Have you ever thought about getting into animation?
If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Since its inception, the world of animation has proven to be the most effective avenue for channeling the power of storytelling through motion, color, and sound. Millions can point to an animated film or video they can vividly remember.
That lies in its ability to breathe life into characters and immerse audiences in worlds beyond imagination. With the help of the right tools and a step-by-step approach, even beginners can make impressive clips and reels. Such are the possibilities it provides.
If you’re eager to take your animation skills to new heights, visual effects or VFX courses could help you. These workshops provide valuable insights into blending animation with live-action footage. You can use it to craft a thrilling action sequence or a meta-literary art film.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know to get started with animation.
Conceptualize Your Idea
This is the foundation of your animated video project. It helps establish your vision before getting to work.
To fully conceptualize an animated video, here are aspects to consider:
- The story: Start by defining the narrative of your animated video. What is the story you intend to convey? How will it unfold? Then, consider your account’s beginning, middle, and end, ensuring it has a clear and engaging structure.
- The characters: Next, focus on the characters that will inhabit your animated video. Who are they? What are their unique personalities and traits? And what will they do for your narrative?
- The setting: Another thing is establishing the setting or environment where your story will take place. The location may be a fantastical world, a bustling city, or even a simple room.
- The theme: Consider the overarching theme or message you want to convey. It may be an emotional journey, a moral lesson, or any other concept you want to explore.
A summary or outline of your concept is a must. It solidifies your ideas, providing a more precise roadmap for the rest of the animation process.
Write A Script
The next step is making a script. It serves as the blueprint for your animation.
A good rule of thumb is to include relevant information, such as dialogue, scene descriptions, and character actions.
For example, suppose you’re creating a short comedy. In that case, a script that outlines each joke and punchline using visual gags will set up how your story goes, ensuring you get the timing right.
Create A Storyboard
The next step is developing a visual representation of your script by sketching each scene on a storyboard. Like a comic strip, it allows you to visualize the flow of your story. You can use it to identify potential issues that affect the cohesiveness of the animation.
For instance, a scene transition needs to be smoother. Or there are specific action sequences that need more emphasis. Polishing your storyboard gives you an understanding of how you can make video content good enough to tell your story.
Design Characters And Assets
The next step is to create character designs and all the assets for your animated video.
Say you’re animating a film noir. Consider designing characters with distinctive silhouettes as codified by the genre. Also, create assets like vintage cars and streetlights to evoke a moody atmosphere. That way, you’ll create a setting that fits the story of your animated video.
Choose An Animation Software
One of the most essential parts of video animation is the software you use. Aligning the tool with your skill level and the project is best. Some computer animation programs are great for 2D animations and vector-based projects. Meanwhile, others are meant for 3D. Knowing this, researching the features of each software beforehand helps you find one that could achieve your vision.
Work On Your Characters And Scenes
Now that everything is set up, it’s time to begin animating your video. For a fluid walk cycle, you may focus on keyframes and timing. Additionally, consider paying attention to details like facial expressions and gestures. Do the same for the scenes you’re building to truly bring out your narrative.
Add Sound And Music
The next step is enhancing your animated video by adding voiceover recordings, sound effects, and background music.
For a suspenseful thriller, you may add tense music and subtle sound effects like creaking floorboards. That way, you can build tension and atmosphere. As for comedic scenes, incorporate upbeat music and fun sound effects. The goal is to match the tone of your animation to ensure everything comes together.
Edit And Polish
After putting the elements together, review your video to see whether it needs a few more tweaks. You may need to retime specific animations or improve color correction. Likewise, re-record audio to ensure the packing and story flow is perfect.
Ready To Start?
With animation, you can transform your creative ideas into captivating stories brought to life. As you continue experimenting with tools and techniques, you’ll unlock new possibilities for realizing your visions.
If you intend to be a professional animator, it’s best to keep exploring and pushing the boundaries of your imagination. Here’s to a good start!