Drawing and Animating a Character in Macromedia Flash MX 2004
Author: Chris Georgenes
Many animators use Macromedia Flash for detailed vector-based animation. One of the strengths of Flash is its versatile workflow and production process. I have developed some custom techniques that can help you create and manage the various moving parts of a complex animated character.
To view the complete article please visit:
Website: http://www.adobe.com/devnet/flash/articles/animate_character.html
Canopus. (2D Animation Software)
This still-image animation software lets documentary filmmakers, broadcasters, and corporate and event videographers transform still images and archival photographs into movies. New features include multiple image support, advanced soundtrack ...
To read the article please visit:
Website: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb4911/is_200404/ai_n18042526
Shopping for 2D animation software
Shopping for 2D animation software can be confusing. There are so many choices on the market with so many different features that it's hard to determine exactly which program to purchase. However, you can narrow the choices before you begin to shop by taking your animation needs, budget and computer operating system into consideration.
To know more about it, please visit:
Website: http://www.ehow.com/how_2091795_shop-2d-animation-software.html
A Simple, Flicker-Free 2D Animation Demo
Author: Anguel Komarov
This project generates a simple, flicker-free 2D animation demo. It loads two pictures—a background (big one) and a foreground (small one). The user can select and move the small picture over the big one without any flickering. Resizing the window does not produce any flickering of its contents, either. The idea is very simple and it could be used for different purposes. It could be implemented in different programming languages as well. I used it with Borland C++ Builder to create a multimedia picture slider for a catalogue program and Delphi to create a program for creating moving and resizing dialog box controls. Of course, it is better there to use "Canvas" rather than "Device context," but the principle is the same.
To read more please visit:
Website: http://www.codeguru.com/cpp/g-m/multimedia/graphics/article.php/c4713/
Shapeshifter - The Online Animation Tool
Shapeshifter is a completely online animating application that allows you to create short movies without ever downloading or installing a thing!
You’ve got 4 basic shapes to work with, but the sky’s the limit when it comes to what you can do with it.
To get more information please visit:
Website: http://www.aniboom.com/Pages/Application/Animachines/Shapeshifter/
ShapeshifterMain.aspx?ser=quigo-shapeshifterjapan&gclid=CJbnvIDj45ACFQMaewod4DqzPQ
Stickman
Stickman enables you to create animated cartoons, without the need for any drawing skills. Instead of drawing, you can choose from a collection of enhanced stick figures that look like cartoon characters, and can be animated in the same way as stick figure animations, using control points. You can use full color backgrounds and choose from a variety of characters and objects that can be used in your animation. The program also includes a character editor (Elemento) that allows you to design your animation objects. Stickman supports multiple layers, adjustable camera angels, and more.
To learn more about the Software please see:
Website: http://www.snapfiles.com/Freeware/gmm/fwani.html
Map artwork to 3D surfaces with Illustrator CS2
Autrhor: Mordy Golding
One of the things that really sets the 3D effect in Adobe® Illustrator® apart from the 3D features found in other vector applications is the ability to map 2D artwork onto the surface of a 3D object. This method of combining 2D and 3D graphics is called artwork mapping.
To know more about this please log on to:
Website: http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/tutorials/illcs2at_mapto3d/
Cartoon drawing software
Drawing cartoon characters require loads of creative inspiration. But once you have the inspiration to drawing a cartoon character, a little technology can go a long way in bringing it to life. In fact, with the right cartoon drawing software, the task can be made immensely easy. Wish to bring your cartoons to life? So here is a selection of some highly usable software:
Pixia - Japanese Graphic Software
This is too good to be a freeware but it is. Pixia is used to best effect with pressure sensitive graphic tablets. The software enables you to draw, color graphics and can be used as a photo editor too. In fact, thanks to its line drawing feature, it is a great asset for the cartoonists. It also works with layers, masks and is highly stable software.
Magic Whiteboard 1.4
This is a tool for the kids. This is an exciting network drawing program which allows multiple users to design on the same platform. You can also print or save cartoon character drawing in multiple formats as BMP, JPEG, and GIF. The program comes with many funny cartoon characters and colorful graphics. It is compatible with Windows ME/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista.
Toonworks Deluxe
This is a multimedia drawing program which offers you a fun-filled way of learning to draw a cartoon character. The drawing features are easy to use and has excellent sound effects. The program is loaded with clipart images, 100 pre-designed cartoon characters and funny visual effects. The images can be saved in BMP, EMF, EMF+, JPEG, PNG & WMF formats. The software is especially helpful if you are interested in computer illustration.
Gimp
This is one of the most well known photo editors for both Linux and windows operating systems. However, the Linux version is more stable and works wonderful. The software is free under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
Disney's Magic Artist Cartoon Maker
The software is loaded with tools to drawing cartoons which is the good and the bad thing (if you are not willing to experiment). The tool is great for kids as they get to make their own cartoon character or even animated carton movies with Disney characters in it. Kids can import their own cartoon drawings into these movies. Seeing their own drawing in action, this is a great tool to stimulate creativity. Another CD which comes with the package has lessons from real Disney animators. Simplicity is the biggest secret to creating a good animated cartoon character. If you have a look at the characters seen Dido, Ben, Kewl, Tumo, Ian and Yappy, you will notice that they are simple, non-complicated cartoon drawings with unique shape and proportions. Read their stories to know more about them.
To get more details of these Softwares please see:
Website: http://www.d-six.org/cartoon_drawing/cartoon_software.asp
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