Useful website; begin drawing characters

 I came across a website which I wanted to bookmark and share. Great for beginning to draw characters.

TheDrawingWebsite

Super heroes - Batman

 

Batman fanart with seperate body parts enabling this character to be used in your animation projects.

Super heroes - Spiderman

 

Spiderman fanart, with body parts enabling this character to be used in your animation projects.

Flat PNG Jigsaw piece

 

Free to use. Right-click image to download on PC. It would be nice if you leave a comment as to where you have used it, but this is not essential

Flat PNG Character 0007 British Policeman designed in Affinity Designer. Free to use.

 Feel free to use this PNG British policeman character in your projects, but please leave a comment if you do.

Flat PNG Character 0006 Footballer designed in Affinity Designer. Free to use.

 Feel free to use this PNG footballer character in your projects, but please leave a comment if you do.

Flat PNG Character 0005 Footballer designed in Affinity Designer. Free to use.

   Feel free to use this PNG footballer character in your projects, but please leave a comment if you do.

Flat PNG Character 0004 designed in Affinity Designer. Free to use.

  Feel free to use this character in your projects, but please leave a comment if you do.

Flat PNG Character 0003 designed in Affinity Designer. Free to use.

  Feel free to use this character in your projects, but please leave a comment if you do.

Flat PNG Character 0002 Santa designed in Affinity Designer. Free to use.

 Feel free to use this little santa in your projects, but please leave a comment if you do.

Flat PNG Character 0001 designed in Affinity Designer. Free to use.

 I last used Affinity Designer quite a while ago, so I need to remember how to use it again. This is just a little practice character. Feel free to use him in your projects, but please leave a message if you do. I would love to see him in use.

How to Draw Perfectly Spaced Objects | Introduction to Perspective Drawing

Dive into the World of Animation with Bloop Animation

 Are you passionate about animation? Do you dream of creating your own moving masterpieces, but feel overwhelmed by the technical aspects? Then Bloop Animation is your one-stop shop for becoming a skilled animator!

Bloop Animation isn't just a catchy name (though it is pretty catchy), it's a comprehensive platform designed by animators, for aspiring animators. Founded by Morr, Bloop Animation started as a YouTube channel documenting the creation process behind his own animated film. This passion project quickly blossomed into a full-fledged resource hub, offering a treasure trove of content for anyone who wants to learn the art of animation.

Here's what you'll find swimming around in the delightful pool of Bloop Animation:

• In-depth Tutorials: Bloop Animation offers a variety of online courses that delve into the nitty-gritty of animation. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to brush up on specific skills, Bloop Animation has courses that cover the most popular animation software used in the industry.
• Engaging Video Essays: If you prefer a more casual learning style, Bloop Animation's YouTube channel is a goldmine of informative and entertaining video essays. Morr dives deep into various animation topics, offering insights and valuable tips in a fun and approachable way.
• Original Animated Shorts: Bloop Animation isn't just about teaching, they also create! The channel features a collection of their original animated shorts, giving you a chance to see the skills they teach put into practice. It's a great way to get inspired and see the potential of animation.

Beyond the educational content, Bloop Animation fosters a sense of community. Their website offers a forum where aspiring animators can connect, share their work, and get feedback from others. This collaborative environment can be invaluable for anyone on their animation journey.

So, if you're ready to take the plunge into the world of animation, Bloop Animation is the perfect place to start. With their engaging courses, informative videos, and supportive community, you'll be well on your way to transforming your ideas into stunning animations. Happy animating!

Visit Bloop Animation

Bringing Cartoons to Life: A Look at Adobe Animate

 For over two decades, Adobe Animate (formerly Flash Professional) has been a cornerstone of the animation industry. While its use for web animation has lessened due to the rise of HTML5, Animate remains a powerful tool for creating everything from classic cartoons to interactive web elements.

Whether you're a seasoned animator or just starting out, here's a dive into what makes Animate so special:

Built for Vector: Smooth Animations, Scalable Graphics

At its core, Animate is a vector graphics editor. This means your animations are built using mathematical paths, allowing for smooth scaling and crisp visuals on any size screen. This makes it perfect for everything from web icons to high-definition cartoons.

