51 min. 7 sec. | Released on August 25, 2009 Required Software: n/a
The 'Visual Guide to Animation' is a software independent course that provides a step-by-step approach to building a solid foundation to understanding and learning the basics of computer animation and covers fundamental animation terms and definitions as well as a variety of essential animation tips, tools, and techniques.
Key topics and popular highlights for 'Visual Guide to Animation' include: basics of computer animation, 3D space, transforming 3D objects, time in animation, keyframes, Animation Editors: Dopesheet, Animation Editors: Graph Editor, tangent handles, interpolation types and ghosting, repeating animation using cycling, camera animation and motion paths, rigging, constraints, deformers, bones and skinning, hierarchies and forward kinematics, inverse kinematics, expressions, character animation, morph shapes, non-linear animation, motion capture, and additional information developed for artists learning the fundamentals of animation.
1 min. 48 sec. | Released on February 1, 2011 Required Software: n/a
When shooting characters interacting with one another, it's important to keep a well-defined visual relationship between the characters on screen. In this lesson we will learn about the 180 rule and how it can be used to guide the placement of a camera when filming characters.
2 min. 2 sec. | Released on February 1, 2011 Required Software: n/a
Creating believable animation comes not only from the placement of key frames, but from how those key frames transition to one another. In this lesson we will learn about interpolation and how it can be used to change the way our animation transitions from key frame to key frame.
1 min. 52 sec. | Released on February 1, 2011 Required Software: n/a
Although key poses and timing are extremely important parts of the animation process, creating the poses and motion between those frames is also important. In this lesson we will learn about breakdown and in-between keys and how they can be used to refine our animation.
2 min. 7 sec. | Released on December 1, 2010 Required Software: n/a
In animation, organic motion is rarely linear. In this lesson we will learn about the animation principle of Ease in and Ease out, and how it can be used to cushion our animation.
2 min. 5 sec. | Released on December 1, 2010 Required Software: n/a
Creating art that people enjoy watching can be very rewarding. In this lesson we will learn about the animation principle of Appeal and how it's used to make our projects fun to watch.
1 min. 54 sec. | Released on October 31, 2010 Required Software: n/a
When creating animations, gestures and actions that happen quickly can be difficult to read. In this lesson we will learn about the animation principle of Anticipation and how it is used to clarify our animation.
1 min. 9 sec. | Released on October 31, 2010 Required Software: n/a
Organic motion rarely occurs along straight lines, but rather along curves. In this lesson we will learn about the animation principle called Arcs and how it is used to create more realistic motion.
2 min. 26 sec. | Released on October 31, 2010 Required Software: n/a
When creating an animation, the timing of the poses and actions is critical. In this lesson we will learn about the animation principle of Timing and Spacing.
1 min. 23 sec. | Released on October 31, 2010 Required Software: n/a
When animating flexible objects or characters, it's important to show weight. In this lesson we will learn about the animation principle of Squash and Stretch and how it is used in animation.
1 min. 38 sec. | Released on October 1, 2010 Required Software: n/a
When setting up objects and character for animation, the number of attributes and controls to animate may be difficult to manage. In this lesson we will learn how control curves are used to simplify the process of animation.
2 min. | Released on September 1, 2010 Required Software: n/a
When creating animated characters in 3D, the deformations of the skin are an important consideration. In this lesson we will learn about modifying the weights of a character's mesh in order to get better deformation.
2 min. 27 sec. | Released on June 1, 2010 Required Software:
Setting up complex animations can become unwieldy when working with so many keyframes. In this lesson we will learn about Set-Driven Keys and how they are used to simplify animation controls.
2 min. 15 sec. | Released on June 1, 2010 Required Software:
When creating any animated sequence, it is important to start with a plan. In this lesson we will learn about storyboards and how they serve as a great plan for our animated projects.