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In this section:
In this section:
◉ We will learn how to animate a virtual body using the free online tool Mixamo.
◉ We will learn how to animate a virtual body using the free online tool Mixamo.
◉ We will learn how to export animations from Mixamo so we can use them in our digital places later.
◉ We will learn how to export animations from Mixamo so we can use them in our digital places later.
Key Concept: We always move through spaces in bodies, and we move through virtual spaces in both our physical bodies and in virtual bodies. Understanding how virtual bodies are made, and the limits and assumptions built into the tools for making them, can help us re-think our own assumptions about bodies.
Key Concept: We always move through spaces in bodies, and we move through virtual spaces in both our physical bodies and in virtual bodies. Understanding how virtual bodies are made, and the limits and assumptions built into the tools for making them, can help us re-think our own assumptions about bodies.
Key Concept: Moving through a place in a body can produce knowledge and understanding of that place that wouldn't be realized otherwise. Experiencing a place through a map, or a computer-assisted-design program, is very different from experiencing it as a body moving through it.
Key Concept: Moving through a place in a body can produce knowledge and understanding of that place that wouldn't be realized otherwise. Experiencing a place through a map, or a computer-assisted-design program, is very different from experiencing it as a body moving through it.
NOTE: In this module, we will be downloading a lot of files. Usually, browsers by default automatically stick all downloads in a "Downloads" folder that can be quite hard for students to find. To make things simpler, we recommend setting up your browser to ask where to save files (tutorial link).
Modeling a body in sculptgl
Modeling a body in sculptgl
Follow the tutorial below to become acquainted with SculptGL and its modeling tools. We'll be using this to create our body for moving through our world, as well as other objects we want to add to it.
MoVING A BODY USING MIXAMO
MoVING A BODY USING MIXAMO
Follow the tutorial below to "rig" your body with a skeleton, and animate it.
Developing our avatar
Developing our avatar
Before we move on with other tutorials, now would be a good time to take a moment and start developing the body you want to use to move through your digital place.
In SculptGL, use the various tools you've learned, including the paint tool to add color, and develop a body to move through your digital place. The only restriction is that it has to use what Mixamo and Unity call "humanoid" skeletons. Those programs assume a "humanoid" has two arms, two legs, and head (though as we know, human bodies come in way more varieties than that).
using blender to prep our models for mixamo animation
using blender to prep our models for mixamo animation
Follow the tutorial below to use the modeling program Blender to format the textures and colors of your model so they are usable in other tools like Mixamo for animating and Unity for placemaking.
First there's an easier method, which you should try first. If you run into a technical problem or error, don't give up, just follow the more technical method.
Once you have your model formatted, you can upload it to Mixamo to animate it in full color:
OPTION: Making gifs of your animated characters
OPTION: Making gifs of your animated characters
Follow the tutorial below capture animated gifs of your animated characters using the free program ScreentoGIF, and to further modify them using the website GIPHY.
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