Frame-by-Frame Animation: The Classic Approach

For those who love the traditional hand-drawn look, Animate offers a familiar frame-by-frame workflow. You create individual drawings for each frame, stringing them together to bring your character or object to life.

Timeline and Onion Skinning: Keeping Your Animation Flowing

The timeline is your animation HQ. Here, you can arrange your frames, set timing, and add tweens (automated transitions) for smoother movement. Onion skinning, a beloved feature, lets you see previous and future frames, making it easy to line up your drawings for seamless animation.

Beyond Cartoons: Interactive Elements and Game Development

While animation is a core strength, Animate's versatility extends beyond cartoons. You can create interactive elements like buttons and menus, making it a valuable tool for web design and even basic game development.

Getting Started with Animate

Ready to jump in? Adobe offers a free trial, and there are countless tutorials available online [YouTube tutorial on Adobe Animate]. Whether you want to create a for a website or breathe life into your own characters, Animate is a powerful tool to get you started on your animation journey.

So, is Adobe Animate right for you?

If you're looking for a program for creating high-quality, scalable vector animations, then Animate is a great choice. With its robust feature set and familiar workflow, it caters to both beginners and animation veterans alike.

Visit Adobe Animate 

Breathe Life into Your Ideas: Exploring Reallusion's Animation Software

 The world of animation is booming, from captivating movies to engaging video games. But how do you bring your own ideas to life? This is where Reallusion steps in, offering a suite of software designed to empower anyone to become an animator.

From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood-Ready Results

Reallusion, founded in 2000, started with a splash with their flagship program, CrazyTalk. This user-friendly software lets you take static images and breathe life into them with facial animation and lip-syncing. Perfect for creating those funny talking photo memes or educational explainer videos.

But Reallusion's offerings extend far beyond casual animation. Their software caters to a wide range of users, from hobbyists to seasoned professionals. Let's explore some of their powerhouses:

• iClone: This all-in-one program is a dream for 3D animation. Create characters, craft scenes, animate them, and render stunning visuals – all within iClone's real-time engine. It's perfect for creating short films, video game cinematics, or even architectural visualizations.

• Character Creator: As the name suggests, this software focuses on crafting compelling 3D characters. From cartoon avatars to hyper-realistic digital humans, Character Creator allows you to design unique characters and customize them down to the finest detail.

• Cartoon Animator: This program bridges the gap between 2D and 3D animation. Breathe life into 2D illustrations with easy-to-use animation tools and create expressive cartoon characters that emote and move.

Beyond Software: A Thriving Community

Reallusion isn't just about the software. They've cultivated a vibrant online community where users can share ideas, access tutorials, and even download assets like character models and animations. This supportive environment empowers beginners to learn and experienced animators to push the boundaries of their craft.

Is Reallusion Right for You?

Whether you're a budding animator with a quirky cartoon idea or a professional looking for streamlined 3D animation tools, Reallusion offers a solution. With their intuitive software, vast asset library, and supportive community, Reallusion can be your gateway to bringing your animated visions to life.

So, are you ready to dive into the world of animation? Check out Reallusion's software and see what stories you can create!

A Blast from the Past: Reviving Classic Animation Techniques for a Modern Audience

 The world of animation has come a long way since the days of cel animation and rubber hose characters. Today, we're wowed by three-dimensional landscapes and hyper-realistic characters brought to life through sophisticated software. However, there's a certain charm and nostalgia associated with classic animation techniques. These hand-drawn methods, once the cornerstone of animation, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. But why revisit the past when the future seems so bright and visually stunning?

The Allure of the Handmade:

In a world saturated with CGI, classic animation techniques offer a refreshing change of pace. The imperfections and expressiveness inherent in hand-drawn animation can evoke a sense of warmth and authenticity rarely seen in computer-generated imagery. Limited animation, with its focus on key poses and exaggerated movements, creates a unique visual language that conveys humor and emotion with a delightful simplicity.

