If you’re just getting started in the world of animation, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. There’s a lot to learn, and it can be tough to know where to start. There are lots of tools and technologies that can help you whether you choose this to be your career or your hobby.
Of course, animation isn’t a one-step journey. There are lots of things you’ll need to mind and consider if you want to be one of the greats one day. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up some of the best tips and tricks from the experts to help you get started on your journey to becoming an animator.
1. Start with the basics.
Before you start creating your first animation, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the basics. Make sure you know how to use the software you’re working with and understand the principles of animation. Once you’ve got a handle on the basics, you can start experimenting with more advanced techniques.
One of the simplest ways to start animating is by drawing. The foundation of any good animator is his drawing skills. Start by regularly practicing with a piece of pen and paper. As you progress, start working with drawing tablets and software.
2. Keep it simple.
When you’re first starting out, it’s tempting to try and create complex animations. But, it’s important to remember that less is often more when it comes to animation. Start with simple techniques and build up from there. You’ll be surprised at how much you can achieve with just a few basic elements.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is going for complex animation techniques from the get-go. Stay patient. The key here is to master the foundations of the practice before anything else. No great animator became great as is. They worked towards that goal through practice.
3. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
One of the best things about animation is that there are no rules. You can experiment with different techniques and styles to find what works best for you. So, don’t be afraid to try something new. You never know what you might discover.
Once you start mastering the basics, you should start to experiment with various techniques as well. This will allow you to explore the type of animation style that suits you best.
4. Practice, practice, practice.
Like with anything, the more you practice, the better you’ll become at animation. So, don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. Just keep at it and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.
Lucky for you, there are lots of sources that can help you get better. Take online courses, read e-books, follow videos. The ways to learn online is nearly endless.
5. Get feedback.
Getting feedback from others is a great way to improve your skills. Show your animations to friends, family, and other animators to get their thoughts and suggestions. With their help, you’ll be able to take your animations to the next level.
Don’t focus on getting feedback from your friends and family. Take the extra step by letting strangers critique your work too. For starters, you can create a Facebook page of your work and let people see how your progress through practice. This will let you see what areas you lack when it comes to animation.
Animation is a complex art form, but it’s also a lot of fun. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled animator. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today and see where your creativity takes you!
