Software question

[issy]

I am a complete beginner to animation and would like to know what software to buy to start with and where to get it.

I would like to try 2D to start with. I've tried a program on a short course, but can't remember what it was.

I've looked in computer shops but the packages are very basic and I can't find a solely animation magazine.

I have a digital camera, scanner and windows xp, books and an idea which I think is almost everything you need to start. Any tips would be appreciated too.

Thanks

Izzy

[MonkeyGirl]

issy,
I think that maybe your best bet would be to start with toon boom. It's not crazy-expensive, and its easy to use. It lets you mostly ignore the program and focus on the animation, which is what animators want to do anyway. I think that it's a great tool that lets you begin working and viewing your animations quickly.

[phacker]

You can't go wrong with Flash, but go to ebay and look for version 5 or MX I don't think you want to start out with MX2004. It's overkill unless you are a developer.

[Chason]

some places that sell flash mx and things offer discounts for students or if you know a teacher if you pay them they can get you a good discount too

[pwassink]

dont buy flash... it is NOT animation software

that people do animate with it, is the result of a tragic turn of events
that has absolutely nothing to do with the actual strengths of the program.

flash is mostly a web designer tool
so... unless you want your animations only to be played online, don't use flash

if you want to do 2D animation directly into the computer use a programme that was designed for it like:
-Toonz : http://www.toonz.com/
-Toonboom http://www.toonboom.com/main/
-Mirage: http://www.bauhaussoftware.com/index.php

[grega]

If your starting, get flash, it's fast and efficient and IS animation software - ie it's software and you can animate with it. I use flash and I've had stuff on TV and shown at festivals

[rupertpiston]

I've used the heck out of Toon Boom and have enjoyed it and the results I've gotten from it. I also think Digicel Flipbook is pretty awesome, but you'd likely have to get Magpie to go with it if you intend to do any lip synch.

[JohnnyLethargic]

quicktime. its $30.00. buy a 3 hole punch, make a light box from wood and 1/4" plexi which has been sanded and some lamp hardware, tape a pegbar to it, buy reams of paper and go! shoot it right off the pegbar with a digital camera and squish the frames in quicktime. It's cheap, effective, and will let you know how much you like 2D without blowing a bunch of money and without dealing with a severe software learning curve.

[rupertpiston]

See, I dropped some cash on a lightbox from Lightfoot, Ltd, spent a bunch more on software, and arranged a room at my house around it. I hafta like it! I have to get 4-5 years of enjoyment out of it or my wife will never let me hear the end of it!!