I have several animations, and i would like to get some feedback. I have been animating for about two months now, and this is what i have. I really want to take my skills to the next level, but it is so difficult to learn. I am forced to learn from my mistakes. There are barley any tutorials on how to do this stuff. Hence they are short and really do not focus on body mechanics. However, awesome body mechanics is key to a good animation
Hey, preety good, for only being animated for 2 months. I think you are good enough with the tests, and ready to do a final walkcycle with personality. I’m not sure is you want to recreate Link’s attitude from the game or you just used this model for testing everything, but would be nice to see a walkcycle that is telling something to the spectator, for example, doing one where Link walks from A to B but with a purpose, searching for something, exploring, looking and waving his head, etc. I think the timing is good (except in the one with the shield and the sword), I can’t seem to find many flaws (well, I’m a noob animator too). From modeling you also should fix or animate the cloth and boots overlapping the model, I guess you already know that.
There are barley any tutorials on how to do this stuff. Hence they are short and really do not focus on body mechanics.
I recommend you to see Jeff Lew’s series “Learning 3d character animation” it’s pure gold, very cheap and it’s not software specific. Also the book or DVD series “the animator’s survival kit”. Those will sure give you an excellent foundation and you’ll improve a lot with a lot of practice.
regards
When I saw the first video I was a little bit “hmm”, then I saw the rest of the videos and I think it’s awesome considering how long you’ve been animating! Just keep at it!
Thanks guys, i’m happy to see positive comments. What would you all say is the best way to learn body mechanics? Should i film my self or draw poses a lot or ect. What Should i do?
Brachi, i have seen those DVDs and books. I will try to incorporate them.
When i c a tut, i just look at it and attempt to apply it to what i am currently doing.
I have to actually do the tut. Once it do that i hope to be 10x better
I am now going back to my collection on animation tuts and doing them all, instead of just trying to apply them. I will attempt to create the animation tutorial, if u get what i mean.
There’s no better reference than real life. Use a webcam, record yourself. There’s always Youtube too. Best thing I can recommend when it comes to tutorials is the Animator’s Survival Kit.
What work flow do you use when animating?
Do you do the
Layered approach
Straight Ahead
or pose to pose?
And better yet, what do u do…like the order?
Do you like pose everything then start from the feet up, or the head down.
I am looking for real animation tactics to make an awesome video?
What steps do you take when trying to tackle an animation?
I usually start with a pose-to-pose blocking phase, then I think it would be more layered, starting to add detail as I go by. I think PtP is a powerful approach as it’s a good way to get a good overview. You can plan timing with it and when you think it’s good you go start add inbetweens and tweak it.
In the end I think you should try all approaches and decide on the one that works best for you, just don’t try to get stuck on the graph editor too much. The old Disney artists didn’t have that luxury and they managed.
I started 3d animation 4 years ago. However I have not spent that time exclusively on animation, there’s been quite a bit of drawing, modelling, texturing and drawing as well. What I want to say is that I’m not as good at animation as I could have been if I focused on it completely.
If you keep the pace you’re at you’ll be at Pixar in no time.
good approach dude… try a bit detailed character then this…
and ya hands doesn’t have follow through in body mechanics and character’s head has very exaggerated recoil action…
that’s what i feel dude … next is up to you…
Yea, i did not animate the top much. I decided to work more on the legs. I will have a follow up animation soon with all the body parts working together in one solid step-back!