A Modern Twist on Tradition:

Modern animators aren't simply mimicking the past. They're breathing new life into classic techniques by merging them with contemporary technology. Digital tools are streamlining the animation process without sacrificing the handmade aesthetic. This allows animators to create a distinct visual style that resonates with modern audiences while retaining the heart and charm of classic animation.

Benefits Beyond Nostalgia:

Beyond nostalgia, reviving classic animation techniques offers several benefits. It allows for a wider range of artistic expression, catering to those who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind animation. Additionally, these techniques can be more time-efficient and cost-effective for smaller studios, allowing for greater creative freedom and experimentation.

Examples of Modern Revivals:

Several recent animation successes demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. Shows like "Adventure Time" and "Over the Garden Wall" incorporate elements of classic animation while incorporating modern storytelling techniques. Even major studios like Disney have dipped their toes back into the past, with films like "Moana" and "The Princess and the Frog" showcasing influences from their 2D animation heyday.

A Future for the Past?

While CGI continues to dominate the animation landscape, the revival of classic techniques shows the enduring power of hand-drawn animation. By embracing the past and blending it with the present, animators are creating new and exciting visual experiences that resonate with audiences of all ages. So, next time you're looking for a visually captivating animation, keep an eye out for those projects that breathe new life into classic techniques. You might be surprised by the magic they create.

From Passion Project to Profit: How Teachable Can Help You Share Your Expertise

 Have you ever dreamt of turning your knowledge and skills into a thriving online business? Perhaps you're a baking whiz, a guitar maestro, or a coding guru brimming with valuable information to share. If you've ever considered teaching others but felt overwhelmed by the logistics, then Teachable might just be the answer you've been looking for.

Your All-in-One Platform for Online Education:

Teachable isn't just another website builder; it's a comprehensive platform designed to empower anyone to create and sell online courses. With Teachable, you can transform your expertise into a polished online course, complete with video lectures, downloadable resources, and interactive quizzes.

But what makes Teachable stand out?

• Effortless Course Creation: Teachable boasts a user-friendly interface that makes building your course a breeze. Upload your videos, organize your content, and customize the look and feel of your course – all without needing any coding knowledge.
• Seamless Student Management: Teachable handles student enrollment, tracks their progress, and facilitates communication. You can easily answer student questions, provide feedback, and foster a supportive learning environment.
• Multiple Revenue Streams: Teachable offers flexible pricing options, allowing you to sell your course for a one-time fee, offer subscription plans, or even bundle multiple courses together. You can also provide free preview content to entice potential students.
• Marketing and Sales Tools: Teachable equips you with built-in marketing tools to promote your course. Generate coupons, create email campaigns, and leverage social media integrations to reach your target audience.
• A Supportive Community: Teachable isn't just a platform - it's a community. Connect with other course creators, share best practices, and learn from each other's experiences.

Beyond the Basics:

While Teachable excels at empowering educators, it offers additional features to help you build a sustainable business. You can integrate email marketing services, sell merchandise alongside your courses, and even offer payment plans to make your courses accessible to a wider audience.

Ready to Share Your Passion and Expertise?

If you have valuable knowledge to share and the desire to build a thriving online business, Teachable provides the tools and support you need to succeed. Sign up for a free trial today, explore the platform's features, and transform your passion project into a profitable online course! Remember, with Teachable, you can turn your expertise into a powerful tool to educate, empower, and potentially create a new income stream.

Level Up Your Animation Skills with 2D Animation 101

 Do you dream of creating captivating cartoons but feel overwhelmed by complex software and intimidating tutorials? Look no further than 2D Animation 101, your gateway to the exciting world of 2D animation!

This website, founded by animation guru Mark Diaz, isn't just another online resource. It's a comprehensive learning platform designed to empower aspiring animators of all levels. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, 2D Animation 101 provides a clear path to achieving your animation goals.

What Makes 2D Animation 101 Stand Out?

