn, photographed, assembled and VOILA! I resize it down to 450pix and you cant see the details do-over time after I get this wallpaper up in the kitchen.....

 

LOL - I hear you!! Lucky I am surrounded by Tradies all of whom think my curses are very 5th grade :eyeroll: I have to start over..... annoying but true. Un-salvageable unfortunately....

The good thing is we're all in the same boat at least We can all be stressed and freaked out... together

 

Yes, 450 pix is a smidge small...St James, any chance we could increase the size a bit, due to that rectangle/square issue mentioned earlier? It would make many of our days, I think.

*phew* Assembled my backdrop, took all the pics today...totally wiped! I'm hoping things look good in the editing stage tomorrow! *crosses fingers* Good luck, everybody! Can't wait to see everyone's entries!

 

All done!! Choppier than I would have liked, but darn cute... even if Kicky-McKickerson didn't want to cooperate

If anyone needs help with the technical side of the gif making, please feel free to pm me!! And Good Luck... I throw you chocolate to keep your strength up

 

Last touches, a few things set to dry then by morning light, I'm ready to do contrast test shots viewed at 450... Shoot, composite, edit and wrap it up.
So little in size, so few frames, OMG.
But it keeps me from getting uber-fiddly and freaking out about the little details.
I'm thinking in dolly mural terms, and thanking pickled peach pits that I didn't choose a different doll but kept myself with a familiar scale.

I was also afraid some details would get lost so I hedged my bets and made a few things mocked up in several sizes. I forgot how much fun markers, rolls of paper and hot knives are, haha. My nail tech will tsk at me though, I've destroyed, maybe slightly melted and stained my acrylics beyond repair. My fiancé has never seem me full tilt boogie doing artsy stuff on a deadline and convention stuff all at once, he's been , kind of funny, actually!!

To everyone burning the midnight oil tonight, working into tomorrow--keep on
go-go-goinggggg!!111!!!one eleven.

 

Well.... I think that was the nail in the coffin LMAO... I had to redo the whole thing in the space of a couple of hours, submitted.... fingers and toes crossed. Best of luck everyone its been a total blast playing along side you all

 

Alrighty, 450 it is! Glad everything is visible in this size for the mods.

One quick question--someone asked if they could do black and white for their gif, and I was wondering if we could do a slight hint of sepia tone to give it an old feel.

Good luck, everyone and congrats to those of you total non-procrastinators who have already submitted your entries! I'm still in the editing stages and crossing my fingers that it all looks like something that makes sense when I put it all together lol.

 

I just realized mine ended up being a lot smaller than anticipated... its 320 x 240, I didnt choose that size gifpal did it....

I seriously can't wait to see what you've all done with your props!!

 

Whitewings, that's the same problem I had. I sent my gif, it accepted it though I have no idea if it will work. I've spent 2 days trying to change the pixel size, figured out how to change the pixel size (which Gifpal changed back) asked the moderators, tried it in Gimp, asked techie friends, cried and cursed. There are some lovely people on this forum who have tried to help too like MissEmily and others who were willing even to help competitors! What a ride this has been.

 

Finished and submitted! I'm not sure there IS enough chocolate and bubblebaths waiting!
I am not an animator but I really tried not to 'ovefuss' it and just accept the fact that I wasn't going to become one in a week, either, haha!
I am pleased with it and really glad I did the Triathlon! I had a lot of fun, it set fire to my creativity, and I really like seeing others compete together and show their concepts through the 3 challenges.
(my studio is now a dangerous mess..)

 

I'm sad that I just couldn't get this last challenge done but want to congratulate everyone still in it and all those that have taken part. It's been fun and I look forward to next years!

 

OH MY WORD...almost lost all my work. I got everything filled out on the DoA form, and for some reason, I just couldn't bring myself to hit "submit." After 10 minutes of agony, I finally decided to double check the link. So glad I did, because the link didn't work--just had a still image! Ack! Finally had to re-upload the gif to a different secret place, and now the link works. Still, that scare has me rattled, and I keep double checking the new link to make sure it has something there!

Forget the chocolate. I need a masseuse. And then some chocolate. Wow, you guys. What a crazy ride. My fingers are crossed for all you guys still working. YOU CAN DO IT!

