Expert: Andre Hickman - 11/10/2008

Question
QUESTION: hello'
this is mahua,
i want to specialize in the field in animation
dont have any basic knowledge abt it
but can draw and sketch good
also have good imagination and creative skills
but do not know what course to start with
can u please guide me through which course to go with


ANSWER: Hello Mahua,

I need a bit more info to make sure that I am answering your question properly...

Are you talking about 3D animation or 2D cell animation?
Also I do not know what you mean by "what course to start with."  Are you embarking on going to college? Are you past college? Is it a hobby, and you are looking for ways on how to learn it, outside of a school setting?

If you are trying to learn 2D animation, I would start by doing a google or yahoo search on "tutorial for making cartoon animations in flash" or some similar search. Of course you would need Adobe Flash.

If you are trying to learn 3D, the best entry level program to get an understanding of 3D animation is POSER.  It has models and characters that are already rigged for animation, and can be manipulated, so that you don't have to go through learning the tedious process of modelling and rigging characters up front.  You can start with making things move and creating scenes.  Just google "Poser animation tutorials" and you will find tons of tutorials on it.  

Regardless of 2D or 3D, you need to research "keyframing" because that is used in virtual all types of animation and motion graphics.  Get an understanding of what keyframing is, and how it is used, because you will use it in everything.

Again, give me a little more clarity about what it is you are trying to do (i.e. what field of animation) and what approach to learning that you are trying to take, and I can give you a more direct answer.

Cheers,
Andre

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hello Andre,
i have completed my graduation
and m looking for a carrer in animation
i want to become an animator


Answer
In a college or University, you want to be looking for the course work equivalent of a Bachelor of Arts in Animation.  The course work should include softwares like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Flash, 3DS Max or Maya, and Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere, or Final Cut Pro.  

If you are trying to learn on your own, I would definitely start with Poser.  You can find plenty about it by googling "Poser tutorials" or "buy Poser"

Cheers,
Andre'