CGTalk - Learning Animation

virtualmic

09-01-2005, 12:05 PM

Hi Forum!

Today I am feeling that I have mastered some of the basic rudiments of this amazing package called MaYa. Now I want to go into learning some serious animation. However, the place where I live, doesn't have any school or anything. So I want to go on it on my own. I have purchased Richard William's "Animation Survival Kit" and have started reading it. I am finding it very interesting. Now I want to know is how really should I plan my exercises. I have reached that part wherein he starts to explain walk cycles and have started practising on them, using the free rig of Generi.

If someone can offer some general insights, that would be really great for me, as well as other beginners. Also I am not really sure whether I should post my exercises for critique? Will it be appreciated? I mean, it won't be considered too trivial for this pros' forum?

I have seen that they are starting the new Sketching W/S for beginners using "Drawing on Right side of the brain", which I am planning to join. Can some group be started here too? Similar concept, the book being Richard William's or any other, for that matter, which you experts feel. Initially it can be only a beginners' group, where in we all can critique each other's work and then slowly some pros can drop in and give their valuable crits. What do you say? Any suggestions?

Saurabh.

stewartjones

09-01-2005, 01:41 PM

I would say definately get your work up for critique, it's the best way to learn.

As for planning, think of your scene, so we'll say a standard walk cycle.

Sketch the keys, sketch the extremes, then breakdowns. Sort the timing as best you can (get reference!) Ok, so you got the keys sorted, get into Maya and pose out the character on them keys, on their respective frames.

After that it's a case of cleaning up.

Sorry that this example is so simplified, I'm in a bit of a hurry at the moment! If you need any more help post up, or PM, wotever, and I'll try and get back to you later!

Cheers

-Stu :thumbsup:

virtualmic

09-02-2005, 02:22 AM

Hi Stu, Thanks for replying. I will then surely start posting my exercises for crit, starting this weekend.

I was also hoping that some ppl might offer some suggestions on the group thing.

sA

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