Welcome to Gaia! ::

Heya! for those of you visiting the forum, the name's Adam. Welcome! I'm one of the reviewers here, and my specialty is animation. so though this is originally a comic review thread, I find that animation often times ties in with many other aspects and trades of the art world. Therefor, I'm making this thread.

Why? Well, I figure, why not pass on what I know to other people aspiring to join us in this crazy field? So, whenever I get the chance, I'll post new information each post that I think would be useful for you guys.

To start things off, I'll write a bit on animation instructional/historical books. Now, for all of you crazy otaku out there, let's get something clear right now. You ready! here it is: animation exists outside of Japan! (gasp!)

As obvious as that sounds, I find that I often have to remind hardcore anime fans of this. In fact, some of the world's best animation comes from three countries most people wouldn't expect: Russia, France and Canada. In fact, Canada even has a National Animation Society that's gubernamentally (spelling) supported. Yay!

But I've digressed. Going back to books on the topic, you may find yourself overwhelmed with Christopher Hart's and Disneys and Crappy animation instructional books. So, that being said, let's sift through the crap and get you a good book. And honestly, there is really only one book that is worth recommending. It's this one. Animation: The Whole Story GO Ahead. Click on it, it's okay. That book was written by my history of animation teacher, Howard Beckerman.

Now, I'm not telling you to buy the book because he was my history of animation teacher, or because I'm shamelessly trying to promote one of the schools I've attended. No. I simply am recommending this book because it is good. Sure, you could read other books such as Disney's History of Animation book, or Christopher Hart's Cartooning Techniques you were afraid to draw. In some respects, those books are alright. But for a truly comprehensive history of animation, as well as studio listings (as of it's latest publishing date in 2004), tips, tricks, techniques, styles and customs used in the animation world, this book is literally the holy grail many young people seek.

And as the description on the webpage says, it's small, so you can stick it in your pocket, or under your pillow, or on your desk. Speaking of which, one of the things you'll learn is how to make your own light table for animating. So go ahead, order this book. You won't be dissappointed.

And as per next time, I'll probably talk about the nifty tools animators use that other artists (particularly you cartoonists) arn't aware of or all too conviniently over look. for now, tata!

Adam

now now....don't completely hate on him. Despite his ability to convey help information in his How To series, I give him credit, and respect him, for being successful in the fields of screen writing, cartooning and animation.

His "Human anatomy made amazingly easy" is a really good book, though.
As for the Anime ones, i haven't read them. I have the "How to draw Manga" series for that.

if I ever get the chance to get on more often, then I'll be more than happy to oblige you, mademoiselle. *genuflects and kisses back of palm*

...actually...I may just have that time now...let me read what you have and see what I can add. 3nodding

Okay I'm dumb, I still don't get why people use them. I mean I know that everyone and their dog does. Is it because they're easier to erase and leave less behind than graphite?

I've heard of them, but never used them. i have used Non-photoblue pencils though, but I found that for my style, and the way I lie to draw they were too much of a hassle. Especially if you ink. It essentially causes you to draw the same thing three times.

something you may want to consider. at cheap stores like conway (cause I'm poor) they sell dvd collections of classic and award-winning animation. they're 99 cents each so those of you looking for something new or something different may want to check them out...or if you simply have a major case of nostalgia.

remember...bargains begin with b's because they're your buddies...now that I've shamelessly advertised conway, I'll be taking my $50 dollars and buying me some hentai.

Hello hello! it's been quite a while but I'm here.

So what to say as advice...well I suppose what I can talk about is lip synching.

lip synching is exactly what it sounds like: synchronizing lip and mouth movement to pre-recorded sounds. now a lot of people think at first it's difficult, but in reality, it's not. the reason for this is that (at least in english) there are really only 12 universal mouth movements, and for a mass majority of the the consonant sounds, mouth movements are the same.

that being said, it's easy to program pre structured mouth sequences in flash and use them in a given situation as opposed to animating a whole face. granted, in animating a whole face, one does need a fair amount of knowledge of bone and muscle structure of the face...but even that can be simplified down. for examples, you can simply look online for mouth charts.

Now, while I was in school, I was fortunate enough to recieve a very well composed mouth chart. however, because it's copyright my professor, I can't show it to you...sorry. but mouth charts are easy to find online and are also good reference points for cartoonists looking to expand their repoitoire of facial expressions.