So You Want To Be an Animator - Building Your Career - Extra Credits

[@oboretaiwritingch.2077]

"A good animator avoids cliche. They always look for the most interesting choice, rather than the most obvious, predictable ones" If only writers also do that......

[@isillor529]

good writers do do that. much like bad animators dont.

[@oboretaiwritingch.2077]

jim gordon Oh I know good writers do that. Doesn't change that there's still tons of others who are paid by the millions to patch clichefest together though(majority of Hollywood and animes, Twilight, etc.)

[@Dxpress_]

I can't remember the name of this book I once read, but it was a detective story and so very predictable. It was winter, someone was murdered via a stab wound, the wound was not shaped like a knife hole, the murder weapon was never found, and no fingerprints were found on the suspect. So the detective guy is standing there wondering what this person was killed with, and I'm just like, "Dude, they were killed with an icicle." Then the detective spends like another 8 chapters trying to put the pieces together until he, at one point, decides to stab a dead pig with an icicle to see if it could possibly resemble the murder scene.. And then he starts having a eureka moment like he just figured out one of the greatest crimes ever, and I'm just sitting here wondering how this guy calls himself a detective.

[@princealmighty5391]

and bollywood movies every single film or tv seris is a love story in one form or another name one bollywood film that isnt boy meets girl and i will be satasfied

[@ChiakiHatori]

That's exactly the principle I follow with poems that I write.

[@Stefan25897]

I try to make animation. I give up on the second frame

[@samanimate1538]

then do stickman animation

[@TheDede508]

King Raber i heard if you're new start with stick figures because it's easier in learning the mechanics of animating and it's something that will always be enjoyable to watch, so that's what I'm doin now, and see progress as i go along so you can do it too :)

[@Stefan25897]

I will try

[@samanimate1538]

cool

[@moncreates3233]

Are you doing 2D or 3D animation? Either way it takes time and a lot of patience to complete. My teachers have always said "make sure you absolutely love doing this!", but I have to say I love doing a lot of stuff, but it doesn't mean it still doesn't require work. I like feeling healthy, but exercising to feel those results require us to be persist to getting there. The same for animation. I think you should probably tell yourself "okay, on this day I will get to this point", but make it something reasonable. For example, you can do the breakdown poses on day, then the next do the in-betweens. Just try to stay within a limit that you know you can handle personally.

[@BrianKouhi]

So I was lost after University, watched this video, went to Sheridan for Post-grad Animation, now I've been working as a professional animator for 2 years, and making videos teaching people interested in 3D Animation. Thank you ^^

[@whitediamond2074]

3D Animation Hub I wanna become an animator!

[@dollyheys2770]

That's so good to hear, well done ~ :D I'm just about to apply for animation at uni next year but it's been a really hard decission as most people say not to bother. Glad to hear some sucess stories.

[@amazingrileyrules]

3D Animation Hub I don't mean to be rude but how's your salary? I'm curious I just recently switched my major to animation but I'm not sure if it's a stable job I might have to also finish learning to trade quickly

[@i47]

@@dairbarely6353 why do u want to use something other then blender that’s free lol

[@budge2782]

@@i47 not every company uses blender. industry standard is Maya, but if you end up doing something like freelancing or commissioning, then blender would work fine. Maya is just much more advanced and has some really insane capabilities.

[@jeremydiaz9642]

To be an animator, you must first be an artist. *_Everyone leaves the chat_*

[@bunniip2080]

ディアスジェレミー Sounds about right

[@DR24AYN]

Hi

[@deez747]

hehehe

[@Nugcon]

@@DR24AYN weird flex but ok

[@dragonick2947]

*_Everyone but that one furry in the corner leaves the chat_*

[@Zerepzerreitug]

Having a brother who works in animation, I would also add into this list: Patience. Animation is, perhaps above all, a process in which the results of your work are not obvious but until a rather long time has passed. You can spend weeks, if not years working on a single project, which means you'll learn to love, then hate, then love again the characters and topics you're working on. So if you have a short attention time span, this profession may be a bit difficult for you.

[@it_me_lui]

+Arturo Gutierrez yes to this. im currently studying animation and its really frustrating for me that it takes a few hours just to get a few seconds of traditional animation done. patience is definitely something i have to work on.

[@C4DNerd]

+Arturo Gutierrez Oh, it requires unbelievable patience. As someone doing 3D animation on a regular basis as a hobby (I'd love to turn it into a career soon), there are so many aspects in doing 3D art in particular that require patience. Modeling and animating characters seem to be the most fun thing, but the most tedious seem to be rigging the character (essentially "attaching the strings" to the model so they can move), and lighting and rendering (which the thing that requires patience is that the better the lighting and render settings, the longer your render will take

[@CasanisPlays]

Something I recommend to all my students is an improv class rather than an acting class. It helps with spontaneity and moving naturally from one motion to the next most natural motion in any given scene.

