Beyond the frame: How a Sheridan student expanded her animation toolkit through applied research

For fourth-year Honours Bachelor of Animation student Woojoo Shin, a summer research position at Generator’s Screen Industries Research and Training (SIRT) Centre provided an opportunity to explore technologies and workflows beyond her classroom experience, while opening her eyes to new career possibilities in animation and visual effects (VFX).

As a research assistant focusing on computer graphics animation VFX, Shin contributed to two research projects including a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) supported collaboration with the National Ballet of Canada that is developing a new approach to integrating digital innovation within the performing arts. In her role, she tested different processes across software and game engines to apply motion capture data to 3D characters, troubleshooting technical challenges, comparing approaches and documenting her findings and recommendations.

The work pushed Shin into unfamiliar territory, requiring her to experiment with new tools, seek out tutorials and develop solutions without knowing what the outcome would be. Along the way, she gained hands-on experience with four industry-standard animation and VFX programs: Unreal Engine, Unity, Blender and Reality Capture.

This experience changed how she approaches learning. Rather than feeling intimidated by unfamiliar technologies, she became more comfortable exploring the unknown and more excited to develop new skills.

“Research is one of the best learning opportunities you can have, so be open to learning and exploring things you may know nothing about,” says Shin. “Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You never know what new skills or interests you might develop.”

Her experience also reinforced the value of a student's research experience, and how it provides access to technologies and resources she would not otherwise encounter.

“Through this opportunity, I was able to work with technology that I likely would not have had access to otherwise,” Shin says. “Being exposed to new tools like that opens students’ minds to different areas of the industry and allows them to explore things they may have never considered or even known existed before.”

As she continues her studies and builds her portfolio, Shin will carry forward the confidence to explore unfamiliar technologies and the new interests she discovered through her experience at SIRT, broadening her skills and the possibilities she sees for her future in animation and VFX.

Interested in learning more about how to get involved as a student in research, innovation and entrepreneurship at Sheridan? Visit sheridancollege.ca/generator.