• Focus on the Fundamentals: The platform emphasizes the core principles of animation, ensuring a strong foundation for your creative journey. You'll learn about timing, character design, storytelling, and more, all explained in a clear and engaging way.
• Learn from an Industry Expert: Mark Diaz, the mastermind behind 2D Animation 101, isn't just a teacher – he's a seasoned animator with a proven track record. His insights and experience provide invaluable guidance for navigating the animation industry.
• Variety of Learning Formats: 2D Animation 101 caters to different learning styles. You'll find a treasure trove of resources, including in-depth video tutorials, downloadable project files for hands-on practice, and insightful blog posts that delve deeper into specific animation techniques.
• A Supportive Community: Learning animation doesn't have to be a solitary journey. 2D Animation 101 fosters a supportive online community where you can connect with fellow students, share your work, and receive valuable feedback.

Beyond the Basics:

2D Animation 101 goes beyond the fundamental principles. The platform offers a range of advanced courses and resources, allowing you to explore specific animation techniques such as character rigging and lip-syncing. Additionally, Mark Diaz frequently shares industry insights and career advice, helping you navigate the exciting world of professional animation.

Ready to Bring Your Animations to Life?

Whether you're a student with a passion for cartoons or a professional looking to hone your skills, 2D Animation 101 provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Head over to the website today, explore the wealth of resources available, and embark on your animation adventure! Remember, with dedication, practice, and the guidance of 2D Animation 101, you can turn your animation dreams into reality.

>> START FOR FREE <<

50 Animation Practice Ideas: From Basic to Advanced

 Here are 50 ideas to help you hone your animation skills, ranging from beginner-friendly exercises to more advanced challenges:

Basic Animation Principles:

1. Bouncing Ball: Animate a ball bouncing realistically, focusing on squash and stretch.
2. Falling Object: Animate an object falling with proper weight and acceleration.
3. Arc Animation: Practice drawing smooth arcs with your lines, crucial for fluid movement.
4. Anticipation: Animate a character preparing to jump, showing anticipation of movement.
5. Follow-Through: Animate a character's body continuing to move after an action.
6. Slow-in and Slow-out: Animate an object's movement accelerating and decelerating smoothly.
7. Secondary Action: Animate subtle movements alongside the main action, adding life to characters.
8. Exaggeration: Practice exaggerating movements for comedic or dramatic effect.
9. Character Design: Create a range of characters with distinct personalities and appearances.
10. Lip Sync: Animate a character's mouth moving to match simple dialogue.

Animation Techniques:

11. Walk Cycle: Animate a basic walk cycle for a humanoid character.
12. Run Cycle: Animate a simple run cycle with proper weight distribution.
13. Jump Cycle: Animate a character jumping with proper anticipation and follow-through.
14. Flip Book: Create a simple flip book animation using paper or a digital program.
15. Cutout Animation: Animate characters and objects using cutout shapes.
16. Stop-Motion Animation: Animate objects by taking pictures in slight increments.
17. 2D Animation Software: Explore animation software like Flipaclip or Krita.
18. 3D Animation Software: Learn the basics of 3D animation with software like Blender.
19. Character Expressions: Animate different facial expressions to convey emotions.
20. Character Poses: Practice drawing characters in various poses to show action and emotion.

Storytelling & Animation:

21. Storyboarding: Create a storyboard to visually plan out a short animation sequence.
22. Animated GIF: Create a short, looping animation suitable for a GIF format.
23. Animated Scene: Animate a simple scene with a beginning, middle, and end.
24. Animate Your Favorite Song: Visually represent the energy and mood of a song through animation.
25. Micro-Animation: Animate a small, everyday object doing something unexpected.
26. Redesign a Classic Character: Reimagine a well-known character in your own animation style.
27. Animal Locomotion: Animate a specific animal walking, running, or flying realistically.
28. Object Interaction: Animate objects interacting with each other, showcasing weight and physics.
29. Animated Logo Design: Design and animate a logo for yourself or a fictional company.
30. Animated Text: Make animated text that moves and changes dynamically.