[@ItsmeInternetStranger]

I have no desire to be an animator or go into animation, but ever since I started learning about it from videos like these, videogames have become a little more interesting. I never learned the just appreciate a character's walking cycle before I really started paying attention to animation. I think it's interesting how learning about a craft, even if it's not one you're really interested in, can help give you a perspective on the world you didn't think about before...

[@christopherverhoef9112]

+Miyamoto Fan I'm the same way. Ever since I've learned a tiny bit about computer modeling, I've been looking at things that I never would've looked at before. In particular, whenever I see a character with a ponytail, I stop and take a look to see if the hairs are individually modeled, and if they are, I'm impressed.

[@slygamer136]

Miyamoto Fan Agreed. If anyone needs interest or inspiration, I'm around. That's why My channel is to inspire and entertain people

[@karlsmith6690]

In that case, an open mind is a virtue, son.

[@extrahistory]

Thank you to the viewer who let us know that comments had been disabled on this video! That particular bug has been chasing us all last week but we're glad to have the comments back on.

[@DanielSantallaa]

I have a really great theme for one of your videos! How to use social Media to promote your videogames & Which network is the best to do this?

[@ChimeraReiax]

+Extra Credits No problem, thank you for enabling them again

[@ChimeraReiax]

+Daniel Santalla Denis I actually did a report on this! I can tell you right now: KZbin, Tumblr, and Reddit are your best bets. The success of Undertale *alone* is testament to that, as search results just kept rising as people from social media sites kept yelling "play it" and youtubers everywhere started streaming it. More evidence to that is Rocket League, since the gifs spawned about that spread over Reddit and Neogaf made people think of all the crazy shit THEY could do in that game. FNAF also got its rise in KZbin thanks to lets players freaking out at the screen; weather or not you think that's a good thing, it's what happened. Follow this general rule: Most people like to see what a game's all about before they play it, so presenting its visuals is a big draw. Along with that, when people are into a product, they like a space to talk about it, so tumblr tags and subreddits are where that shine.

[@DanielSantallaa]

+Dan Rossner gotta start using Reddit then, I'm from latin America and i've never heard of it before. Thanks a lot!

[@LordBloodySoul]

+Extra Credits Great video :D I want to be a traditional animator to start animating my siblings's and myself's internet personas for a KZbin channel, but I always get stuck on how to go from which to where. I totally am going to buy that book and learn as much as I can. There is still much to learn in this world after all :3

[@AidanRatnage]

OMG, someone who draws arms!

[@Bluecho4]

+Aidan Ratnage I mean, I like the Rayman-style art as much as the next guy, but...Arms, man. Arms.

[@pcarrierorange]

It feels so odd....

[@emmey8865]

+Aidan Ratnage and... necks... eww...

[@oriiif]

+Emmey yhea eww.....

[@oriiif]

+Emmey yhea eww.....

[@yukaii0]

*When you want to animate just for fun and you think video is about that*

[@yukaii0]

yeah i started doing this xD (im not very good ;w;)

[@yukaii0]

... pivot.... freaking animated sticks..............................................

[@yukaii0]

but maybe... for practice :v i don't like twinning animation... but still

[@yukaii0]

I meant animation... you know... you draw character... doing something... not just sticks...

[@yukaii0]

but i will try.... just you can make characters there... so some drawing is there xD

[@michaelhudson3331]

There are days when I want a whole channel, dedicated to literally nothing other than Dan talking about animation, and I'm not even an animator!

[@Rethardus]

+Jumbled ThoughtBrony I think I've got enough to offer to be able to make videos like that. In fact, I think my more pessimistic view on animation might reflect another side of animation, rather than the "jolly we're silly mysterious animators" that people usually show.

[@torrinmaag5331]

+Jumbled ThoughtBrony While it's not another dedicated channel, on Extra Play Dan has a specific series on the principles of animation, whilst showing games that do a good job with the animation. He also had a few episodes with Leelee Scaldaferri where they talked about effects animations, which was really cool. If you haven't already, go check it out!

[@michaelhudson3331]

Torrin Maag I know he does, but there are days when I want all of Extra Play to just be Dan talking about animations. That is my desire.

[@torrinmaag5331]

Jumbled ThoughtBrony I have those days too. XD

[@WelbyCoffeeSpill]

also, be ready to throw it All out and start over because the client showed a qt of the animation to his niece and she had some awesome ideas! yay!

[@talonblade336]

+Welby CoffeeSpill So true... It's a nightmare for everyone involved in making it XD

[@FCLoquendo]

"Go far, and when you did it, go more far, because is not about of what are waiting in the anither side, its the climb, keep your faith"

[@bumbomedia-animereactionma1571]

Wtf...

[@FCLoquendo]

Jimmy Savile uhhh forget it ._.

[@oliverholm3973]

That started off well, and then your grammar kinda got in the way. "Go far, and when you reach your goal, go further. Fore it is not about what is waiting on the other side, it is about the journey. Don't lose hope, keep your faith". Is that what you were saying, or did I misinterpret?

