The World of 2D

So, a lot of people think that the world of 2D animation is dead, but I would have to disagree. I personally still love to watch those wonderful Saturday morning cartoons. Granted, some of them are not all that great, but the really good ones are rich with character, story and kinematics. This semester I have broken into the realm of 2D animation on my own, and I have learned a great deal about animation in general. I am currently working on an animation that combines after effects animation and flash drawings, but unfortunately I think this one will be filed under learning experiences and hopefully never shown again.

Anyway, here are some of the conclusions that I have discovered throughout my research into the realm of 2D. LEARN HOW TO DRAW!!! This is what it boils down to, and unfortunately I finally discovered it in my Senior year right when I'm about to graduate (ironic... I know). While reading the Illusion of Life (a must have for animators) and searching online I realized that this is what made the animators at Disney so successful. These guys would come into work after hours to have drawings sessions. One name in particular comes into mind and I think he is living proof of a successful animator. His name is Glen Keane and he animated the Beast on Disney's Beauty and the Beast. This guy can definitely draw, and I highly suggest looking up some of his videos on youtube. In one of these videos he mentions Burne Hogarth who has many fantastic books on drawing (highly recommended). Even one of my friends who currently works at Dreamworks says that the guys there really know how to draw and there sketches simply blow him away. I think that this is such an important skill that is overlooked in animation these days. What it boils down to is this: If you can draw good figures, pose, gesture, expressions.... then you can animate it (both 2D and 3D). I feel that by learning how to draw it well, I can then visualize it better even while working in 3D animation.

So after all of that, I say to you successful animation = good drawing skills.
Here are a few videos I found online that I think show some really good 2D animation.






This is what I have found out, so good luck to all who read this and happy animating!

Coolest Construction Post

My dear friend Paul Jarvis is reconstructing his site and for now he has this posted with on of his characters on it. Personally it cracks me up. Check it out here.

Soccer Juggling

I did this short little animation test the other night just for the fun of it. It actually only took about and hour and a half, but I like how it turned out. I might go back and rework it (time permitting), but for not I'd like to so do what you like and happy animating!!!