I remember back in the day when I first realized you could make your own animations on the computer and then upload them for everyone to see.

I thought this was one of the most amazing things since it was something I wanted to do as a child.    I first discovered Newgrounds.    I remember back then in the late 90s and early 2000s that you had a lot of limitations.  We didn’t really have streaming back then as we do today.  Artists had to be clever and creative to keep the file size down.  Today those limitations are gone but I still have to remember some of the classics that were more than just a quick cartoon with a poop joke at the end.

Here are some of those early animations that inspired me to start doing online animation.

This was one of the early OGs of 2000.

Ninjai

Genryu’s Blade:  This one started many creating their own episodes.  I don’t know where this guy went.  He became a legend and disappeared.

Sadly I wish both these creators and groups would have kept their momentum and continued creating as they did before because with the invention of youtube these guys would have been the early innovators and would probably be a big company like Rooster Teeth is today creating content.  Timing is everything.

But thanks guys for the inspiration.

Here is a video breaking down a rig for Puppet Animation.  Personally I’m okay with it if it is creative and good.  I guess because I come from the old flash days when you had to do things differently because there was no streaming at the time.  Tween animation helped keep file sizes down.    Because of this I’m okay with this type of animation if done correctly.

Here is a tutorial breaking down a rig.

Here are examples of good old fashioned tweening.  Funny thing is this has become really popular over the years even in mainstream work.

Watching this video reminds me of the time I started using Flash and that Ifinally had the ability to do what I always wanted to do and that was make animation.

Looks like I was not the only out there.  Enjoy this little documentary about the Rise of Animation.

Here is part 1 by the way!

This looks awesome.  I love the 2d style but CG look all together as one.  I was wondering something.  Is the world ready for more furry anime?

I don’t see much Furry stuff and was wondering if maybe the world is ready for more.  Just thinking of how well Zootopia did.  I think I may explore this idea.  In the meantime enjoy this film.

If you don’t already know him, I wanted to introduce you to MDotStrange.  I think this dude holds the record for making the most animated movies all by himself.  He has created 3 animated feature length films.  He set a bar if you ask me on what can be done.

So often I have spent my time in areas where there are tons of artists.  These tons of artists have wonderful skills and abilities but they waste it working for the man.  Instead of creating their own way they exchange their life for a buck.    I mean if you like animating for someone else that is great.    But I’ve seen so many artists desire to make their own stuff but think it is impossible, that is it too hard and it takes too long.   So they don’t attempt to create their own original stuff.  It really is sad considering how many stories are waiting to be told and never will be.

Here is the truth.

1) It is not impossible.

2) It is not hard especially if you can draw or do animation (digging ditches and working construction is hard work, not sitting in the AC creating)

3) Too long?  In 10 years MDotStrange created 3 full length films.  Now imagine if you use premade assets and things like mocap and use various short cut methods that build results, then the truth is it doesn’t take 10 years to make a movie.

Here are some of his works.

We Are the Strange

Heart String Marionette

I cannot express enough how creative I think the folks over at Cartoon Network can be.  There is this whole generation of awesome cartoons that are whimsical, silly, fun and strange.

In the past few years we have had Adventure Time, Steven Universe, The Regular Show, World of Gumball, etc.    At first many of these shows I looked at and thought they were stupid but then just like an onion they go deeper and deeper.  The world building is insanely good and it just keeps getting better.

Recently I ran across this beauty that was just released and yes it is beautiful.

The point of all this is when making your own anime.  Please be creative, think outside the box and make something fresh, fun and crazy.  Don’t be afraid to take it there.

 

 

I came across this beautiful tribute awhile back.   I loved the style and loved all the little details.  This tribute to Hayao Miyazaki is awesome.

And now here is the breakdown.  The guy actually uses free software to make most of this.

Its a lot of work but beautiful!

I thought I’d share this with you all.

He talks alot about talking Japanese.   Meh….

He does have some good advice though.   He says start a Manga first.  Well that is the game plan for myself.

I’m actually working on several Manga’s and/or Webtoons.   I will be posting some work here including videos.  And since it is about how to make anime even if you are not the greatest artist this should help all of you out.   Recently I just got a great pipeline going for manga and anime.    If you want tutorials it will be under my category called “Anime Class!”

Now take some of this video as advice but some of it falls under goofy parody like advice and not really being 100% serious.

I hate the last part of the video but there are again some gems, especially the part about making a manga.

Making a Manga is easier than a full anime but as you create your manga you can start gaining fans and then Kickstart a full animation.    That is just one route.

 

 

 

 

 

Okay so my favorite type of story is good old fashioned “heroe’s Journey.”  Most if not all Shonen fall under this story type and I love it.

Here is a breakdown of the heroes journey.  When making your anime you have to think about what you want to do.  Remember story is key.  You could have horrible graphics but if you have a great story it will capture an audience.  Story is the most important part.