Ideas and Concepts

SMA Plans- Small Group

 When put into small groups, we had to generate ideas to eventually produce a story line for our group Stop Motion Animation. At first we listed what materials we could work with, for example; People, Lego or Plasticine  we then produced ideas which could be created using these materials. While collaborating on each idea we decided that Plasticine would be a good material to use as we had already researched Ardman Animations and gained inspiration from it. As a group we then all agreed that a snail was the simplest thing to make out of Plasticine therefore given the time we had it would be easy to construct the video which we wanted. At first we had the idea of a slug crawling into a shell to become a snail, however we figured this would be quite difficult without creating large gaps within the animation. We then figured if we each made a snail each out of Plasticine then we could create some sort of race in which each of our snails would be competing.

Therefore from what ideas we created, our group drew up a story board in which we could work from as a guide when creating our stop motion animation. The process of Story boarding is very useful, even though when doing the Stop Motion Animation, things may change and be erased from previous ideas, its still a guide to remind you of the chronological sequence within the story. Inn addition as a story board is visual, it is a very quick method to look back on without wasting time reading instructions.  

Individual Ten Second SMA Plans

After having produced a ten second animation within small groups the next task was to create one of our own. This animation was to also be ten seconds which would consist of around 150 photographs. Therefore to create something that would last for so many frames, a mind map was in order to generate ideas to figure out what I could create. After roughly ten minuets on my mind map I decided to choose the topic of using food. Therefore with various ideas linked to food I had to decide which one was the best idea. Asking other members within the class and gaining there thoughts upon my various ideas, I came to the conclusion that I was going to base my Stop Motion Animation on a gingerbread man in which I thought the music to fit in with the video could be of a magical and happy theme.

Once I had chosen my ideas, I drew up a quick storyboard which I could use to remind me of what my ideas were visually to make it easier when it came to actually making my animation. With a quick description on the side of each drawing I was ready to then start making my animation.

Durex Challenge

After being sorted into groups we were given a Durex Challenge. This challenge consisted of making a poster in which advertised Durex condoms within the teenage market. We were given a few examples before we began, in which all provided a humorous aspect within each advertisement. However this was based on a serious topic as the increase in teenage pregnancy's have escalated, therefore we wanted to create an idea which would be a play on words but also nip the message into the bud for all teenagers to be sexually aware of the consequences of unprotected sex. 

Mind Maps and Ideas

Within a group of five individuals we all collected ideas from each other, some in which contrasted and some which could be linked with each other to be elaborated into a new combined idea. Therefore to stimulate our ideas we began by making a list of things that connect with Sex for example the homosexual community, STD's and poverty within a young mothers life. Then basing our advert on an humorous aspect of sex, we started to focus on the fun side of sex and thought about flavoured condoms for oral sex which would protect against STD's. From this idea of the various different flavors it made us think about a box of sweets or chocolates in which you could have various different flavors also. From this we then drew up a heart shaped chocolate box in which each flavor of condom would sit inside as well as original condoms to promote safe sex. Once our plan was drawn with a few adjustments, we then decided there should be a slogan to fit the picture to attract an audience. Fitting with the box of chocolates theme we realized we could use the phrase 'life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get' and change it to 'Sex is like a box of chocolates..' which provided a clever and humorous play on words. 

Bouncing Ideas Within A Group

The method of bouncing ideas off each other within a group is a very beneficial exercise to create new interesting ideas which include aspects thought by everyone in the group. By hearing different ideas and taking them into consideration, the previous idea you had in mind could be improved by combining it with other ideas. This exercise also stimulates everyone's thoughts, therefore created a situation where everyone can suggest many ideas whether they become the final accepted idea or not. This exercise doesn't just generate creative thinking but also benefits and improves social skills and team work for each individual. Some individuals also find thinking creatively difficult therefore this exercise helps practice thinking more laterally by using other members of the groups ideas to accomplish a greater final idea.

Evaluation On Ideas and Concepts

Overall I believe the topic of Ideas and Concepts was very important to enhance creativity and generating various ideas. The use of group discussions, mind maps and story boards all helped with planning and creating my own SMA without forgetting key points in which I had to include. I believe if there was no planning involved within this course the outcome of my work wouldn't be as successful as it is now. 

Difficulties In Ideas and Concepts

Overall I didn't find many difficulties within Ideas and Concepts as I found this unit very useful. However I have developed my discussion skills and the technique of bouncing ideas within a group. Usually when I create an idea for something I want to keep that idea to myself, however when practicing group discussions and bouncing ideas off one another I found the ideas that I had originally created, were developed and modified to become something much more inspirational by different ideas input by other group members. Therefore I believe that idea discussion is the key to success within the working environment.