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What are some things I can do to better learn stuff like animation and music production?

Currently the two subjects I am interested in are animation and music production. I dabbled a bit in both but I am not at amature level yet. I do know some basics but other than that, it is all i know. I really want to learn these subjects and have jobs with them so I want to prepare myself.

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Joe’s Answer

Talent is important in anything, including animation and music, but discipline and practice will trump talent. In short: study animation and music, and practice doing those things. Study the work of animators and composers that you like, and also study some that may be different. This will help you hone your skills and develop your own style.

Create constantly.

You can practice creating some animated shorts and make your own music to accompany them. Try having no dialogue: let the actions and the music tell the story. It will take mistakes and failures to learn how to navigate the creative process and create good work, but it's the same with everything.

I am not a musician, so my suggestions below are geared towards drawing/animation:

Here are some books that will help:
https://www.amazon.com/Animators-Survival-Kit-Principles-Classical/dp/086547897X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WZTAKC155RU4&keywords=The+Animators+Survival+Kit&qid=1694024023&sprefix=the+animators+survival+kit%2Caps%2C298&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Cartoon-Animation-Collectors-Preston-Blair/dp/1560100842/ref=sr_1_4?crid=31UR7E39H2PRA&keywords=Cartoon+Animation&qid=1694024430&sprefix=the+animators+survival+kit%2Caps%2C1095&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/Illusion-Life-Disney-Animation/dp/0786860707/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24WFTM9ODBAH&keywords=The+Illusion+of+Life%3A+Disney+Animation&qid=1694027689&sprefix=acting+for+animators+4%2Caps%2C1113&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Timing-Animation-Anniversary-Harold-Whitaker/dp/0367527758/ref=sr_1_2?crid=139UV3SHWM6VS&keywords=Timing+for+Animation&qid=1694027853&sprefix=timing+for+animation%2Caps%2C553&sr=8-2


You don't have to buy these books though. Check the library. Do searches on YouTube for tutorials...

Practice drawing poses that show action and mood. Practice facial expressions.

Animating is like riding a BMX course: you don;t just go out and buy an expensive BMX bike and then run a BMX course like you're a pro. If you do, you will probably wreck the expensive bike and wind up in the hospital. Instead, you start with an inexpensive bike. You practice simple things like weaving through cones, jumping a tiny bump, etc.
The only way you get better is by constantly practicing and building on mistakes until you get better.
And remember: You should ALWAYS be learning!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Aaron
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Elettra’s Answer

Hello Aaron,

When you mention music and animation, does the idea of a career as a VJ come to mind? Or perhaps, have you ever considered combining your interests and becoming a music producer and a motion graphics animator?
Thank you comment icon Not really actually, I've only thought of choosing one or the other to be honest. It seems like an interesting thing to look at, thanks :D Aaron
Thank you comment icon You're welcome! This career might be interesting because it combines the two. But I still recommend that you study both animation and music well. After seeing which one you are more suited or you like more. Just get into the right lap. Elettra La Marca
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