Animation Challenges:

31. Animate a Single Object in 10 Different Ways: Explore different ways to animate an object.
32. Animate a Dream Sequence: Create a visually surreal and fantastical scene.
33. Animate in a Specific Style: Try animating in the style of your favorite animated film.
34. 1 Minute Animation Challenge: Create a complete animated story within 1 minute.
35. Collaborative Animation: Team up with other animators to create a short film.
36. Sound Design Challenge: Animate based on a specific sound effect or piece of music.
37. Limited Palette Animation: Create a visually interesting scene using a restricted color palette.
38. Character Design Contest: Participate in an online character design challenge.
39. Animate a Historical Event: Bring a historical event to life through animation.
40. Fan Animation: Create a short animated piece based on your favorite TV show or movie.

Advanced Animation Techniques:

41. Character Rigging: Learn to rig a character for smoother and more complex movement.
42. Facial Animation: Explore advanced techniques for animating facial expressions.
43. Particle Effects: Experiment with creating animated particle effects like smoke or fire.
44. Character Animation with Inverse Kinematics: Rig and animate a character with realistic joint movements.
45. Animation Lighting & Color: Learn how lighting and color impact the mood and atmosphere of your animation.
46. Animate a Background: Create a moving and dynamic animated background.
47. Character Animation Cycles: Animate various complex character cycles like breathing and blinking.
48. Rotoscoping: Use video footage as a reference for realistic character movement

Mastering the Illusion: The Art of Perspective in Drawing

 Have you ever looked at a drawing and felt like you could step right into it? That sense of depth and realism is all thanks to the magic of perspective! This artistic technique allows you to create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a flat surface. Mastering perspective takes your drawings from flat and simple to dynamic and captivating. So, grab your pencils and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of perspective!

Why Perspective Matters: Beyond Lines on a Page

Perspective isn't just about drawing lines that converge in the distance. It's about understanding how objects shrink and shapes change as they move further away from the viewer. Here's why perspective is essential for aspiring artists:

• Creating Depth and Realism: Perspective allows you to create the illusion of depth in your drawings, making them feel more lifelike and engaging.
• Accurate Depictions: Understanding perspective is crucial for drawing objects and scenes realistically, whether it's a bustling cityscape or a still life arrangement.
• Compositional Strength: Perspective helps you arrange elements in your drawing in a way that feels balanced and leads the viewer's eye throughout the composition.

Types of Perspective: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

There are different types of perspective, each offering a unique way to depict space:

• One-Point Perspective: This is the simplest and most common type. Imagine all receding parallel lines converging at a single point on the horizon line. This is perfect for depicting hallways, streets, or buildings with a clear frontal view.
• Two-Point Perspective: Here, receding parallel lines converge towards two vanishing points on the horizon line. This allows you to depict scenes with more depth and angles, like corners of buildings or cityscapes.
• Three-Point Perspective: This advanced technique adds a third vanishing point above or below the horizon line, useful for drawing scenes looking up at buildings or down at a street.

Learning by Doing: Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to master perspective is to jump right in and start practicing! Here are some tips to get you started:

• Draw Simple Shapes in Perspective: Start by practicing drawing basic shapes like cubes and boxes in one-point perspective. This helps you understand how lines converge and how the size of the object affects its appearance.
• Use Rulers and Grids: Rulers and grids can be helpful tools for ensuring your lines are straight and your vanishing points are aligned.
• Draw from Observation: Practice drawing real-world objects in perspective. This could be anything from a coffee mug on your desk to a building across the street.
• Explore Online Resources and Tutorials: There are countless online resources and tutorials available to help you learn more about perspective.

From Flat to Fantastic: The Transformative Power of Perspective

Perspective is a powerful tool that can elevate your artwork to a whole new level. Once you master this technique, you'll be able to create drawings that feel immersive, realistic, and bursting with depth. So, grab your pencils, unleash your creativity, and get ready to conquer the world of perspective! Remember, the journey to artistic mastery is paved with practice, so have fun experimenting and watch your drawings transform from flat to fantastic!