Part of making your own anime is not really just a step by step process.  I can share many methods with you but you as the artist need to come up with your own techniques based on your time and skill level.

Personally I’m more into the 3d CG world because once digital assets are created then you can move them around any which way you want.  However there is a drawback to cg as discussed in a previous article.

I want you in your endeavors to experiment with different methods.  Here is an example of how some minimal movements makes for some interesting animation.

Matte painting is important and a good method to use in creating your anime backgrounds.  If you read alot of webtoons, manga and watch anime you notice often times the artists will trace over real life backgrounds for speed, accuracy and a nice look.  Look if it is good enough for the pros to do then it should be good enough for you to use.  Just saying.

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 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.

 

Wouldn’t it be cool one day to create your own anime and folks dress up like your characters?

Truth is…it is possible.

Monty Oum made his own anime and built his brand and well….

Boom!  Yup it is possible.  What are you waiting for?

blake rwby2 rwby

We talk about making anime.  Truth is that year after year it is getting easier and easier to do it on your own or with some friends.

For example check out the latest trailer for Gantz 0.

Here are some behind the scenes.

So maybe combine Poser, Iclone or DAZ3d with one of the packages below.

Personally I’ve used IPIsoft but I’ve recently been thinking about Iclones Mocap or Iclone mixed with Perception.

Hey Perception if you want to give me a mocap suit and Iclone you want me to start making my anime using your stuff that I promote please call me.  LOL.

Seriously….call me.  Perception Neuron looks awesome.

Okay back to our story.  Did you know the creator of Gantz actually used Poser in creating his comic?

Yup!

So why not use something like POser, Iclone or DAZ to make your stuff?

Now I need to find some cheap facial capture software.  If you know where to find it please let me know!

I love it.  Reallusion please get me one of these.   I will tell everyone about it till the end of days.  :)