Learn how to draw out the main scenes (Key frames) of your story to create an outline. Why do you like about their work specifically? Find artists and writers that you like and study what they do. Learn how to ask for feedback from people that do what you do and lean to take the helpful parts of their criticism to make your stories and drawings stronger. If you want to make your own animated films, study story writing, script writing, other animation, other films – learn how to tell your story.
If you can’t purchase the full programs see if there are trial or student versions available at no or low cost to you. Learn about what programs are being used by studios today.
Learn as much as you can about the most widely-used animation software. The books listed above give some excellent information on all things animation, most especially hand-drawn animation. Gestural drawing portraying the action of a figure is essential to animation. The form should be recognizable by what it’s doing, not tidy details. Draw quick, rough sketches showing the action of the character. Gesture drawing – draw WHAT the item is doing, don’t worry about making a finished, gorgeous, photorealistic painting. Get familiar with the structure of things. Take life drawing classes and do life drawing sessions with live models when you can. Draw from life – look at items around you and draw more of WHAT YOU SEE around you, rather than what you see in your imagination. Fox, Wes Andersonĭraw – every day, as often as possible.
Talking Animals and Other People, Shamus Culhane Starting Point: 1979-1996, Hayao Miyazaki Timing for Animation, Harold Whitaker and John HalasĬharacter Animation Crash Course, Eric Goldbergįrames of Anime: Culture and Image Building, Tze-Yue Hu The Animator’s Survival Kit, Richard Williams The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation, Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston Missey was a principal animator for the blockbuster animated film Space Jam and currently works as a caricaturist, children’s book illustrator, and drummer/vocalist for the metal/grunge trio Hellgrimm. Tune in for her insights into becoming an animator and for some stellar animated shorts by previous Josiah Media Festival winners. Workshop #3 features Erica Missey, a visual artist who has used drawing as a stepping stone into animation.