[@FCLoquendo]

Yep

[@DannyHodge95]

+Oliver Holm Lose* ;)

[@LucianoThePig]

As a 16 year old who wants to do animation in college , should I get started now? And more importantly , what would be a good animation programme to start with (eg Flash)

[@ThePesident]

Starting early is always going to help, you can even make a portfolio to help you get into a college. But the software you use kinda depends on a few things, like what type of animation you want to do (traditional, 3D, puppet, etc.), what's your budget (you can always pirate programs if you're willing, but idk) what tools you have (beefy computer, drawing tablet for 2D, and textbooks/guides), and what experience you already have.

[@LucianoThePig]

+HyperGurl4010 I'd like to do 2d animation. I'm not rich , but budget shouldn't be a huge problem , unless the drawing tablets like zillion euro or whatever

[@ThePesident]

LucianoThePig Woo, 2D (my favorite, tbh) For a tablet, I'd suggest Wacom (I'm talking about Intuos-type stuff), they can be a bit pricey at times (the cheapest one that's good rn is about 65 USD, I think the quality is worth it tho), but you can always settle for a Turcom, Huion, or Ugee, although I've never tried them, I hear they're of considerable quality and are fairly cheap (35 - 60 USD) The most commonly used programs for animating are (but are not limited to): -Flash (most people use macromedia, I use CS3, but it occasionally acts a bit wonky) -Toonboom (it's a bit complicated for beginners, but it's very effective) -Photoshop (it's really hard if you don't know what you're doing) -After Effects (a lot of people just use this for puppets or touching up their animations) -SAI (usually just for drawing then exporting the frames) -TVPaint but those are just off the top of my head, a bit of research could help if you're not quite interested in those, or if you just want more info on them

[@LucianoThePig]

+HyperGurl4010 I've seen one of those intuos tables online , it was $100 I think. That's not bad. I was afraid they'd be like $100000. Also , you listed a bunch if animation software , but which is the nest for a beginner with no experience (outside of terrible Flipnote Studios stuff). Flash , I'm assuming?

[@Artsia]

+LucianoThePig Hi, I'm 16 years old and I want to be a 2D animator too. :) I animate for a half year using Flash. This is way better than SAI! But I think, you can choose any animation software you like. There are a lot of lessons on KZbin which could help you to master each program.

[@TheFriendlyFoxyChannel]

I quite often find myself acting out movements or sounding out words for lip syncing when I make SFM animations, almost the the point where it becomes habit. It may look and feel silly, but it really helps you understand how to animate realistic motions (even if my skills aren't quite there yet :S)

[@johngddr5288]

same

[@boysaprodigy5262]

Relatable

[@moonbeam5337]

NoobMister same

[@idk-uk8gp]

I do that too :P

[@Romcomm_]

@Animegirl101 1488 I use Krita

[@cntfoolmebuddy]

*I am an Artist, a Graphic Designer, a Writer & an Actor!* THIS IS ALL I WANT TO DO! *ANIMATE* Toons, Short Films, Etc.

[@SourPatch658]

Did u go to college for graphic design?

[@extrahistory]

So you want to be an animator? Here's some advice from a professional who's worked in games and film!

[@LucianoThePig]

I'm 16 and I want to do animation because I love drawing and I do it a lot but I haven't done any actually animating yet because I don't have a pad and stuff. Should I get started on that stuff now , or am I okay?

[@snaxandsoda]

LucianoThePig Definitely practice drawing. It would help to start learning a program now (like OpenToonz, a new open-source software) but without a tablet you can't make anything pretty with it. Tablets aren't too expensive these days, however. Definitely don't sit around and wait for opportunities... that's pretty much all I did. Usually doesn't lead anywhere.

[@LimeGreenTeknii]

I'd like to see an episode about being the musical composer next!

[@Celestrum]

+Extra Credits Would be awesome to hear how to become a writer in the industry. It's something I am seriously struggling with because I lack drawing, programming, and animation skills.

[@FigN06]

+LucianoThePig Get a drawing tablet. The only reason to wait is if you can't afford one yet. It will be the most essential tool you could own to make animation and digital art in general.

[@LightBluly]

Thank you for explain of becoming animator. I am 17 and i am graduating from my Secondary School this October. I just hope that i can go to college and join the animation course next year. I love to draw and so far i draw like 20 times for past year but sadly i mostly copy the images from deviantart because i am not really good at drawing. I just want to experience of how animation look like. I don't have a computer so i cannot do animation or anything.

[@sriparnaroy5043]

LightBluly but you can try to make flipbooks

[@OscarLopez-yo9my]

Try to draw anatomy that helps a lot.

[@Parasprites]

i love this video, it's inspiring the dream isn't dead

[@ChicaChickenXD]

Parasprites ikr

[@SunbornWanderer]

The journey of a thousand miles begin with the first step 😊

[@mellojello43]

Parasprites show me your portfolio 😩💦

[@Rehteal]

And let's all take a moment to fondly remember Monty Oum.

