4 answers
Chloe
Student
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
1
Question
4 answers
Natalie LaChance
Sr. Analyst Instructional Designer
6
Answers
Gardendale, Alabama
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Embarking on the path of animation can be an exhilarating adventure. Whether you're drawn to the charm of traditional 2D, the depth of 3D, the tactile nature of stop-motion, or any other animation style, here are some inspiring steps and guidance to help you plunge into the vibrant universe of animation:
1. **Self-Education**:
- **Research**: Immerse yourself in the rich history of animation and the trailblazers who shaped it. Comprehend the unique aspects of various animation techniques.
- **Online Courses and Tutorials**: Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare, and Khan Academy provide comprehensive courses in animation. YouTube is also a treasure trove of tutorials covering virtually every facet of animation.
2. **Choose Your Path**:
- Identify the style of animation that sparks your interest the most: 2D, 3D, stop-motion, etc. Each comes with its own distinctive skill set and tools.
3. **Start Simple**:
- Initiate with fundamental exercises. For 2D and 3D animation, the 'bouncing ball' exercise is a time-honored starting point. It imparts the principles of squash and stretch, timing, and spacing.
- Begin with uncomplicated tools. Free software like Pencil2D for 2D animation or Blender for 3D animation serve as excellent launching pads.
4. **Learn the 12 Principles of Animation**:
- Conceived by Disney animators Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas, these principles lay the groundwork for all animation endeavors and are vital to infusing life and engagement into your animations.
5. **Practice, Practice, Practice**:
- Animation, akin to any art form, demands relentless practice. Consistently push your boundaries with new exercises and projects.
6. **Get Feedback**:
- Engage with online animation communities like the Animation Guild, 11 Second Club, or forums related to your chosen software. Showcase your work and be receptive to constructive criticism.
- Contemplate joining or establishing a local animation group or club if feasible.
7. **Build a Portfolio**:
- As you accomplish projects, compile your finest works. This will be indispensable when applying for schools, jobs, or freelance gigs.
8. **Consider Formal Education**:
- Although not obligatory, many animators find value in structured learning. Investigate animation schools or programs at universities. Institutions like CalArts, Ringling, and Sheridan boast esteemed animation programs.
9. **Hardware and Software**:
- **Drawing Tablet**: If you're venturing into 2D or even 3D animation, a drawing tablet can be a precious asset.
- **Software**: Depending on your preference, you might delve into software like Adobe Animate (2D), Toon Boom Harmony (2D professional), Blender (3D), Maya (3D professional), Dragonframe (stop-motion), among others.
10. **Stay Updated**:
- The realm of animation is perpetually evolving with new software, techniques, and trends. Subscribe to animation magazines, blogs, or YouTube channels to keep abreast of the latest developments.
11. **Network**:
- Participate in animation festivals, workshops, and conferences. This not only expands your knowledge but also provides opportunities to connect with industry professionals and like-minded individuals.
12. **Stay Passionate and Curious**:
- Animation is a labor of love. It may be demanding and occasionally exasperating, but the thrill of breathing life into characters and narratives is matchless. Remain inquisitive, continue experimenting, and above all, relish the journey!
Remember, each animator carves their own path. Some might attain success swiftly, while others may need more time. The secret lies in tenacity, ceaseless learning, and a fervor for the craft.
1. **Self-Education**:
- **Research**: Immerse yourself in the rich history of animation and the trailblazers who shaped it. Comprehend the unique aspects of various animation techniques.
- **Online Courses and Tutorials**: Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare, and Khan Academy provide comprehensive courses in animation. YouTube is also a treasure trove of tutorials covering virtually every facet of animation.
2. **Choose Your Path**:
- Identify the style of animation that sparks your interest the most: 2D, 3D, stop-motion, etc. Each comes with its own distinctive skill set and tools.
3. **Start Simple**:
- Initiate with fundamental exercises. For 2D and 3D animation, the 'bouncing ball' exercise is a time-honored starting point. It imparts the principles of squash and stretch, timing, and spacing.
- Begin with uncomplicated tools. Free software like Pencil2D for 2D animation or Blender for 3D animation serve as excellent launching pads.
4. **Learn the 12 Principles of Animation**:
- Conceived by Disney animators Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas, these principles lay the groundwork for all animation endeavors and are vital to infusing life and engagement into your animations.
5. **Practice, Practice, Practice**:
- Animation, akin to any art form, demands relentless practice. Consistently push your boundaries with new exercises and projects.
