Teach Yourself Animation at Home for Free | Self Teach Animation Curriculum + Resources

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide to learning animation at home for free, emphasizing the importance of dedication and determination. It outlines a structured curriculum, including foundational skills like gesture drawing and color theory, and progresses to animation principles and character animation. The speaker, an experienced animator, shares insights on using free software, practicing with simple objects, and understanding body mechanics and acting. The script also suggests resources like books and online tutorials, and encourages seeking feedback from animation communities.

Takeaways

• 🎓 **Self-Learning Path**: You can learn animation for free with dedication, using online resources and a structured approach.
• 👨‍🎓 **Educational Background**: The speaker's college experience and over a decade of industry experience shape their advice on what to learn.
• 💪 **Dedication Essential**: Consistent practice and a strong work ethic are crucial for anyone aspiring to be a professional animator.
• 🎨 **Basic Art Skills**: Strengthening foundational art skills like gesture drawing, color theory, and perspective is recommended before diving into animation.
• 📚 **Recommended Reading**: Books like 'The Animator's Survival Kit' and 'The Illusion of Life' are invaluable resources for understanding animation principles.
• 🔥 **12 Principles of Animation**: Mastery of the 12 principles is fundamental, and practicing them with simple objects like balls and bricks is advised.
• 🤔 **Concept Understanding**: Concepts like weight, timing, and shot clarity are critical for creating believable and engaging animations.
• 🆓 **Free Software Tools**: Utilize free software like OpenToonz for 2D and Blender for 3D animation to practice and develop skills without high costs.
• 👥 **Social Media for Feedback**: Leverage social media platforms and online communities for feedback and to learn from other animators.
• 🚀 **Progression to Advanced Topics**: Start with simple exercises and gradually progress to complex topics like body mechanics, acting, and character interaction.

Q & A

What does the speaker suggest is essential for learning animation, regardless of the learning method?

The speaker emphasizes that dedication and determination are essential for learning animation, whether through self-study or an accredited course.

What is the purpose of the video mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the video is to provide a structured guideline on the curriculum one should follow to become a professional animator for free at home.

What is the first skill the speaker recommends practicing to build a foundation in animation?

The first skill recommended is gesture drawing, which helps in understanding how bodies work, realistic poses, body mechanics, weight balance, line of action, perspective, and 3D volume.

What online resource does the speaker suggest for practicing gesture drawing?

The speaker suggests using lineofaction.com for practicing gesture drawing, as it offers various models and session options.

What are some of the foundational art concepts the speaker recommends learning for animation?

The foundational art concepts include color theory, line and form, perspective, and shape language, which are essential for creating appealing and convincing animations.

Which book is considered a 'Bible' for animators according to the speaker?

The book considered a 'Bible' for animators is 'The Animator's Survival Kit' by Richard Williams.

What are the 12 principles of animation that the speaker advises learning?

The speaker advises learning the 12 principles of animation, which are fundamental to creating appealing and dynamic animations.

What is the importance of shot clarity in animation according to the script?

Shot clarity is important in animation as it ensures readability in the scene, allowing viewers to understand what is happening and making the animation more engaging.

What software does the speaker recommend for learning 2D and 3D animation without spending money?

For 2D animation, the speaker recommends OpenToonz, and for 3D animation, Blender is suggested as free software options.

What is the process the speaker outlines for planning and animating a scene?

The process outlined includes thumbnailing, storyboarding, animatic creation, shooting reference video, key posing, blocking, splining, and polishing the animation.

How does the speaker suggest using social media to aid in the learning process?

The speaker suggests using social media platforms like Discord channels, animation subreddits, and Facebook groups to post work and receive feedback from professionals and peers.