#answering back

[animationdesk]

Could you reccomend any good free programs to make 2d and 3d animations with that are relatively easy to learn and use?

Hi there! Thank you for your question.

I do know of some software that are free for 2D and 3D animation. I cannot say if they are easy to use, but I can say they have resources to help you learn them (artists also post YouTube videos to help you learn the software).

Here are some software you can take a look at:

Blender (Both 2D and 3D): Originally software to create 3D animation, Blender now lets creatives create 2D animation using the Grease Pencil tool. Both 2D and 3D are part of the Blender application once you download it.

Pencil2D (2D): Pencil2D allows you to sketch, ink and color your animation. You are able to import audio, but they recommend WAV files.

Krita (2D): Krita allows you to create 2D animation and storyboards. You are able to import audio for your animation projects.

OpenToonz (2D): OpenToonz (originally Toonz) is the software used by both Studio Ghibili and Futurama. Studios that created the films Belle and Promare also used OpenToonz.

FlipaClip (2D): While I have shared software for desktop and laptop platforms, FlipaClip is available for your mobile devices.

I hope this list helps you in learning animation. Each software listed has resources on its website for learning the program (YouTube is also a great help).

[tuliharja]

If you get this, answer with three random things about yourself and send this to the last seven blogs in your notifications. Anonymously or not. Let's get to know the person behind the blog. (Lmao I was doing this just as you tagged me)

Aww! Thank you so much for sending this to me @amyrallis! And omg! Seriously? Lmao. 😂

I really like reincarnation mangas/manhwas/webtoons/animes.

I especially like the ones where the main character is reincarnated as villain/villainess!

My favorite reincarnation mangas/manhwas/webtoons at the moment are My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!, The Duchess' 50 Tea Recipes, Beware Of The Villainess!, Death Is The Only Ending For The Villainess, The Stereotypical Life Of A Reincarnated Lady, Fiancée’s Observation Log Of The Self-Proclaimed Villainess, The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke’s Mansion, Chitra, Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady With The Lamp, Who Made Me A Princess, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime and I’m a Villainous Daughter, so I’m going to keep the Last Boss.

[animationdesk]

Hi! Do you just share cool animations you find around on tumblr, or is it possible to also send you cool stuff we find/make ourselves? :] Either way thank you for your blog, it's always a joy to scroll through

Hi there! I'm glad you're enjoying this blog! Thank you!

To answer your question, it is a mixture of both. I would search for animation here on Tumblr, and followers have suggested their animation work or others' creations. So it is possible to share your work with me.

If you have some you would like to send, feel free to message me. I ask that the animation submissions be SFW (safe for work). After reviewing and approving them, I can add them to the blog's queue. Looking forward to seeing your work and other animators' works! :)

[animationdesk]

What’s the best way to start practicing animation

Hi there!

Thank you for your question. Most animators start by learning how to animate a bouncing ball. This allows animators to focus on animating a simple object while learning the Principles of Animation and build up the confidence from testing the simple subject.

You can check out this awesome how to animate a bouncing ball video by animator Puuung on YouTube. Follow along in placing the bouncing ball on the arc like Puuung and see how it moves from frame to frame.

As you learn how to animate, learn the 12 Principles of Animation to help push your animation forward. Alan Becker has a wonderful YouTube video about the 12 Principles of Animation.

After the bouncing ball, try other exercises like the flag animation, walk cycles, having a flour sack do acting, so that you can get a sense how to time and space your animation. There are books you can reference for animating (like Preston Blair's Cartoon Animation book and Richard Williams' The Survival Kit).

If you have an animator you enjoy, find an animation of theirs and see if you can recreate it. Analyze their work and see how they were able to animate, learn, and then use it for your creations.

Lastly, as you start, remember to be adventurous and to bring the fun to your journey. It's a challenging medium, but a rewarding one as you continue to study and grow.

I do hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. :)

[animationdesk]

Helloooooooo I’m staring animation and I have a lot of questions lol.

1. Is there a website that you can type words in, and it will make a mouth move (to help w how to draw the mouth) (( hope that all made since lol)

2. Is there a certain order to make an animation?

3. Is there any tips on making the whole progress less confusing and cluttered?

Tysm!!