I'm actually thinking of making a "director's cut"--tee-hee! 'Cause my word 24 frames is way too short

 

Oh well I'm sure I wont be the only one who's submitted the smaller size. I re-read the rules and it does say a maximum of 450 so those of us who are pixley challenged are ok LOL

Ooh that would be sooo cool!! and I agree, 24 frames while in some ways felt long, it was actually very very short and hard to translate a story/action into..... I just watched my new one again and had a lol moment..... I spotted an error but I couldn't be bothered to ask the mods to replace the link for me, I wonder if anyone else will pick up on it....

 

My images are coming out colored. Like, my camera is just picking up the entire image tinted in one color. I kinda like it but is that okay to use? I can make them all black and white if it's not.

 

Just submitted my first ever gif! Definitely echoing the sentiment of other participants--what a ride! This was a crazy, frustrating, awesome experience which has destroyed my house lol. This is only a win for all of us in my book, no matter who gets the amazing prizes. I've been blown away by the other entries in this contest; it's amazing what we've all accomplished! I feel like I've pushed myself to my creative limits and I love everything I've ended up with. Having the deadlines for each of the projects was the only way I know I could have accomplished them.

And now I just can't wait to see all the entries for this! (Also I'm in total agreement with MissEmily--24 frames is too short! ;P) Good luck, everybody!

 

*disappointed* Loss of detail also happened to my background. I already tweaked it once, but after that, I had to concentrate on making the gif.

In any case, the deed is done! And sent! Crossing my fingers it transmitted intact. I'm pooped.

Time for ice cream!

I giggled over the word "overfuss". I was doing just that. But I am glad I finished the triathlon and agree it was fun and did spark creativity--a good thing for me. I don't have a studio, but my space IS a mess. shhh I glued the carpet in a few spots...

 

Thanks- boy did I need to XD It only looked worse on the computer, but I tamed it down some.

It came out wonky and looks super rushed (it kind of was), but I don't have time to fix it. I've got an essay due tomorrow and I may have put off writing it to get this done... Oops.

 

duplicate post. sorry.

 

After reading about the concerns posted by newbie gif-makers, perhaps there should be some sort of guidance to the voters stating that many entrants are first-timers, and the focus should be on the content, the imagination, the charm, the appeal (or whatever other parameters the mods have chosen) of the gifs, not the technical aspect of how slick a gif looks?

If this has already been thought of, thank you.

 

I'm in exactly the same position. Way too many other things happening this month, but I'm going to set myself to all three challenges in October, just to do them. Such cool challenges, but just no time this month. WAH

 

Bah. This has not been a great month for me. Uni work, performances, and GISHWHES mean I just haven't had time to do this challege at all :P So sadly I shall have to bow out, but I can't wait to see everyone's entries! I am hoping next year there are anniversary challenges, and maybe I'll be able to finish all three then!

 

I just submitted; I had some problems I didn't have time to fix, but! This is the first time I have ever done any of this sort of animation at all and I am so excited about that. I really want to try again in the future, and now I know a few things to do differently and to be extra diligent about. I can't wait to see everyone's gifs!

 

Oh St. James! It is us that should be thanking you for sticking with us and cheering us all on!! GIANT HUGS

 

Yes, thank you! I have learned so much, had so much fun, and made some things I will cherish for a long time....I just finished my "director's cut" of the gif...93 frames, and I'm SO PROUD OF IT. It's exactly what I've been wanting to do for over two years, and here, at last, I have begun! Thank you! Must say, I'm not looking forward to the next several days of waiting. What to do to pass the time? I mean, besides unbury my house from the triathalon.....

 

Thank you for hosting this contest this year, I'm glad I at least tried to finish all three events as now I know how easy it is to make a gif and www.gifmaker.me is like my new favourite site

 

Thank YOU, St. James and everyone else on the mod team who did so much for the Anniversary!
I decided to participate because I didn't want to see the events ever go away or not be held, and seeing you all be so patient with questions, decisions, handling snafus and everything was so great.
I'm very glad I came back to DoA after an absence, it's very much the community that makes it into the great resource people think it is but those who ONLY use it for a resource or the MP are missing so much.
That used to grind my gears but now it just makes me want to participate and contribute more to building the community.
Hooray for the 'Games'!

