Wolfie

my advice: have fun and play–play is learning | always be watching real life to see how things move | also be watching cool animations to learn from them | it’s hard but so worth it when things turn out well, good luck!

Tuesday Tips — “It’s An Eyebrow Thing” — A recurring note a story artist may get in the production of an animated feature is to tone down the angry eyes. We all try to draw fast and loose but, in the middle of it all, nuance may escape us for a brief moment. Arched eyebrows and a furrowed brow usually tend to read “angry”, even if we’re trying to express focus or determination. I would even say that, overall, it’s easy to overdo an expression. I’m not saying a pushed expression isn’t exactly what’s needed at the right moment. I’m just saying that the audience literally looks for the character’s expression first when looking at a sketch or panel. Keep that in mind and lure you audience in with slightly more nuanced expressions, until the right extreme expression calls for it. -Norm @grizandnorm #tuesdaytips #100tuesdaytipsbook #arttutorial #arttips #itsaneyebrowthing

Proud Hufflepuff sketch ;)

As an animator, you should focus on drawing. An animator’s job is to create the performance of the character. Sketching from life to study and observe human behaviors and interactions will give you skills that will help you to create believable, relatable performances. Even for CG animators this is helpful as it helps you learn observation skills that will inform your animation. The medium isn’t as important as the drawing, but I always recommend sketching in black pen (not ball point!) so you aren’t tempted to get caught up in unnecessary details. Focus should be on the loose gesture, getting an impression of the character, the scene, the moment. If you are one of those rare creatures who animates on paper, just find a pencil you are comfortable with and start drawing.

You are right on in focusing on figure drawing and drawing from life. Focus on short poses in live figure drawing (from a model) so you can learn to capture the essence of the pose (the gesture) and not get caught up in extraneous details. In your sketchbook draw from life using black (not ballpoint!) ink, for the same reasons. Focus on the gesture. That means the essence of the character or pose. Look for the line of action in the pose. Draw quickly. Don’t spend more that 3-5 minutes on a pose, less in your sketchbook drawings. Learn to capture a moment quickly and clearly. For animators that is the best material for a portfolio.