Hi there! It is awesome to hear of your journey of animating, and I hope these answers will help you progress as an animator! :)

1. While I am unsure of a website that creates the mouth movement, there are tutorials and advice on this blog for lip syncing: https://animationdesk.tumblr.com/tagged/lip_sync_tutorial

2. One animation principle that can help you with this question is Straight Ahead and Pose to Pose. You can start the animation by drawing them from start to finish (Straight Ahead), but realize that the animation can lose volume as you go from start to finish. Pose to Pose helps keep the animation be consistent by posing the animation from start to finish with Keys, and then filling in with Inbetweens (Straight Ahead). To see what I mean, check out Alan Becker’s video on the principle (he has other videos, it’s a great series/resource for animators): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8quCbt4C-c

3. I am sure there are tips to make the process and progress simplified and less complicated. The first tip I would encourage is to start with your basic gestures and shapes first as the rough animation. This way, if you need to edit your frames, you’re not trying to edit everything. When you get to the motion and pacing that you like, you can then add the details to the animation (hair, clothing, etc.). If you finish watching Alan Becker’s video on Straight Ahead and Pose to Pose (link in Answer #2), you will be able to see some examples of this, as well as how to plan your animation from start to finish.

Animation is challenging, but very rewarding, and you do understand more through trial and error as you create more. To help further your understanding of animation, think of a 5 second clip of an animation you like and study it by viewing the animation as a whole, and frame by frame (you can do this on YouTube with the video paused and using the comma [,] and period [.] keys). Try animating that same scene, so you can understand the animator’s decision making as they have animated it.

If you’re interested (or anyone else following this blog), I would be happy to have a post with links of animators teaching you how to get started in learning how to animate (YouTube, Vimeo). Just let me know. I hope this helps you, and feel free to ask more questions if you have any. :)

[animationdesk]

Dude I’m so happy you still post often thank you!! Its hard to find this stuff anywhere else

You're welcome! :)

Thank you for your feedback - seeing others' animation have been inspirational, and I hope they inspire you as well!

[animationdesk]

Sorry! if you already answered this before but do you have any good resources on staying on model for animation? i've look online but i'm having trouble on how to execute their tips

Hi there! It is an awesome question to ask, and I am happy to share some  resources for you:

- Preston Blair’s Cartoon Animation talks about “Construction” when creating characters‘ body build and understanding the height and proportions (we use the term “construction” for animation and character design). He breaks it down easily to where you could use this knowledge for the most complex character designs! Link: https://archive.org/details/PrestonBlairCartoonAnimation

- @stringbing talks about creating animation while staying on model, with tips to help you achieve your goals. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsZCr0xcke0

- Looking at professional character sheets (turnarounds, facial expressions of various sides) are a great help to stay on model. Craig McCracken, creator of Powerpuff Girls (classic), Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, and Wander Over Yonder, provides great notes for character sheets. Take a look at Wander Over Yonder, and the notes to remind animators what is and not acceptable. Link: https://onanimation.com/2015/08/18/wander-over-yonder-model-sheets/

In addition, I did find another post explaining Straight Ahead and Pose to Pose regarding consistent animation: https://animationdesk.tumblr.com/post/617028238979612672/heya-ive-been-meaning-to-get-really-started-on

Much success to you as you animate, and I hope these help you. :)

[animationdesk]

Hey there! Would you by chance happen to have any references for laughing or unhinged/ insane laughing? I'm trying to animate a villain scene and it's not going terribly well :o Thank you!

Hi there! There are some references for laughing uncontrollably or that is insane in animation. Most of the time it is reserved for the villains/antagonists. 

Here are some examples:

Mark Hamill as the Joker (Batman: The Animated Series): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb8fWUUXeKM

Aku (Samurai Jack): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvNzuj79jRM

Jafar (Aladdin): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0wmWGOrEio

Mr. Burns (The Simpsons): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuoToHKCas4

Lord Dominator (Wander Over Yonder): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_TRuC8H4WE

Darla Dimple (Cats Don’t Dance): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRcdLztYdeY

Glenn Close as Cruella de Vil (live action): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec4nMM9KSKA

Mojo Jojo (Powerpuff Girls): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Lirj-Rm6BU

The Weasels (Who Framed Roger Rabbit): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwGX-zkenzo

There are many more, some that are not reserved to villains/antagonists, and that are not just Western. I do hope these help you and your animation progress! :)