[@talonblade336]

+Rehtael Laudet Rest In Peace Monty... Taken from us too soon.

[@StrayDog520]

+Rehtael Laudet The reason Why I wanted to start animation and 3D modeling.

[@7fallingstars]

+Rehtael Laudet I was blown away at the work he could do and he left quite a legacy behind. RIP Monty.

[@ASpaceOstrich]

+Rehtael Laudet $%^&. I forgot. Damn, that actually hits harder than the first time around.

[@mastergamer132e4]

he's my inspiration! may he rest in peace

[@corruptedminds5679]

Ya know, I'm still waiting for the voice acting episode you guys said you would do on the FIRST EPISODE.

[@ThePeetzerGuy]

Hear, hear.

[@nekkowe]

+Richard England Give SoulBrothaNumbuh3's "How to be an Online Voice Actor" a shot. The guy goes into a lot of detail about beginner mistakes, technical requirements, mindset and what to expect in the industry.

[@clamsquid8606]

Search up CDawgVA he did a video covering on how to be a voice actor

[@KingkyLeor]

i want to be one, but i fear that my voice suck, and, i also fear my act is lacking, or my weird accent, or my short memory.... the stress, the stress.......... i'll just go in the corner reggretting my life, or prepare myself, or both

[@joaomarcoscosta4647]

Yeah, me too! I'm studing to be an actor myself, and doing the voice acting of a game I like would be nice.

[@parisstardust]

Why does his voice sound slightly robotic?

[@johngddr5288]

its not robotic. Its the pitch from being sped up.

[@hauntedspaghetti8285]

He's an alien.

[@teigantheisen2549]

@@hauntedspaghetti8285 I KNEW IT!

[@Som3D]

Or he is just a robot

[@student6830]

Because robotic voices are meant to imitate humans, and they're getting better.

[@greymattergaming5317]

'A good animator always pushes themselves to keep getting better.' I think that applies to every field you could work in.

[@DuranmanX]

There are a lot of jobs where you get paid the same whether your product is mediocre or spectacular

[@greymattergaming5317]

***** From most fields i'm interested in, most of the people I know had to work to get what they wanted.

[@Tusharkd]

XD

[@Delbertfrost2000]

Could you elaborate? That sounds interesting...

[@mouseonthestreets8675]

Delbert Frost Watching tutorials. It doesn't work for me. I need an actually teacher there with me when I have questions

[@ThePesident]

I'm more into being interactive with things, visual learning is still useful, but I don't find it to be the best Also, det degree

[@michaeloffner8515]

Art school in general is pretty optional. The real reason people go? You meet artists everywhere you go. Art school is the best place to network as an artist. Knowing people is what gets you into the industry, and art school is basically paying for the networking opportunity of a lifetime. Second reason is it gives you four years to focus on nothing but art. Art as a hobby learned via internet is great and all, but if I could spend more time just on art, I'd skyrocket past where I am now.

[@InkClodVOD]

So you can flaunt your degree in your Cartoon Network show pitch

[@ThePooper3000]

Next video: _So You Want To Be a Janitor [At a Game Studio]_.

[@101jir]

+ThePooper3000 The first step is to get first hand experience at home =P

[@ThePooper3000]

101jir Then I've already failed D:

[@gohan12991]

Maybe, Maybe Not _oh, awesome bro_

[@gohan12991]

Maybe, Maybe Not Is there something for bold and underline too?

[@gohan12991]

Maybe, Maybe Not How to do it?

[@packmentalitymedia]

Anyone looking to learn how to animate in England? Check out the University of West England in Bristol. They have a very good animation course, and I hear Bournemouth does too. Animation is a great thing to study. One of my old tutors would always say that animation helps you stop simply looking at the world and start actually "seeing" it. It's true. You notice the intricacies of movement in almost everything once you are actively engaging with animation. It's fascinating when you realise what you've been missing.

[@NeroGeist]

Excellent video! I hope this will inspire more people to try out animation, it really is a fun profession!

[@leorlev8363]

While I doubt I will ever animate as a profession, since I'm still learning how to draw, I hope to one day be able to animate something simple. Not even sure what style or genre, I just want to make something that makes someone enjoy themselves. Extra Credits really showed off what work may lay ahead if I pursue this as a hobby, so who knows if I ever get there. But I hope! :D

[@shikharverma8696]

you should try to make a short film by doing traditional animation, like cuphead

[@rainbowkirby]

I was half-expecting the School of Visual Arts to be mentioned, but I'm not disappointed that it wasn't. While it's certainly had its inconsistencies with quality, I'm still enjoying my time here. Plus, living in New York is fun.

[@ultimaoportunidadVEVO]

I wanna study there :^)

[@MarioUcomics]

rovi SVA is. Bit of a mixed bag. Depends who you get to teach you.

[@evanwatkins421]

Is that the school Vivienne medrano went to

[@SyntekkTeam]

I feel like the climbing metaphore could be a applied to a lot of areas. I've been programming for 8 years now and I'm still learning new way to improve my code.

