Choosing a good way to start...

[jnatalie]

Hello, first post...lots of great info.

I've done a number of searches on 2d animation software and poured over the suggestions made by you all to others like me just getting started. I am a pro-videographer and looking to produce a children's animation to compliment videos I've done. Here's what I've come up with.

I'd like to be able to do traditional animation. I own Macromedia Flash MX and am proficient with it (not proficient with action scripting). I own a wacom tablet and have decent/improving drawing ability (I used to be a lot better than I am now, of course, I used to draw all the time then).

In any case, I'd like to be able to do traditional cartoons with backdrops and cartoons with alpha (.movs) for cartooning over video.

I have found that Toon Boom Studio and the Tab may fit the bill and play well with Flash... Does anyone have a different experience?

I'd like to try to get it right from the beginning. I'd either purchase TBSexpress or The Tablite...to get my feet wet. I have downloaded Moho and don't really like the interface.

Any help in making a good decision is greatly appreciated...

Jeff

[ScatteredLogical]

Is alpha video supported in any of those yet? I thought that was a relatively new/up-and-coming thing...

[Animated Ape]

I don't understand Jeff, if you own and are proficient with Flash, why don't you just use Flash?

Aloha,
the Ape

[Rolf_DeWolf]

Just now I'm finishing off a project in ToonBoom, and I must say, if you really want traditional animation, ToonBoom certainly fits the bill. I think even better than Flash.

I have worked both with Flash and ToonBoom extensively and ToonBoom is my software now!

[ScatteredLogical]

Biggest differences being? I'm curious, especially with Maelstrom on the horizon...

[omnigon]

I like Toonboom. I has a work enviornment much more friendly to traditional animators than flash. I has a rotatable light table, it has a verticle x-sheet and it even has a true multi-plane camera system. Add that to the fact that you can edit colors for entire exposure sets with one change rather than having to go through and edit every piece of art.

I've found myself using both pieces of software together but if I had to choose 1 it would be toonboom. Neither flash nor toonboom have the greatest art tools, I always hate how flashes lines break when they intersect. I'm rambling it's too early in the morning but Toonboom is just a great tool and you can export layers of animation to be used in software like Aftereffects if you're going for that look.

[Animated Ape]

Monkey Jam is a free traditional animation program that the Founders of Animation Mentor recogmend. I haven't tried it out yet, but it could be worth a look. And it's free! It also does stop motion if you have a webcam. http://www.giantscreamingrobotmonkeys.com/monkeyjam/download.html

Aloha,
the Ape

[bluehickey]

Now, I have never used ToonBoom before, so I am not really that qualified when it comes to telling which is better, flash or Toonboom. But flash just makes sense to use simply because it is accepted and esteemed while ToonBoom really is not considered a heavy weight. I've not seen one job posting ever for a "ToonBoom Animator", it's always: "Flash Animator".

It seems as if Flash is accepted, while Toonboom is more of a hobbyist program, that is not taken seriously.

Just a thought.

[tOOn&tOOn]

Does toonboom supports shape tween or some kinda morphing ? Is there any easy, better camera movement in flash ? Is it possible to use both together? In that case which would be better for final output nut? .... draining questions .

[damncreative]

Guys wat about using ANIMO

[skinnylizard]

ive faced these questions a bit in the past few weeks. my answer would be

the best alternative is US Animation but at $15k a copy i wouldnt recommend it.
Flash + ToonBoom works great. Flash has a lot of advantages as does ToonBoom but the cameramovements in TB are much better as is the scene planning aspect.
they work well in tandem.

[phacker]

Neither flash nor toonboom have the greatest art tools, I always hate how flashes lines break when they intersect.

I never understand why folks have a problem with Flash's art tools. I use flash for vector design over CorelDraw and Illustrator all the time, then convert my work to those formats for printers. I just can work faster in Flash than the two big time vector drawing programs. Maybe because I took the time to learn the tools in it.

This is an orchid I did totally in Flash.

http://www.tco.net/~phacker/orchid.png
And a character study:
http://www.tco.net/~phacker/buzz3.png
And a line study:
http://www.tco.net/~phacker/girl4.png
T Shirt design:
http://www.tco.net/~phacker/dc/cowgirl.png

[Samuel Sathler]

Could you tell me how to use Monkey Jam? I got it but I don't know how to use.

[e17jo1]

One question out of curiosity, how is the planning to draw such a picture? Is it basically drawing it, scanning it, edit on flash? Or do you use flash alone to draw everything.

I ask this because it just seems like it would take a long time, using the detail on the orchid as an example.

I have Flash MX as well but i'm just beginning to learn how to use it.

[phacker]

I have arthritis in my hands, so I do everything with the mouse, it's just easier for me. I can't hold a pen or pencil for very long.

[bluehickey]

Great samples Phacker! Reminds me of the other logos and work you've posted in the past. You are REALLY good at illustrations and colors!