LIMELIGHT'S PROFILE

Man Meng was the president of his graduating class in April 2005, has now joined the academic and creative bandwagon to be a part of TOA Family - holding the role of Multimedia Designer and Tutor.

His humble and quick to help nature was highly commendable during his 3-years as our student. With all the credible criteria and also an outstanding student among his peers, we are proud to have this Limelight join our Multimedia Design Faculty.

If you know Man Meng outside of class, he would strike you as a quiet and reserved person. In class, he lights up and always ready to share his expertise about design and technical solutions. Although only a few months after graduating from a student, Man Meng has since then fast become a role model to students.

Previously while in his first term as a Multimedia Design student, he has produced an outstanding project outshining most of what his seniors has produced before. Two terms before graduation, he took that very first multimedia project and participated in TOA Student Creative Awards 2004. With no surprise, Man Meng bagged the Best Storyboard Award for the category under Digital Animation.

Although the work was produced in 2003, it has indeed earned an award winning title it well deserved. We have invited Man Meng to share with us the story behind this 2D Flash animation.

The Toot and Haff Show

My Concept and Creative Solution...

My intention is to rewrite the old time classic for the story between the tortoise and hare. The original story is often told to children not to be arrogant and be humble in dealing with challenges.

I have kept the moral of the story but added a twist in the storyline to enhance the animation effect. The idea and inspiration came from my childhood memories watching Road Runners & the Wild Coyote from the television set.

This always reminds me of how both characters can be evil to each other while still bring laughter to children, parents and people that watches the cartoon. It was a fun experience mixing elements from different storybooks, cartoons and anime to produce this animation.

I hope to bring as much laughter to my audiences as the original story without loosing the moral behind this classic.

How would I improve it...

Perhaps the project can be enhanced from the camera angles, finishing of the "scenes" inside the animation or perhaps to extend it slightly longer with more fun factors to make people feel happier after watching it. I would probably change the art direction and make it completely different from this.

At the time of research for this project, I found a few wallpapers of Road Runners. That was how I was inspired to create something similar to that direction. So I'm sure if I were to do research again, I would probably be inspired by some other design to create a different art direction.

My Experience…

The experience that I've gained from this project is priceless. I would have never gotten this far without going through all the processes. I became more mature in handling various difficult matters, both mentally and physically.

It was not easy dealing with different stages for approval on idea, concept and design. I have to learn to accept criticism to improve my ideas and design without taking it too personally. I am glad that I listened to other people"s advices, opinions and comments. After this project, I became more ready for critiques and open to deal with people.

Now that I am a tutor and being only a few months since I graduated, I am still able to relate to students and vice versa. So I would take this good opportunity to share with them the importance being open to critiques and always be ready to make improvements. For me, this is the secret to become a successful designer.

But of course, we must also believe in ourselves, be passionate in what we do and dare to dream. That"s my perfect formula for anyone who wishes to be the best!