[@Jumper706]

+Arend Peter Castelein I've been coding for about 6 and I agree wholeheartedly

[@Terf1988]

Probably life in general.

[@roboticfish3452]

“Observe people” Me: *OBSERVES A CHILD FOR MOVEMENT* Adult across: 911

[@clairefraser7786]

😂😂😂😂 if feel like this would be me

[@Nugcon]

FBI

[@bokajon]

As an animator you gotta bring those sunglasses with you, wherever you go ;)

[@gawty]

HAHAHHAHAHA oh no

[@DaimonAnimations]

Actually, learning to draw improves a lot those who want to be 3d animators because it helps them understand better the limitations of a body. Go and practice live drawing, it will increase your mental library of amazing poses from great talented models, understand the human body, male and female and understanding their physical limitations will help you improve your 3d animation skills. Now many big studios and Animation schools are promoting more to go to live drawing courses, if you can do it, take the chance, your animations will improve greatly.

[@Meloncov]

+Dai mon There are many great animators who can't draw. Now, you're certainly not wasting time learning to draw; drawing will improve your animation skills, but it won't necessarily improve your animation skills more than spending the same amount of time practicing animating.

[@RyanGatts]

+Kevin Baker In my experience, learning to draw is really helpful in working out a scene with someone else. I've never done game animation when I wasn't on a team, and when you're working on something with a team, drawing is a much much much much much faster way of clearly communicating the goals of the animation you or they are working on than anything you can do in 3d. It's also very hard to take animation notes for 3d animation without drawing. If you have someone performing an action in front of you, and you aren't taking video of them, 3d can't help you copy down nice poses and gesture, but sketching can :) I guess what I'm saying is there's more to being a good animator than just animating well.

[@C4DNerd]

+Dai mon While I would agree that it certainly doesn't hurt to know how to draw to be a 3D animator, I don't think it's a requirement. I mean, I know how to draw, but I'm certainly not the best at it, and I find that I am able to create much better 3D characters than I am able to draw them. For me, the biggest way of understanding the human body and physical limitations is really just by looking at real life examples (which this video touches on quite a bit). My animation (while absolutely not my strongsuit, modeling is definitely what I'm better at than anything else) is a lot better when I am referencing from a real life example rather than from a cartoon or 2D animated example. Which is probably, (as again explained in the video) because by referencing from a real life example, it is much easier to have flexibility in how it will look and making it seem natural where the 2D animated example will feel more restricted in however that animation was done.

[@DaimonAnimations]

C4DNerd It is becoming a requirement now. At Ubisoft they promote their animators to take Live drawing sessions and they are loving it. In my university, it was hired an former animator from Disney who she says she is being hired lately more often by several animation studios and video game studios to teach their animator live-drawing sessions since a lot of the new generation of 3d animators are having issues understanding human anatomy and their limitations. We recently had 3 special guests from Animators who worked in Avatar and Zootopia and they asserted that taking live-drawing sessions improved a lot to understand better animation itself. Certainly some people might be very good at 3D but 3D itself doesn't help you understand better anatomy, but live-drawing it's something you must take advantage of if the studio where you work or university where you study is offering it. Understanding better the human body will increase the chances of making a better animation.

[@Forever_Muffin]

I really doubt they'd make a video about this, but i'd really really love to see a video about being a conceptual artist for videogames... lately, i've been thinking a lot about that, and it sounds really interesting, and i'd love to work as one *0* but i dont know much about it!

[@SagwaTheChineseSaimeseCat]

If youre still in high school you can talk to your art teacher about this. Im sure they will help you or atleast know someone who you can talk to about concept art. Also you can look into some different colleges to learn more about it. I want to do 3d animation and 3d character design for videogames mostly. so maybe if i actually get accepted and where im going i might be able to help/tell you more about it. Good luck. Comment on my videos to get me to talk to you more about it because thatd be the quickest and easiest way for me to actually respond to you. And also a lot of times with concept art id assume it starts with creativity in your characters and making them interesting. again good luck. OH also just checked out your channel and you seem to do some good art unlike me lol. Cool artwork id say. Keep at it lol.

[@Forever_Muffin]

(sry, cus im on the phone replying through here is easier ^^u) Yeah, haha, the problems are many with that. First off, im in college, studying to be an engineer. There are no colleges here to study something like that, and i dont know that many people who could know people who would tell me about these kind of stuff. There are colleges for videogame programming, and i think they have classes of conceptual artwork, but that's it XD So that's one problem QwQ i tried looking up info, and it sounds interesting! but i wanted to know more about it from a professional standpoint, and i thought in Extra Credits they might know about this, considering they worked on films and videogames, both of which require conceptual art XD Here in my country we dont have a big film or videogame industry, so it's almost impossible to find people who know about these kinds of stuff 3': also thanks a lot for the complimente on my artwork! ºwº i try so hard haha XD

[@SagwaTheChineseSaimeseCat]

ForeverMuffin oh ok.maybe you can try an online college if there arent any colleges around you for concept art. Sorry i cant be much more help. Good luck again.

