Expert: Andre Hickman - 2/21/2008

Question
QUESTION: sir i am interested in animation. But i don't have  enough knowledge in animation.i request you to give some tips about animation and also if possible send me some trail animation packs

ANSWER: Hello,

The first place that I would send you for character animation would be JeffLew.com  He was lead animator on one of the matrix scenes, and is a wealth of knowledge for character animation.  Study some of his work, especially "Killer Bean".  Also he has a DVD out, that teaches animation technique for any platform.

As far as general animation tips, you would first have to identify what software that you intend to learn.  I am very fluent using 3DS Max, for 3D animation, and Adobe CS3 for effects, etc...the questions that you are asking are much too vague, kind of like asking me to meet you on the continent of Africa...you need to pinpoint some questions to ask about the subject. Then I can help you much better.  

Until then, do some web searches on Maya 3D, Poser, 3DS Max, Blender 3D (free software), and put the word tutorials in the search, and you will find tons of beginner to expert tutorials that will help you see what the processes are to learning animation.

Cheers,
Andre'

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

QUESTION: thank you sir,for your valuable reply.iam very grateful to you.sir you showed me a right way.i want many legal advice about animation from you.is this essential to know a flash for animation.?

Answer
Adobe Flash is more of a 'cell' drawing animation software, and is used for much of the animated content that you see on the internet in banners, advertisements, etc.  It is not essential to learning 3D animation, however many courses use it as an introduction to animation in general, because you will learn key-framing, and timing animation.  But it is really not related directly to 3D animation and development.

If it is part of a curriculum, definitely follow the path that has been set before you, because it is there for a reason.  But that path should not stop you from exploring other things.

Cheers,
Andre'