 

I had Kicky's lazy cousin, Flopsy Floppenheimer, who wanted to take a face-first nap in every pose!! Lazybones thing...
Thank you for the PS tut, lining up and renaming my layer images in order before generating the frames saved me so much time and stress and fuss!

 

So I managed to finish the gif on time, even though I've been sick the past week and it's not the best, but I'm proud to have finished it all. I am absurdly pleased with my set however, even if none of the details can be seen in the gif. I'd never have built it if not for this contest, and I can finally get to work on that stop animation I've been wanting to do...after I figure out how to make a good gif.

 

Jumping on the bandwagon to thank the mods for all their hard work with the anniversary contests. I can't even imagine the amount of time you dedicated to these. Thank you for your hard work, your prompt responses, your patience with our confusion and millions of questions, and your continued encouragement and enthusiasm!!!

 

Thank YOU, St. James! You and all of the mods have been so wonderfully helpful to us participants. It's been great participating with everyone - the Triathalon always brings out the best in people. I love seeing how everyone bands together to cheer each other on, and help each other get across the finish line. You guys really exemplify the best in competitive spirit.

It's been great to finish this with all of you, and I'm so excited to see everyone's gifs! Now to clean up all of the paper scraps around my house and the thread bits that are still stuck to everything from ripping my seams in challenge 1....

 

Haha... What a great family, the Floppenheimer-McKickersons I wonder how many members we can claim?!? You are very welcome for the tutorial

 

A little bit late but a huge congratulations to everyone who put in an entry to any round! This triathlon was absolutely exemplary of the wonderful fun and learning possible when everyone can work together and push their limits! What an amazing sample of our great community.

Thank you for making our 9th anniversary triathlon so memorable and positive!

 

I must also express my appreciation of the dedication of the Mods; their support to us (especially when this third challenge was kicking many of our butts) will always be remembered Super fun contest! Thank you!

 

I had their sister, Slouchy Slumperton....

 

Seeing every one talk about what they have done is making me a little sad that I had to drop out of this round, I do want to see what everyone did though! I bet there are going to be some amazing entries! It is still going to be fin seeing what everyone has done!

Good Luck to everyone still in the contest, I hope everyone can finish their entry in time! Especially since I really want to see what you have done.

I think I am also going to thank the mods, not just for this contest but all the contests across the forum. I know it is hard work, however I think so many people are having such a great time with the contests! I know I am! Thanks again!

 

You're welcome, and thank you, and all the Mods! This has been so much fun, and everyone has been so helpful and nice!

(I'm kind-of assuming there won't be a Triathlon next year because of the big convention DOA is co-running - would I be right?)

 

There may not be a whole huge event since the anniversary is August and Dollism is September. I imagine there might still be a little something though since it will be the 10th anniversary.

Man, I can't wait to see all this rounds entries. I came home from work to my girlfriend fussing over hers. It'll be fun to see everyone's finished results. X3

 

Thanks to all the mods for doing all the contests. I didn't make it this round. Too much real life happening, but I can't wait to see what everyone did.

 

Wow..that was fast!

 

Oh wow, these are incredible! I don't know how I'm gonna decide which to vote for. And it really makes me hope some of the people who entered will do more with stop-motion stuff in the future.

I thought "minimal use of photo editing" meant we couldn't edit the doll and the prop separately INTO the setting, though?

How'd you get these up so fast? Some of the files are huge! That was quick work.

 

Originally Posted by angelynx-prime
(I'm kind-of assuming there won't be a Triathlon next year because of the big convention DOA is co-running - would I be right?)

The 10th could always be held in the 10th month next year after we return and recover from Dollism. It could have a spooky/Halloween theme even. Wishful thinking on my part but it would be fun, hm?

 

Those gifs are fantastic. Everyone who participated in the triathlon this year should be proud of themselves!

 

They are all so cool! I laughed, I cried, I scratched my head in wonder. This was the hardest for me to vote on! So many creative ideas and conveyed so well!
Triathlon is absolutely an amazing thing to do!