[@Forever_Muffin]

it's okay :3 yeah, i guess i could try finding one of those :) and thanks~

[@michaeloffner8515]

Look up Cubebrush. He has videos on his experience as a concept artist for Blizzard and how to become one.

[@iamdom3319]

I'm an animation student and it would've been nice to know some of this going in 5 months ago but I can appreciate what's being said. great video :)

I've been animating professionally since 2006, this video is spot on! Congrats, you nailed it, right in the head :D

[@nasirmuhammad8768]

could you do an episode on becoming a game writer?

[@neilbrooks6537]

Please! I love writing!

[@jordanjenkins1671]

"Study reality, not another person's interpretation of it" WOW. That will change how I study drawing going forward

[@KBABZ]

5:21 Hey look, Asterix! I always find it a bit interesting how despite the incredible reliance of movement in games, the animation itself isn't critiqued all that much.

[@3333218]

+KBABZ Unfortunately, game criticism nowadays haven't reached the point of being 'game critique'. If you know what I mean. If that was the case, then, I belieave all the crafts involved would have to be analyzed by a respective specialist.

[@KBABZ]

Agreed, there'd be more attention to modelling and lighting and animation, rather than just the usual "doesn't feel right" or "muddy textures". Comparatively, a film is often reviewed with things like lighting, set design, props, script, etc in mind.

[@3333218]

KBABZ I'm a programmer and game designer and those are things that also suffer from the usual GD:"gameplay is too hard" or Prog: "it takes too long to load"; Instead of an actual in-depth analysis. So it must really suck to hear about "the colors are too bland" or something.

[@KBABZ]

+TCMOREIRA Yeah. Loading was actually on the latest Kinda Funny Gamescast, and there's a lack of understanding about why load times haven't gone away. Because the assets are becoming larger they take longer to load, so the two cancel each other out. Same with frames per second: the console is more powerful, but devs would rather make the game prettier at the standard 30fps than to make a PS3 game at 120fps. ...right? Also awesome that you're a game designer! I have a not-at-all-modest interest in level design and how gameplay mechanics interlock with each other.

[@3333218]

KBABZ I learned Level Design by experience when I was 14 years old by making Super Mario World mods until I was 17. (Take a look at: "smwcentral.net"). It's a cool and pretty hard subset of Game Design. :)

[@TheSergitz]

I'm still an animator in training, means I'm still trying to learn the basics of animation. This video is very informative because I haven't really bothered learning more about the basics. But I want to become an animator and strive to climb up that endless mountain. I want to get my ideas out there and become someone amazing. I'm still in high school but hey that's not stopping me from achieving my dream of becoming an animator. I think I shpuld take tge advice from this video and start using some of the methods.

[@DuranmanX]

Reminds me of when Miyazaki stated he dislikes otakus because they don't study reality, but claim to love animation

[@DanielFloyd]

+Adrian Duran Yeah, I think that's ultimately what he was getting at with that statement.

[@A9YearsOldNOTYouTuber]

Miyazaki who?

[@karlsmith6690]

+ A 9 Years Old NOT KZbinr Hayao Miyazaki. A legendary animator from Japan.

[@rosabellatan9032]

Thank you for advice. It’s really mean it to me. My background: I wanted to be animator since I’m 11 years old and I always get rewarded for my art at my school But when it’s time for me to go to college i already planned to go art major anyway but my parents don’t believe art can make money, so they control me to study a different major that is not art. I very regret it I hate the major that my parents control me to go in. Now I am planning to run away my parents,when I got my new place and I will never be what they want me to be . I don’t care if my dream job pay less than the job I getting but I can’t stand anymore. It’s times for me to fly away.

[@ManjushageP]

Hey there! I know it's been a while since you commented this, but I wanted to check how've you been. I'm in the same situation, you know that feeling of having someone you love take up the first and last thought in the day? That's how I feel about animation. At this point it doesn't matter which job I do, I just want to be in the industry. To create and make something beautiful. Right now I'm in a program I don't really want to study, but have been building my portfolio on the side and hopefully once it's good enough, my parents might finally support me!

[@llifetodeathmatter]

I'd love an episode like this for concept artists. I have a feeling that alot of the qualities and necessities from this episode would be echoed but the subtle differences and the clarity of what concept artists there are/actually do would be appreciated, I'm sure.

