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how do beginner animators start?

just the basics

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Gina’s Answer

For beginner animators, starting can be an exciting journey. Here are some steps to help you get started with the basics of animation:

1. Understand the principles of animation: Familiarize yourself with the fundamental principles of animation, such as squash and stretch, timing, anticipation, and follow-through. These principles form the building blocks of creating believable and engaging animations.

2. Choose your animation software: Select an animation software that suits your needs and budget. Some popular options for beginners include Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, and Blender (which is free and open-source). Explore tutorials and resources specific to your chosen software to learn the basics.

3. Learn the software interface: Familiarize yourself with the software's interface, tools, and features. Start with simple exercises to understand how to create and manipulate objects, use keyframes, and control the timeline.

4. Start with basic exercises: Begin with simple exercises to practice the core principles of animation. For example, try animating a bouncing ball, a pendulum swing, or a character walking. These exercises will help you understand movement, timing, and weight.

5. Study reference material: Observe and study real-life movements and reference videos to understand how objects and characters move. Pay attention to details like body mechanics, facial expressions, and gestures. This will help you create more realistic and believable animations.

6. Join online communities and forums: Engage with online communities and forums dedicated to animation. Share your work, seek feedback, and learn from experienced animators. Platforms like Reddit, CGSociety, or Animation Mentor's community can provide valuable insights and support.

7. Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your animation skills. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to work on animation exercises or personal projects. The more you practice, the more you'll refine your techniques and develop your own style.

8. Learn from tutorials and resources: Take advantage of online tutorials, courses, and resources to expand your knowledge and skills. Websites like YouTube, Lynda.com, or Animation Mentor offer a wide range of tutorials and courses for animators at various skill levels.

9. Build a portfolio: As you gain experience and create animations, start building a portfolio to showcase your work. Include your best animations and demonstrate your range of skills and styles. A strong portfolio will be essential when seeking opportunities or applying for animation-related positions.

Remember, learning animation takes time and patience. Be open to experimentation, seek feedback, and embrace the learning process. As you progress, consider exploring more advanced techniques, collaborating with other animators, and seeking mentorship to further develop your skills.
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Kim’s Answer

If you're a beginner animator, a great way to start is by learning the basics of animation principles. These principles include things like timing, spacing, and squash and stretch. You can find online tutorials, books, and even YouTube channels that offer step-by-step guidance on getting started with animation. It's also helpful to practice drawing and sketching to develop your artistic skills. And don't forget to have fun and experiment with different styles and techniques!
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Jen’s Answer

Absolutely, you should dive into learning the fundamentals of animation. There are numerous software platforms that offer tutorials, which can provide you with a solid understanding of the initial steps. Depending on the type of animation you aspire to create, I would suggest the following software:

- Spline is a browser-based software that is mostly free and user-friendly. It's a great tool for text and object animations.
- Procreate Dreams, while not free, is available on iPad. This software offers an exciting journey into creating looping animations or gifs.

These are the software options I would highly recommend for beginners. They are not only effective but also easy to understand and use.
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Sarah’s Answer

Hi!
A great way to get started in animation is to draw as much as it fits in your schedule. This can be electronically, traditionally, it doesn't matter.
Next try to have a page dedicated to a certain feature. For example, if you want to animate humans, dedicate a page to human noses. If you're wanting to animate animals, dedicate a page to wings or even feathers.
Try experimenting with different angles, proportion, and shading!
My last advice, is when you get a drawing tablet, download a program/software to use, and look up a tutorial. Even if you might already be using a software or program, a tutorial on how to use it can work wonders! You can typically find a tutorial on YouTube.
Wish you well!
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Rafael’s Answer

Hi MIchael! Begin by learning the fundamentals of animation, such as timing and spacing. Choose an animation software that suits your needs and budget, and practice with simple exercises like bouncing balls or character movements. Study and analyze animations from various sources to understand different techniques. Join online communities and forums to connect with other animators and seek feedback. I recommend to build a portfolio of your best work and collaborate with others. Remember, practice and dedication are key to progressing on your animation journey!
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Sandra’s Answer

Make art and learn from the masters. Enter shows which gives you feedback. Think process all the time and make change through your process allways.
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