S.W.O.T analysis - Overview of academic year 2009 - 2010

So before I print all my blog off for hand-in, I thought it would be a good idea to do a brief analysis of the last year so that I can highlight areas that need improved so I can work on them over the summer:

Strenghts:
   Research - I feel that when it comes to research I explore every possible avenue, trying to think outside the box to draw inspiration from unusual sources. My research files usually pull in my best marks.
   Photoshop - over the last year my skills in photoshop have developed a lot more, though there is still some way to go.
   2.5D animation - this was my strength last year as I am able to produce nice clean work which works well in 2.5D, this needs to be revisited so I can build on this strength.
   Model Making -  although I haven't been overly pleased with the models I have produced I do think that it is a strength of mine and during the processes I am learning a lot so hopefully my skills will improve.

Weaknesses:
   Cinema 4D - 3D modeling and rigging - I've bought a book for this so that I can work through tutorials over the summer and grasp a basic knowledge of how to model characters. I will also learn new skills by working through tutorials on the greyscalegorilla website.
   Illustrator -  I do most of my work in photoshop but being able to create vector art would be a massive bonus. Again I have bought a book that I can work through over the summer and will be setting myself little projects.
   Life Drawing - Having only done a weeks life drawing classes in first year, I need to add to these skills, there are a number of classes over the summer which I hope to attend, and I will also be using posemaniacs.com to work on my drawing skills.
   Producing Sound - I need to think more about the sound when developing concepts as this is a massive weakness of mine, or I need to find another source to produce a sound track for me or with me.

   In order to improve my skills in these areas I will be using illustrationfriday.com and working through the archive of topics and producing work either hand drawn, in Cinema 4D or in Illustrator, trying to stay away from using the media I feel comfortable with.

Opportunities:
   Music Video - producing a music video for local band Odd Shaped Head will be an opportunity to fine tune my modeling and stop motion skills, and get my work out there.
   Boreal Wallets -  producing wallet designs for an online store, again this gets my work out there as they also advertise the artists who produce the work.
   Festivals - producing work for festivals over the summer, or submitting the bands music video.
   Freelance work - the possibility of freelance work over the summer will help add to my portfolio and showreel and possibly provide opportunities to learn new software.
   Funding - applying for funding in order to buy the equipment I need to set up freelance.

Threats:
   Other animators - those who are more experienced than me and have better skills.