6. **Get Feedback**:
- Engage with online animation communities like the Animation Guild, 11 Second Club, or forums related to your chosen software. Showcase your work and be receptive to constructive criticism.
- Contemplate joining or establishing a local animation group or club if feasible.
7. **Build a Portfolio**:
- As you accomplish projects, compile your finest works. This will be indispensable when applying for schools, jobs, or freelance gigs.
8. **Consider Formal Education**:
- Although not obligatory, many animators find value in structured learning. Investigate animation schools or programs at universities. Institutions like CalArts, Ringling, and Sheridan boast esteemed animation programs.
9. **Hardware and Software**:
- **Drawing Tablet**: If you're venturing into 2D or even 3D animation, a drawing tablet can be a precious asset.
- **Software**: Depending on your preference, you might delve into software like Adobe Animate (2D), Toon Boom Harmony (2D professional), Blender (3D), Maya (3D professional), Dragonframe (stop-motion), among others.
10. **Stay Updated**:
- The realm of animation is perpetually evolving with new software, techniques, and trends. Subscribe to animation magazines, blogs, or YouTube channels to keep abreast of the latest developments.
11. **Network**:
- Participate in animation festivals, workshops, and conferences. This not only expands your knowledge but also provides opportunities to connect with industry professionals and like-minded individuals.
12. **Stay Passionate and Curious**:
- Animation is a labor of love. It may be demanding and occasionally exasperating, but the thrill of breathing life into characters and narratives is matchless. Remain inquisitive, continue experimenting, and above all, relish the journey!
Remember, each animator carves their own path. Some might attain success swiftly, while others may need more time. The secret lies in tenacity, ceaseless learning, and a fervor for the craft.
Warren Lubow
More than 30 years in technology Industry with Over 20+ years at the Executive Level in Business Development & Sales, Also an expert in Automotive, Cloud, IoT, and more
56
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Warren’s Answer
Lots of online resources - start with the favorite of the younger generation YOUTUBE
Hi Warren! Agreed, YouTube is a great starting point. We would love to hear from you on other resources, tips, and/or best practices on how to animate video clips. Can you share more details, advice, and information for Chloe and other online learners?
yoonji KIM, Admin
Liana Ho
Graphic Designer
38
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Liana’s Answer
Hi Chloe,
It's good to hear from you! If you want to learn how to animate a clip, I think it's better if you can take some animation classes at your local school. Therefore, an instructor will help you build your skill and grow as an animator. You can also learn Computering: Pixar in a Box from Khan Academy. They show great tutorials on the introduction of animation, storytelling, simulation, etc. You can watch some Youtube tutorials if you would like. I wish you the best of luck animating a clip! Here is the link below to Khan Academy. Check it out!
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/pixar
It's good to hear from you! If you want to learn how to animate a clip, I think it's better if you can take some animation classes at your local school. Therefore, an instructor will help you build your skill and grow as an animator. You can also learn Computering: Pixar in a Box from Khan Academy. They show great tutorials on the introduction of animation, storytelling, simulation, etc. You can watch some Youtube tutorials if you would like. I wish you the best of luck animating a clip! Here is the link below to Khan Academy. Check it out!
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/pixar
Federico Agustin Ambrogio
3D CGI ARTIST
1
Answer
Córdoba, Argentina
Updated
Federico Agustin’s Answer
Hi, i learn how animate because i been study a carreer call "virtual simulation and videogames". But i dont know what type of animation do you want, i do 3d animation. For start you need knowledge abou 3d model, software of 3d model like 3DS MAX, ZBRUSH, MAYA, BLENDER, etc.
Animate cameras its more simple than animate characters or vehicles, also you need to know about photography and framing to get a nice take. In case you need to animate a character, vehicle, etc. You need a skeleton, which fulfills the function of a skeleton, like the human skeleton itself. To know more about this, you can search on YouTube for videos like "skins and bones 3d "vehicle, people or what you want""
To learn you can do courses in internet, like in udemy, crehana, stuff like his, or just only from youtube and pdf books. I hope this information hepls you.
Greetings from Argentina, sorry for my English.
Animate cameras its more simple than animate characters or vehicles, also you need to know about photography and framing to get a nice take. In case you need to animate a character, vehicle, etc. You need a skeleton, which fulfills the function of a skeleton, like the human skeleton itself. To know more about this, you can search on YouTube for videos like "skins and bones 3d "vehicle, people or what you want""
To learn you can do courses in internet, like in udemy, crehana, stuff like his, or just only from youtube and pdf books. I hope this information hepls you.
Greetings from Argentina, sorry for my English.