Some tips for beginners.
Many people ask us: “How do you make a 2D or 3D animation (important process in creating a 3D configurator) for a website or your own video? That`s why we decided to develop a small guide that covers many topics and gives you a first overview of how to create your own animation.
In this article we will show you the basic steps to start with when creating an animation. This guide is aimed primarily at people who have read a lot but have not understood much and are therefore frustrated. We will first explain the differences between 2D and 3D. Then we`ll explain where to start when you want to create an animation. Finally, we`ll introduce you to some of the best books on animation.
A quick start, but a long way to becoming a master.
Today it has become very easy to start and create an animation at home. There are so many different programs in which you can create an animation and many of them are quite inexpensive and easy to use. Today, many people own a computer that can handle computer animation.
You can make an animation within seconds of reading this article, but you need to know that it can take a long time for you to become an expert.
Here is some good news about creating an animation.
If you want to make interesting and wonderful animations, you don`t need to be a Disney or Sony animator. You don`t need to be able to draw like an artist. Over time, you`ll develop your own animation style.
Create an animation in 2D and 3D.
There are so many differences between animation in 2D and 3D, but you should understand that animation in 3D is more complex because of another dimension. Otherwise, it can deliver more dynamic and impressive images.
Let`s talk about where to start and what you need:
2D animations.
If you are a beginner, you should start with a 2D animation. The processes are easy to understand and on this basis you can start quickly, cheaply and easily.
Software for creating 2D animations.
If you are a newbie and want to know how to create an animation for the web or small cartoons in 2D, you should start with Photoshop or Flash. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. All Adobe software products have free trial versions so you can get started right away. Here you will find some information about the programs:
Adobe Photoshop: This software is particularly suitable for creating traditional animations where you can draw every single image and it has the best drawing tools. There are many tutorials for creating animations on the internet. In addition, it has layers that can offer enormous creative freedom.
Adobe Flash: Many people use this type of software to animate characters. Here, too, users benefit from numerous tutorials on the internet, so they can easily get started working with Adobe Flash. With this software, you can create fun animations with just a few clicks.
Hardware for 2D animations.
If you want to work with Photoshop or Flash, you don`t need an extremely powerful computer to create an animation.
You should use a tablet to create a beautiful animation because a mouse or touchpad is not very suitable.
What books you can support in your project.
These books teach you the basics and more up to the realization of complex things:
The Illusions of Life by Frank Thomas und Ollie Johnston: Today, this book is already an encyclopedia of how to make an animation. This book was written by 2 Disney animators and shows them many tips and tricks how to make an animation interesting and memorable.
The Animator`s Survival Kit by Richard Williams: This is the holy grail for anyone who wants to know how to create an animation. In this book you will find all the basic techniques amd methods like distance, overlapping action, anticipation, walks, runs, weight, timing, takes etc. You can`t do much wrong when you start creating animations with this book.
Cartoon animation by Preston Blair: Here you`ll find many examples of projects by different animators that you can use in your own projects to create cartoon animations. It will help them create and develop their own perspective with character, movement, gestures and action scenes.
3D animations.
You should be aware that creating 3D animations is much more complex than creating 2D animations. Here are some steps from which you can find your own way.
If you want to create an amazing and eye-catching video, you should extend your skills (texturing, lighting, rendering, and even modeling).
3D animation software.
If you really want to know how to create a 3D animation, you will need a software to animate the characters. Depending on the software, there are huge differences in pricing.
Autodesk Maya: Autodesk Maya is currently considered the best software solution available, but it is also quite expensive. If you don`t have enough budget, you can also download a non-commercial free version for students.
Maxon Cinema 4D: This program is much cheaper and easier to learn. If Adobe After Effect is purchased, users can get a free version. These two types of software are more likely to be used for motion graphics, but Cinema is much more flexible.
Blender: Blender is an open source solution and if you want to start, it`s a good choice. This program has fewer features than other software, but it works better over time. Users can also find many free tutorials on the Internet.
Hardware for 3D animations.
Your computer needs to be powerful. With 3D, the processor should be serious and have large memory and a high-end graphics card. The price for such a computer startsat a few thousand Euros.
Book for the creation of 3D animations.
All books that are classic in the genre of 2D animation will be useful for 3D animations. However, if you want to know how to create a 3D animation in a particular program, google “How to Make and Animate Own Characters in Maya” for example.