Cartoon Character Animation with Maya: Mastering the Art of Exaggerated Animation

by Keith Osborn

Overview

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at cartoony computer animation? Then look no further… Cartoon Character Animation with Maya will help you create just that, guiding you through every step of the process including how to incorporate multiple limbs, smears, motion lines and staggers seamlessly into your animation.

From planning to posing to polish, you'll learn how to make the most of breakdowns, take the terror out of tangent types and overcome the oft-feared graph editor.

Each chapter includes insight and advice from world-leading character animators, and the companion website, www.bloomsbury.com/Osborn-Cartoon-Animation, includes a short animation featuring the star of the book, Mr. Buttons. There's also a specially created rig of Mr. Buttons for you to animate with, as well as walk-through videos demonstrating key techniques. Everything you need to help you animate your own cartoony creations!

Includes interviews with: Ken Duncan, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, 9; Jason Figliozzi, Wreck it Ralph, Frozen, Big Hero 6; T. Dan Hofstedt, Pocahontas, Mulan, Planes; Ricardo Jost, The Nut Job, The Snow Queen 2; Pepe Sánchez, Pocoyo, Jelly Jamm; Matt Williames, Looney Tunes: Back in Action, The Princess and the Frog

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781474238588
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	12/03/2015
Series:	Required Reading Range
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	176
File size:	55 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Keith Osborn, is a US-based freelance animator and animation instructor. He has over ten years' experience in various disciplines of animated film-making, specializing in character animation, including his work on the 2012 Oscar-winning short, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.
Keith Osborn, is a freelance animator and animation instructor. He has over ten years' experience in various disciplines of animated film-making, specializing in character animation, including his work on the 2012 Oscar-winning short, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE: THINKING IN 2D
Design Informs Motion
Animating in 2D in 3D
Interview: Ken Duncan
Over to You!

CHAPTER TWO: ANIMATION PLANNING
Thumbnails
Video Reference
Animation Acting
Interview: Ricardo Jost
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Over to You!

CHAPTER THREE: THE POSE TEST
Scene Prep
Designing the Pose
A Principled Animation
Interview: Matt Williames
Step-By-Step Walkthrough
Over to You!

CHAPTER FOUR: BREAKDOWNS
Liking What You Get vs. Getting What You Like
Building a Better Breakdown
Interview: Pepe Sánchez
Step-By-Step Walkthrough
Over to You!

CHAPTER FIVE: REFINE
Achieving Polish
The Terrifying Transition
Final Polish
Interview: T. Dan Hofstedt
Step-By-Step Walkthrough
Over to You!

CHAPTER SIX: CARTOONY TECHNIQUES
The Problem of Motion Blur
Multiple Limbs
Motion Lines and Dry-Brush
Smears
Staggers
Interview: Jason Figliozzi
Step-By-Step Walkthrough
Over to You!

Conclusion
Further Reading
Further Viewing
Index
Picture Credits

Editorial Reviews

[Osborn] has over 10 years' experience in various disciplines of animated film-making ... [and] his experience is clearly evident in his writing style and breezy manner as he explains the processes involved. A particular highlight of the book are the interviews that the author has conducted with a number of professional animators ... [and the] added bonus of a companion website ... I really enjoyed the book.” —Gareth Cavanagh, Senior Animator at Oysterworld Games, UK, Skwigly

“… you don't need to be a Maya pro to get a lot from the book; indeed, the advice presented here can be application to most CG animation software, but when it does touch on specifics … it's done so in a clean and informed way … It's in the more general insights and animation techniques where the book comes alive, backed by some great examples and interviews as Keith ropes in industry friends such as Matt Williams (The Princess and the Frog), Ricardo Jost Resende (Nut Job) and Jason Figliozzi (Wreck-it-Ralph) to bolster the wealth of advice.” —Pressreader “3D World”

“A much-needed, fantastic new book that teaches techniques, tips, and tricks of cartoony animation in Maya. A must-have for all aspiring computer animators.” —Cheryl Cabrera, Assistant Professor of Digital Media, University of Central Florida, USA

“The structure is clear and features easily digestible information with current and relevant examples. This fun book will provide a practical tips-and-tricks guide to applying 2D cartoony animation techniques in 3D (Maya).” —Kate Corbin, lecturer in Animation, University of Salford, UK

“A great animation resource with pro tips one usually can only learn from experience.” —Jesse O'Brien, Lecturer, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA

“Reading this book by Animation Mentor Keith Osborn is like listening to a friend who has mastered an important secret through hard graft and really wants to save you the trouble. If you want to learn the secrets to great character animation then this book should be at the top of your list even if you don't use Maya.” —Paul Grant, course leader for Creative Media Production (Games Development), City College Brighton & Hove, UK

“This book should be set atop of Richard Williams' Animator's Survival Kit next to every Maya animator's workstation.” —Hugo Glover, Course leader, Animation BA, Northumbria University, UK

“[Cartoon Character Animation with Maya is] well written and includes color photos from current animated features, which Osborn uses to explain different concepts from planning shots to designing readable poses. … I definitely could have used this book when I was first working in Maya.” —Jim Richardson, Animateducated

From the Publisher

The structure is clear and features easily digestible information with current and relevant examples. This fun book will provide a practical tips-and-tricks guide to applying 2D cartoony animation techniques in 3D (Maya).

Kate Corbin

A great new book that teaches techniques, tips, and tricks of cartoony animation in Maya.

Cheryl Cabrera