[@imnotherenow200]

One of the professors at MTSU recommended that I get into the habit of drawing not to be good at drawing, but to get used to the motions I would have to make when I do end up making 2D animations. Just thought it might help someone out there :D

[@kiramoth2766]

Studying animation in france right now and on the topics of animation colleges : Don't espect too much from the program and the teachers. They can be excellent, but you won't learn something that will make you stand out simply by sitting in the class. Good schools are good more because the students who get in have most of the time multiple years of art education behind them, and are already really good, can draw a lot everyday. You learn more from the students than the school in reality! My advice is to avoid pressuring yourself too much, print art from the best professionals, put it aside your own, and ask yourself "what can I do to make my art at least as good as their? Why does that art feel that good?" Draw a lot, understand your drawing, make it more constructed (anatomy, morphology) but also very expressive and full of life. And never forget to have fun in the process :)

[@1Joren]

+Lothian Alimantado Yep, as goes for a lot of artist professions, learning them is always about practice, self-improvement. Sitting in class is never enough. Arts can't be spoonfed. I study Industrial Design currently and the more valuable asset for me is other students, there's always someone that knows a solution to your problem, a trick to improve a certain skill, etc.

[@kiramoth2766]

Falxhor Good luck, product design looks so tough!

[@1Joren]

Lothian Alimantado Definitely can be but I love it for that ;).

[@kiramoth2766]

Yeay, I love animation because of the challenge it represents everyday for sure ;D

[@albinoasesino]

+Extra Credits , what you have said reminds me of the post "Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki says the anime industry’s problem is that it’s full of anime fans " where he complains that one of the problems of the industry (back in 2014) is “Almost all Japanese animation is produced with hardly any basis taken from observing real people, you know.”

[@phabelgreene7875]

Fantastic video! From an aspiring animator, thank you!

[@PKrawzakProductions]

Learning that even the folks at the top of their field ALSO have insecurity with their work, and struggle with the "not being good enough" feeling is simultaneously liberating and terrifying. On one hand, it's completely normal. On the other hand, it's not going to go away.

[@holleey]

the climbing analogy, that's the thing with every talent. ;)

[@eluukkanen]

+Holger Kelz In writing, music, performing... excactly!

[@leorlev8363]

+♦ Elias Luukkanen ♦ Also helps to not think of it as a strenuous, endless exercise, but as something that keeps getting more stunning and enjoyable as you work through it all.

[@guyWSonicpicture]

i'm currently in video game college and i'm the animator and concept artist of my team, i'm having a lot of anxiety about how should i work and do my best for my team, but i'm trying to push myself more and more to get better at this, i've watched this video when i was still 15 years old, and now i'm 17, finally doing what i was dreaming so much about in the early days. you guys gave me a lot of good advice on how to be a good game creator and i will never forget the days i've passed just watching you guys and learning more, thank you.

[@CBusschaert]

Why do I get the feeling this episode has been written just after that session of Zelda on Extra Play with Lily? x)

[@MikeBedsole]

This is a pretty dang good summary of what it's like out there. Great job!

[@orangedalmatian]

+Mike Bedsole Love your work, Mike! And thank you for organizing/participating in that animation collaboration for Jon's firework cover. That is seriously one of my favorite videos on this website.

[@MikeBedsole]

Thanks man! Glad you liked it!

[@JaydenM7]

It's My Dream To Be A KZbin Animator 😄👍 Also Everyone Who's reading this I hope you succeed your dreams 👍🏻😀

[@rutoxenpieOfficial1]

Welll your fcking name is jaiden

[@tinniesealjiji]

Hope you succeed in your dream

[@JaydenM7]

Silent But Deathly lol

[@wansakuga3301]

Goodluck bro

[@izzypaige07]

Good luck!

[@dalmatianplayz1082]

This is only my opinion but I think anyone can be an animator even if there not a total artist. I am an artist but I have a cousin who also wants to learn art. She calls me to show me her pictures and they improve every time. I think you can start from scratch when animating, you just need the right sources to animate or learn.

[@likekaztocastillo3590]

5:23 Is that a Miraculous Ladybug reference I see :D (Also Asterix and oddly Howl's Moving Castle)

[@devyncave4330]

Thank you. Honestly. I can't tell you how much confidence this just gave me.

[@AvatarRoku22]

omfg this is exactly what i needed! just started majoring in animation

[@leorlev8363]

+AvatarRoku Good luck and have fun with whatever you decide to animate!

[@AvatarRoku22]

Leorlev Cleric thanks :D loving it so far

[@-Love-Emma]

Thank you so much! Im a sophomore in highschool and I want to go into animation. People often tell me its damn near impossible, instead of telling me what I need to do; things I need to know. This video gave me a rough idea of what to look forward to and it put me in a better place to get started. Thank you Extra Credits!

[@brunoferreira4049]

I just watched their ds run. It is so weird hearing this high pitch voice again.

[@malloryharack301]

as a student who's currently enrolled at Sheridan, it made me smile to know that my wee little campus is recognized for its amazing animating course. I love it here, wouldn't trade it for the world. :)

[@mr0661]

What is that thing between your head and torso?

[@simonwilliamson3684]

I know, right?!

[@pharder1234]

+mr0661 his neck

[@vitorkiguchi4670]

+mr0661 love those inside jokes

[@Kirungi_Birungi]

mr0661 To answer that question.....what's a torso?

