The Origin of Martin
Greetings,
My name is Martin, a seasoned professional hailing from the chilly expanse of Norway. I hold a bachelor's degree with specialization in Animation and 3D Modeling.
​
My journey into the realm of animation and photo/video editing commenced at the young age of 12. It all began when I created my very first Piczo website, assembling a portfolio of Microsoft Paint animations. My fascination with this art form was further fueled by my encounter with the video game "Team Fortress 2." Within its community, fan-generated content, particularly animated YouTube videos referred to as "Fads" or modern-day memes, gained significant popularity. Aspiring to be part of this vibrant scene, I dedicated myself to mastering various Adobe programs and grasping the fundamental principles of animation, leveraging the wealth of knowledge available through YouTube tutorials and Google guides. Looking back, I owe much of my current expertise and accomplishments to this trend and the invaluable free resources accessible online.
​
Presently, my ardor for computers and video games continues to grow with each passing day. Beyond my professional pursuits, I find solace and enjoyment in hobbies such as fishing, camping, and indulging in the art of cosplay.
The Beginning of Stop-motion
Allow me to present one of the several stop-motion videos I created during my early adolescence at the age of 14. In this particular video, the character in this video symbolized a representation of myself. Amidst the array of random elements incorporated, the primary narrative revolved around the character's sudden realization that it was his birthday.
Through the process of crafting these videos, I found a profound avenue for learning and honed my skills in various domains, including Animation, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Sound Editing.
Immersed in the YouTube community, I often found myself inspired by the captivating work of others, prompting me to ponder, "How can I create something of a similar nature?" This innate curiosity and desire for creative growth compelled me to continually expand my knowledge and expertise within this realm.
My First Official Website
Throughout the years, as my YouTube following steadily expanded, I took the initiative to establish a personal website using basic HTML and a design crafted in Photoshop. This platform served as a dedicated space where I could share the models, soundtracks, and sound effects utilized in my videos. Additionally, I utilized the website to provide regular updates and offer tantalizing insights into my upcoming animation projects. The website proved to be an invaluable means of communication with my subscribers, a community equally enthusiastic about learning animation.
The Jump From Stop-motion to 3D Animation
In the early 2010s, Valve Software astutely recognized the burgeoning interest in fan-made animations employing assets from their games. To embrace and support this creative wave, Valve developed their proprietary animation software, christened "Source Filmmaker." This pivotal tool was released to the public in 2012, and it marked a momentous turning point for many of us animators on YouTube. With its advent, we transitioned from the realm of stop-motion to the vast possibilities offered by a sophisticated 3D animation software, signifying my own initial foray into the world of 3D animation.
The video in question served as my attempt to master the art of animating facial expressions and achieving seamless lip-syncing. Focusing on the character known as the "Heavy Weapons Guy," an interesting highlight emerged when Gary Schwartz, the authentic voice actor, graciously recorded himself singing Bohemian Rhapsody in the character's voice, fulfilling a fan request. This creative endeavor allowed me to explore and develop my skills within the realm of 3D animation, a turning point in my artistic journey.
Team Fortress 2 Cosplay
My fascination with Team Fortress 2 transcended the realms of computers and animation. It led me to independently acquire the skill of operating a sewing machine, with invaluable guidance from my elder sister. Engaging in the art of cosplay, I meticulously portrayed three distinct characters from Team Fortress 2 over the course of several years. This creative pursuit not only provided me with an opportunity to express my passion for the game but also facilitated the expansion of my social network. Through cosplay, I had the privilege of connecting with like-minded individuals who shared a profound enthusiasm for similar interests.
The "End" of The Team Fortress 2 Era
Regrettably, all good things must eventually conclude. Due to unforeseen circumstances, my original YouTube channel faced deletion, resulting in the loss of most of my previous works, now categorized as lost media. In commemoration of the cherished memories associated with my old channel, I decided to create a new one, housing a solitary video that serves to immortalize the beloved "MottonBunchie" character I once portrayed. This character embodied the persona of a Heavy Weapons Guy donning a distinctive Viking helmet.
In this video, the character undergoes a transformation, reemerging as a synth - a mechanically crafted entity, adorned with an artificial skin layer to simulate a human-like appearance.
Although this particular juncture marked the conclusion of my Team Fortress 2 animations, the spirit of animation persevered within me. Subsequently, I embarked on a new chapter by enrolling in the university, where I diligently pursued and ultimately attained a bachelor's degree in Animation and 3D. This academic achievement bolstered my dedication to the craft of animation, leaving an indelible legacy in my creative journey.