#animation advice

Ok yeah that’s a complex question. I started out by making a flat reference for the character which you can see here

And then I used this to make a reference for the top portion of the character, which looked like this.

You can use this technique to find any angle for anything, here’s an example using the top view of the mask + the side view to find the front view to demonstrate how dumb it looks.

And then I can use that top view and rotate it to find the precise locations of every body part (but keep in mind I did this in perspective so you have to project every flat part into perspective and then account for that distortion).

Honestly my process is kind of a mess but I'll try to explain as best as I can! Usually my main goal is to use as little frames as possible to convey movement as long as it's fluid. Disclaimer: I have not studied animation formally, so my terminology may differ from someone who actually has.

For the the animations with Will Wood music, I'll start with a super rough thing conveying more or less the camera angles and shots:

See, it's similar to the original but not quite!

Let's say, I am happy with the camera movements and composition. Then, using this as a base, I'll start doing the Keys/Breakdowns. Parts of your animation that you find important, like start/finish of a movements or things that you want to accentuate. So it's going to look like this, more or less (I do everything super omega rough, though! I mostly want to convey movement/have an idea of my arcs):

After this, I do start a rough inbetweening. It doesn't need to be very clean, once again. I just want an approximation on how I want my spacing and timing to be.

If you have studied animation, or know about animation charts, here's what the one's i usually use look like:

If you don't know about timing charts, here's a lovely tutorial by Toniko Pantoja.

(I wanted to make a gif showing the timing on the animation moving it but the file is insanely large Red: Keyframes Blue: Breakdowns)

After that, I start a cleaner inbetweening, and honestly, call it a day lmao

I usually work in 24fps, animating in 3s or 4s. Sometimes I use 2s or 1s for a quick movement. Oh! also, watch for the arcs. Those are great for a fluid animation. And references. Get up, record yourself, do the movements or check videos!

I think that's all? I have probably missed something but I do not think you want a more detailed breakdown (the animator's survival kit is a good book)

(Flip-A-Clip is a no.)

I specifically want something with a focus on Frame by frame animation, but could be open to trying rigging if it still has frame by frame as well.

I do not have a computer, so yes I know I’m missing out on the good shit.

I have never really done animation before, but I am going to attempt it with Jon Sims.

Current plan is:

first drawing, just lil baby-- not creepy

second, kid Jon holding the Mr. Spider book with a large spider in the background directing his hands with webs

third, Jon with the scars from Prentiss's attack-- clearly paranoid

fourth, Jon standing clearly with a flash image of all his scars/ injuries by season four appearing

First walk cycle with key framing RAHHHHH SOMETHING IS WRONG