Setupology#1 - The Spin Surface rule

I already made a set up video with english subtitles but I don't think it had the reach I wanted despite having some interesting insights (Link here)

I developped 3 main rules and some minor ones, so that'll make 4 articles.

Introduction

Good set-up is a virtuous circle when you start penspinning. Basically, on easily readable set up, people will more easily watch your clips, you get more praise, you have more motivation, you practice more blablabla. Having a bad set up isn't mandatory of course, but you can't really whine if no one look at your spin. 

 A clear demonstration of what I'm talking above. Only based on the thumbnail, there's less views on FS n°75

To be clear, I won't really talk about the esthetical aspect of set up but more about the practical aspect of set up. What I want people to learn is how to not have a bad set up, and not how to have a good set up :v

The whole point of the following rules is Readability

Rule n°1 : Spinning surface

The surface behind the hand and the mod has to be unique, homogeneous and smooth. I'm not sure about the terminology here, but it'll be better with some explanation.

First, what is the spinning surface ? What I call spinning surface is all the area behind the hand and the mod. This area depend of the orientation of the camera, it's not necessarily the same as the surface under your hand/mod.

Basic example from ShakziiP - the part of the desk inside the red circle is considered as spinning surface, but not the part of the desk outside that same circle

There are some common rules that make a spinning surface looks good

• Only one spinning surface
  

 The whole spinning surface has to be on the same plan. A variation with the depth behind the hand might disturb the readability of the combo.

A basic example of a dual spinning surface would be Supawit's setup who uses 2 different surfaces : his desk and his floor

 

This one is the most challenging part when you're filming with a front angle, and that's why I discourage beginners from using it.

 

Comment 1 :  this one is less an issue if the 2nd spinning surface is close. The more depth difference there is and the less combos are readable.

An example with a wall behind the hand (rpzn for XX-hounten)

Comment 2 :  if there are 2 spinning surfaces, it's more effective if the 2nd one is homogeneous, even better if you can't feel the depth of it.

 

In this example, because it's dark, it's hard to evaluate how deep is the ground (me for Legacy 1st)

 

 

• homogeneous spinning surface
  

 The whole spinning surface has to be homogeneous. It can have patterns (a wooden plank, a floor, ...) but clear demarcations behind the hand don't help for readability. 

 

Good use of the mousepad by Mushwoom (Combo). The mousepad is a bit small but it's well centered.

 

 Poor use of the mousepad by Mushwoom (Combo). The angle of the camera had not been taken into consideration and thus, the spinning surface is shifted on the left of the mousepad. 

• Smooth spinning surface
  

 As clear as the previous rule, the spinning surface has to be "smooth". This is the main issue when using a bed or a sheet, all the little asperities behind the hand attract attention. 

A poor use of a towel by Dustfall (Combo)

Comment 4 : What these 3 "rules" imply is that there is no angle that is inherently wrong. Except for the ones that show the back of the hand (again, no readability), all angles are good if you manage to have a decent spinning surface behind your hand.

 Now with that in mind, you can see Japen 12th again and think about the spinning surfaces, this CV is the one that helped me define "what are the basics for a decent setup". Here is a small compilation of the 12 setups :

In Japen 12th, 9 setups out of 12 respect the 3 rules

That's all for the 1st rule. I'll try to write the 2nd one before 2023.

 

PS : a quick reminder : this rule isn't an absolute one. Setups from Ease, Ippei and Shadix aren't poor ones. When you start making yourself a setup, try to respect the more rules you can that help with readability and then you'll be able to deviate a bit.