Character Design - All Characters
Overview
Revise backgrounds based on feedback received.
Illustrate your characters inside of the scene containing the completed background.
You can import a sketch that you have created in other software or on paper. Then, 'ink' over it in Animate.
(1) Review these Posing References
Use of these references is optional, but may be helpful when designing your character.
Don't attempt to animate your character yet. Use these references to create your character puppet and test it with non-animated poses, as shown in the my demo below.
Use the 8 drawing version for posing reference
Download: File opens in Animate
Fully Rigged Dog: (external link)
4-legged animal rig posing reference
Download: File opens in Animate
Frame by Frame Limbs
The torso, tail, head, ears, and face could be puppeted while the legs are drawn frame x frame.
Animal Pose Reference Gifs (external link)
Many types of Animal and character motion
Use the gifs, not the swfs
Demo: how to import the above gifs into Animate
(2) Create and Rig Your Characters
Create the character art in the same scene that contains your finished background
Once this character has been approved, all of the other characters will be style-matched to it later.
You can import a sketch that you have created in other software or on paper. Then, 'ink' over it in Animate, if you prefer to work that way.
Don't attempt to animate your character yet. Use this demo to create your character puppet, then test it with non-animated poses.
Instructions
Create your character in the same file that contains your background.
You must use the techniques shown in Bills' demos.
Viewing Bill's demos in YouTube will provide access to a table of contents. Think of that table of contents as a checklist of things to do.
Continue to use the Universal Color Palette.
Only use the pencil tool.
If it moves: put it on its own layer... for example: the head, limbs, face, and torso.
Upload Your File
Upload it to your Design & Production Art Google Drive folder and name the file: FirstnameLastname-Character.fla
Example File
(1) Import a sketch (if you will be using one)
(2) Draw your character using these techniques
(3) Rig your character using these methods
Optional methods and Reference
Use layer parenting to complete your rig
Skin Tone Reference
These images are part of an artwork, called The Humane Project, created by Angélica Dass (external link). Control-click to save.
Import a Complete Illustrator File
Import a layered Adobe Illustrator file into Animate while preserving all of the layers.
Copy and Paste Assets Directly From Adobe Illustrator
In Illustrator, copy the asset.
In Animate, paste the asset using the settings below.
If the asset is not pasting correctly, choose it with the subselection tool in Illustrator, then paste it into Animate.
