Animation projects

Types of animation projects

Animation projects can be fully 2D, 3D, or a combination of the two.

1. Short film
2. Explainer animation (Vox makes a lot of fun infographic style videos)
3. Motion graphics (bumper animations, commercials, titles, user interface elements in 3D environments)
4. Experimental: Examples on vimeo.com
5. Scientific or data-driven simulations and visualizations
6. VJ loops for live performances
7. Projection mapping
8. Web-based animation (HTML/CSS/Javascript)

Note about animated short films: Short films can often be one of the most compelling means of storytelling. They can sometimes be completed by one person over the course of multiple years, or by a skilled team in a few short months. It is unusual for a short film to be quickly created by only one person, as there are many production requirements that take time to produce. If you would like to create a short film, consider assembling a team with complimentary skills, or choose an animation process and style that can be rapidly produced if you are working solo. You can outsource pre- or post-production tasks and focus on your core production interest.

Production requirements

The following are common production requirements for most types of animations, and may include more or fewer depending on the project. They can also occur in different orders, but in general, if these steps are followed, you are more likely to produce a successful animation.

After creating a script and storyboard, you will have to choose one or more software tools to create your video and audio elements. If you're unsure which of the following software to use, ask your instructor!

1. Concept art
   • Concept art playlist on Youtube
2. Storyboarding
   • Storyboarder App
   • Storyboarding for film and animation
3. Script
   • Scrivener
   • Final Draft
4. Mood boards
   • Creating mood boards
   • InVision (collaborative inspiration board tool)
5. Animatics
   • Animatic Foundations: Storyboarding (LinkedIn Learning)
   • Example of animatic (animated storyboard) from Into the Spiderverse
6. Sound recording
   • Sound foley
   • Recording narration and actor dialogue
   • FreeSound — Library of Creative commons sound effects
   • Free Music Archive — Library of creative commons music
7. Testing renders, lighting, animation, and simulation as needed

8. Animation production

   • Traditional animation
     • LinkedIn learning path
     • Tools: ToonBoom, Blender grease pencil
   • 3D animation and simulation
     • Animation pipeline (LinkedIn Learning)
     • Blender, Autodesk Maya, Houdini
     • 3D Realtime film
   • Motion design
     • LinkedIn Learning path
     • Tools: AfterEffects, Cinema 4D
       • AfterEffects CC 2019 Essential Training: The Basics (LinkedIn Learning)
       • AfterEffects Character Animation (LinkedIn Learning)

9. Scoring

   • GarageBand — Simple MIDI instruments and editing.
   • Premiere Pro — Edit audio right in your video editor or export entire projects to Audition...
   • Adobe Audition (LinkedIn Essential Training) — Dedicated audio editor, record and mix, easily interface with Premiere (no MIDI instruments)
   • Ableton Live (LinkedIn Essential Training) — Great MIDI and recording suite, relatively cheap, great for electronic music.
   • Logic Pro — Record and mix, MIDI instruments (especially ones that sound like traditional strings, brass, etc.)
   • Pro Tools — Industry standard for recording and mixing; expensive.

10. Effects, editing, compositing, rendering

    • Effects
      • Adobe AfterEffects
    • Editing (NLE)
      • Adobe Premiere Pro Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning)
      • DaVinci Resolve\ (LinkedIn Learning)
    • Compositing
      • Natron
      • Nuke
      • Blender compositing *. Rendering from realtime
      • Unity cutscenes
      • UnrealEngine sequencer

Proof of concept

The goal of an animation proof is to demonstrate that you can operate the necessary software and show that you can a strong grasp of animation principles. Choose one of the following based on your project interests:

1. Traditional keyframe animation: Demonstrate knowledge of keyframe animation and 12 principles by creating a few seconds of animation using a character or other content from your proposal concept. ToonBoom is the industry standard animation package, but others are acceptable.
2. Motion design: Create a few seconds of rendered animation using a 2D animation package like Adobe AfterEffects or 3D software such as Cinema 4D, Blender, Maya, or similar. You can also achieve motion design for the web using Adobe Animate CC.
3. Other animations: Create an example animatic (blocked animation and sound), animated character rig, or other animated asset relevant to your concept that demonstrates you can complete the core technical challenge of the project.