Top 5 Tips for Animation Beginners
Animation became popular with Disney but today, this art is used for more than just making movies. The animation is a great alternative to live action in corporate videos too. They help convey an informative message in a simple, engaging way. Whether you are a marketer, government organization, banker or technical specialist, animation works to drive home a product launch, service or educational information in a creative, impactful way. In just a few clicks, you can make the animation appear like a big-budget production.
One reason why animation is easier is that it doesn’t require lugging around bulky equipment as regular videos do. Live action videos require multiple cameras, lights, tripods, audio gear and hours of post-production work to fit into the timeline. Even heavy topics appear fun and personable in an animated video, amplified by fun, vibrant background music. All it takes is the vision to conceive the story and the skill to execute it. Here are five tips for animation beginners:
Keep it Simple
Animation may look deceptively easy but bringing cartoon characters to life in a cohesive plot takes work. Technology is a great assistant but creativity is what is most required to start with. Work on developing the basic skills to build the foundation before you get into the details. Outline the framework and simple movements first and then work in the complex details. For instance, draw a simple smiling face and then think of the details such as a smirk or a giggle.
Image References
Unable to visualize in your mind? Just browse through the internet for images or videos for a better idea. Capture photos of others in real life, then use those to create the animation. If you sketch well, sit in a park and observe people around you closely. Make rough sketches on a notepad and animate off that. Pay close attention to facial expressions, emotions, and intentions. The more information you store in your mind, the more it becomes a mental library to draw concrete ideas from.
Key Frames and Details
The animation is about capturing a series of emotions and poses that are combined to create a movement that tells a story. Ideate the keyframes that capture the first and last movements in an action and then fill in the movements that take you from the first frame to the last. Once you have the basics, illustrate little details that build the story. If your animated character is leaping off a cliff, does he fall into the deep sea below or sprouts wings to fly? The trick to a memorable video is the exaggerated details that make them exciting, fun and memorable.
Out-of-the-Box Ideas
The fun about animation is that there are no rigid rules. Your human can fly; your bird can walk; a stone can talk, and a turtle can run as fast as a hare. Break the rules when you ideate. Don’t be afraid to think beyond the usual but make sure the length of the film doesn’t run too long.
Timing
Animation has a flow to it. Whether you doodle or create a Disney-like effect, it is important to keep it cohesive and smooth-flowing from start to finish. Any video that runs too long can disinterest your audience. Try not to get too carried away when you create a series of scenes. It all lies in creating a balance. Measure out the number of frames required to move a character from one point to the other. As a beginner, there is a tendency to make animations too fast or drag on for too long. The more you practice, the more you will excel in the art.
NYB Media: Animation Video Production Services in Toronto
In an animated corporate video, the first ten seconds are the most decisive to grip your audience and keep them hooked right until the end. For best results on SEO, you can’t have your viewer back-click. Give the experts at NYB a call when your ideas need a push and a superior, professional finish. We are happy to bring them to life to maximize impact.