Hello, everybody.
So yes, I am starting yet another thread on being a noob in animation (I guess, It's a sort of prerequisite for all the newbies out there) because I am very confused on the subject and I read that this is great place to ask about it:).
A lot of information can be found on the net, I know, but there are so many different opinions regarding the best tools, the best ways, the best conditions etc. that it's getting really confusing for me, who is just starting all of this. Some people suggest to start from Flash or Maya, others advise to first read some books on the animation in general; there are those who claim that drawing lessons is a way and there are others who firmly believe that drawing is just an additional asset, not at all a necessity... So many different views!
I have actually started to draw with a goal of achieving something just very recently (not to say that I was not interested before but...) so I think I have to practice first and advance with my drawing skills before even dabbing into animation... but how should I know when I am ready to start animating? Artists are learning fundamentals all their lives but it does not prevent them from drawing what they want to... So, when is the right time?
Another question I have is how to start... I suppose, I should buy a tablet of some sorts and try to get to know some program. The Animator's Survival Kit which I am currently reading provides some interesting exercises but I cannot decide what medium would be more suitable to try them (so many choices). It's a bit overwhelming, to be honest.
I know my questions are very basic and it looks like I want to have everything handed to me on the plate... (I suppose I do want that in a way...) But as I am doing this on my own (there's not much of where to go where I currently live anyway and I am too old for another university) I thought It would be best to get some guidance from real professionals first.
I will be drawing and trying to animate at some point of time, regardless of anything, but if you could just give me some thoughts at least on where in particular You have started, I would be very very grateful.
If you want some advice as to a magic solution or something like " you stick your left foot in a bucket of warm salted water ( and three limes) and face west"..........nope, there isn't anything like that.
Pick a direction and go.
Do something.
Make mistakes ( you will). Have some successes ( you can).
Use what is at hand and build off with that. Add what you need when you need it.
Trust your own judgment that you can learn and grow from whatever steps you take.
"We all grow older, we do not have to grow up"--Archie Goodwin ( 1937-1998)
Not being a pro, myself, the best time to start is now. The best media to use should be whatever you fill most comfortable using. It could be paper and pencile or a highend software package. Chose the one you know you will keep going back to. Paper and pencile should be easyier but it will start costing you money.
The software program will have a learning curve to them so you will be learning animation while learning how to use a new program. The software could save you money in the long run and experimation is a lot easier.
If you have some place where you post your work, let us know.
Thank you both for answering! Although I didn't think of being handed one magic solution, I did expect to hear "this software program is too difficult for beginner, while this one is good for start" that kind of talk. :D (As a side note, many people say that animation studies are not necessary in order to animate but I guess it at least gives some guidance of where to start, haha.) But perhaps it will be better to just search what kind of programs are mostly used in the industry and start from there. I just need to stop jumping from one thing to another to another to yet another. Thanks again!
P.S. Where do you post your work, wontobe (if you do, that is)?
Just and FYI, Maya has a free student edition availible for there software. Great asset to learn with and Maya is used a lot in the industry. As for when you should start animating; right now. For 3D animation there are pelnty of rigs you can get for free online that will help you learn the art of motin. Start with a bouncy ball and work our way up to more complex rigs. For 2D; im a terrible artist, but even I do 2D work. You can practice 2D aniamtion with stick figures if need be! You dont need a tablet yet, I still use my mouse! WIll be getting one soon though, will make my work easier.