The Animation Bible: A Practical Guide to the Art of Animating, from Flipbooks to Flash

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However, upon stopping, there is some residual movement before a complete standstill. Inertia will act on an object, for example, hair flowing past the character, before joining them at a dead stop. This is usually described as a follow-through. The problem is you didn’t evaluate your concept thoroughly for the animation pitch bible . To do that, you need to go through the following steps to make sure your idea is well worth the try: Gather work you already made and analyze it. If someone has to draw in your style, what should they definitely include? Use these elements to build your art bible. See if you kept your layers if you worked digitally. You can use them as a step-by-step for an easy explanation!

If you are acquainted with the French term mise-en-scene, you’ll already have a good understanding of this principle. It refers to the orchestration of on-screen elements and how the director uses this space to get specific messages across and accent the main action as it takes place. The same consideration can be applied to animation. Character biographies. Who are your core cast? You can add a couple of minor characters but not too many, and keep it brief. What are the character types? Don't forget their strengths, weaknesses, character goals and emotional needs. How do they relate to each other? What do they want? If you like a certain style, you can steal it. I don’t mean just copying it. But you can take certain elements and incorporate them into your own style. This is not wrong, this is what I’ve learned to do in college and it’s what artists do all the time. Just don’t take it too literally! Let’s say you find an artist and you really like how they use their lines (E.g.: the kind of brushes they use). You can ‘’steal’’ their lines by applying their technique to your own original characters! Use your own premade work It is also important to give brief descriptions of each character’s personality and traits such as motivations and flaws. This helps flesh out your characters and gives your client an idea of how the characters will interact with each other and the setting. Take this chance to show how your characters will reflect your animation client’s values. There is a large variety of animation books for different uses such as 3D, 2D, stop motion and much more.Since your amazing idea isn’t tangible, you’ll need something that is. Something that allows the development exec the opportunity to really digest it, and share with their colleagues and boss. A skeleton key that will open the door of acceptance. Remember, this isn’t just for your benefit. You’ll be leaving a copy or two with the development exec.

Movements that are affected by gravity follow an arcing path, as dictated by the laws of physics. As this applies to a great many movements, this principle should be kept in mind when animating. The concept of using an existing story in another form is called transmedia storytelling, and we have a complete guide about just that. A written proposal is the first essential element in creating a pitch. It should outline the concept and the style of animation and contain information about the potential audience, format, and length of the proposed show and any funding attached. The proposal is sent to various potential buyers, with the producer being invited to give a live pitch of the project.

Jan 2018 Character Reel

The characters section of the animation pitch bible lists down all of the characters that will make an appearance in the animation project. Make sure to list down all of the main characters, as well as minor and supporting characters. If you’re making a personal art bible make sure there’s room for updates as personal style often evolves Let’s envisage our animated protagonist at a public swimming pool about to jump off the high-dive, having never done it before. Chances are, he is going to be feeling nervous and needs to prepare first emotionally. We often don’t consider just how much all of these anticipatory considerations contribute a distinct richness to the animated world. Optional elements are an excellent way for you to provide more depth and flavor to the animation pitch. These optional elements can come in the form of character model sheets, concept art for props and clothing, additional concept art for the setting, and the like. Aside from being able to further showcase the uniqueness of the project, it is a great chance to set the tone, genre, and personality of the animation project. Set up – Describe what makes your world special and unique, yet recognizable. Are there certain rules or laws that are a major force within your world? (Like the Force in Star Wars.) A good simile goes a long way.

It means that your characters automatically become much more than generic automatons populating the scene: they know things and feel things like sentient beings, avoiding situations that could cause pain and gravitating towards that which delights them. Basic format. What is it? a sitcom, a drama? How does the series end? How does the next series begin? What is your target audience? Who might buy it? Here I painted a close up of a tree branch. Note how the branch consists of curves and angles; adding interest to a simple branch. By adding in helpful notes things will be a lot clearer to the viewer.

Fall 2023 Anim Reel

Richard Williams is an academy award-winning director responsible for hits such as “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, “The Pink Panther” and more. He got his training from animation greats like Milt Kahl and other old-time Disney animators.