Where to Start?

Whenever we want to know about some new course, we run search on internet and get thousands of results. Similarly, when we search for Animation, we will come across hundreds of institutes worldwide, which are teaching Animation softwares. But, merely learning softwares is not learning Animation. Animation is very wide term. The software is part or more correctly, last part of Animation.

Becoming Animator is not simple one shot process. According to book “Disney Animation: Illusion of Life” a person needs 2 years to learn Basics, Principles and Techniques of Animation and next 5 to 6 years to master.

We were struggling to get the answers for the same questions. This question becomes more severe if one is trying to be an Auto-Start Animator (Learning on his own).

After reading many Animation magazines, websites and from experience of people, we have developed our own way to get to World of Animation.

Every construction needs 3 things

1. Solid Foundation which can sustain any changes in upper structure.
2. Strong Supports.
3. Best Aesthetics.

For becoming an Animator, the foundation is needed to be extremely rigid. Animator must be best in Basic Principles of Animation. An Animator is The Best Actor, Best Storyteller and Precise Motion Analyzer.

Second part comes, Supports. Drawing is a language of Animator. Any concept in your mind needs pencil and paper to reach to your team members. Animator must not be rigid at drawing .

At time of Toy Story-I, PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS allotted some people who were hardly or just familiar with computers.

Then comes third building component. Aesthetic is the part which can be actually seen. For Animator, Aesthetic is 2D or 3D. Its just media of expressing your skills. Animator must have basic knowledge of 2D and 3D Animation Process. This will help him selecting his media. For example choosing software like Flash leads one to 2D Animation same way Zbrush will lead to 3D.

So, for us this would be the way…

1. Foundation.
2. Drawing.
3. 2D and 3D.
4. Software.

Steps To be an Animataor

Here are some Best References we have:

1.   Foundation:-

Disney Animation: Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston.

Animators Survival Kit by Richard Williams

Animation: Mechanics of Motion by Chris Webster

Animation Writing and Development by Jean Ann Wright

The Animator’s Workbook by Tony White

2.     Drawing:-

Cartoon Cool How to Draw New Retro-Style Characters by Cristopher Hart

Cartoon Animation by Preston Blair

How to Draw Anime for Beginner by Le Trung

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