Yet again, I am here

[Phlexxon]

You know, I've got all the things I need to get started with animating, but taking the next step is hard. Is there any advice out there to help me out?

I also have a bit of trouble drawing backgrounds, as I tend to focus more on the characters as opposed to the bg's. Is there anyone that has any advice on that?

I know I may sound like a small child tugging a pajama, but I'm curious as to what people have to say about these things--after all, I am prepared and willing to learn.

Thank you,


Phlexx.

[rupertpiston]

The trick is to just get started, but with a plan. I spent a few weeks this summer procrastinating on a scene I wanted to do, and one day I just got going, doing it the way I'd done the last scene I completed:

Assuming a storyboard and script are already in place:

First, I record the audio and get the timing in it the way I want it. If possible, I section the audio track into separate files for each shot.

Second, I do the timing for each shot, using the audio as my guide. Do this using a bar sheet, a rough timing guide used before you do an x-sheet. Email me if you want a file of the one I made for my work. Basically it marks out the beginnings and ends of important actions, places the dialogue and other sound elements in time. A good digital tool for this is Magpie.

Third, I do a layout for each shot.

Finally, I work out an x-sheet for each shot that has more detailed timing on it.

With that done, I start animating the characters.

With regard to backgrounds, I found myself in the same boat as you. Work out your BG however you can. You can even use 3d programs (check out Blender3D, a freeware program available on the web) to create backgrounds using more cartoony appearances.

I've started to use watercolor for my backgrounds. I'm not so hot at it, but so far I like the results. Truly, a background can be worked out in detail later, provided you have a sketch to work from that matches the placement of things in your shot.

And truly, I'm not that far ahead of you here, I'm just sharing what has worked for me so far. My final work ends up in Toon Boom Studio (not my first choice), which also does my lip synch for me.

Hope that helps...