[@lars0me]

If you're interested in stickfigure or fight animation, you might like Hyun's Dojo and the tons of channels associated with it. (The dojo on youtube is really just a spotlight.) Just a little shoutout from a subscriber to a lot of them. I'm pretty sure you have seen some of their members already.

[@ginsan8198]

"Do reaearch" That's why we are here. We are researching!!! Please tell us something we don't know yet.

[@encune]

Thanks for the comment from your colleague at the end. I'm a final year at Bournemouth uni (UK) studying computer animation and just hearing that is super motivational. Will definitely be keeping it in mind next deadline!

[@feldspar1000]

6:19 Chaos is a ladder.

[@MintyFrills]

I studied classical animation and this is all good advice!! I would add that learning classical animation gives you an amazing ground for learning any other kind of animator, our teachers told us that it was a good thing when looking for any kind of animation job later to have learned classical first.

[@Sami0Mahdi0Algeriano]

hello there i see that u studied animation may i get your help please ! i'm i'm a student from algeria, north africa, i'm founding a small social project and i need a supportive video what i'm doing is providing orphans from SOS villages and orphanages with free languages courses, the teachers volunteers including me in their free time and provide the kids with better future and bigger opportunities! if things went well we might teach them coding and other skills too too, and we will work until we get it to the whole national level how you can help me, i need a short animated video to describe the project and ask for volunteering teachers and sponsorship where i will be showing the video to some companies i will be passing by like juice companies and cookies companies so i can keep the kids motivated and support the teachers efforts in the same time so as using better tools in teaching ! i will apreciate a lot your effort no matter how small it might be ! any support or putting us in touch with someone that can help will means a lot hope to hear from you soon Best regards

[@bagandtag4391]

I'm not into animation but looks hard ヽ༼ ツ ༽ﾉ

[@Dingosilver57]

I've already started a 4 year course by the time this video came out, but the other tips are still very helpful, even if I've already heard a lot of them before. Always good to get confirmation from people that know the industry well.

[@GeolyteGM]

I really want to be an animation, and I'm practicing in school to become one, like TheOdd1sOut. So thank you...! 😉

[@chiefatgaming230]

I want to be an animation ???? It would be animator

[@GeolyteGM]

Everyone wants to be an animator!

[@walpol3]

Alejandro Mendez you want to be an animation? Not many people can do that

[@GeolyteGM]

I know, animation may be hard but anyone has their own chance for training as one, just like me. =)

[@bbpanzu213]

Theoddonesout isn't really animation. Jaiden is a better example

[@seangrafton3732]

I actually just got into Sheridan for Game design and am so pumped to be working with their Animation and Design department.

[@CornishCreamtea07]

I was recommended the Animators Survival Kit when I asked about Sprite animation.

[@obsidianmoon13]

+CornishCreamtea07 It is worth getting. I picked the book up years ago and still go back to it from time to time.

[@CornishCreamtea07]

They let me look through theirs, yeah it was good. A lot of examples from the golden age of animation.

[@eeeeea]

other people in the comments say they wanna work at disney or something like that while i'm just here wanting to make a short cartoon series just for fun and upload it on youtube, kinda based on some of my favorite cartoons, but mostly original.

[@Cine_Coverop]

Thank you for a valuable lesson. I've learned so much today!

[@Ģöŕẅÿŋ]

that last quote actually made me cry. good job ec. throughly enspired

[@zoobMer]

this video has too many things that apply to every feild in exsistance.

[@StarWeaverThree]

I don't think there's a creative field out there that that quote at the end dosen't apply to.

[@BadAssBogie12]

I'm so thankful that you guys are here, sharing all your knowledge for current and future generations of game makers

[@Carolina-yc7hy]

''A good animator avoid clichés,they always look for the most interesting choice'' a ladybug and a black cat appears (like miraculous: the adventures of ladybug and chat noir) coincidence ? i dont think so :P

[@diadokhoi5722]

I do 3d animations. Mostly ed modeling. To make everything on your own requires a lot of work. 1st modeling Then texturing/shading 3rd rigging 4th is animation

[@princealmighty5391]

And u dont need to know how to draw to be 2d animator you can just trace cant you from public domian and make your own environment and characters

[@princealmighty5391]

Please reply to this as no one has answered this yet

[@princealmighty5391]

It's not stealing as its public domian

[@PrincetoonsYT]

Don't worry about being a good artist part you only need good imagination and creativity cause if you're doing computer animation you don't need to know how to draw well and also people tend to like simpler character design.

[@vinea1138]

Hopefully, this year will be my year as an animator.

[@popemalone5242]

I'm a 2d animator and I'm a ok drawer.

[@ghostfreak1309]

That Lego Guy I'm learning how to draw just so I can be a 2D Animator. But, unlike most, I want to open my own Animation Studio one day.

[@popemalone5242]

Ghost Freak same here.

[@williss11]

me too man, its going to be so much investment in $ omg though lol

[@DrMoonRose]

I'm hoping to get into 3d animation and Character design

[@Budder1252]

Ghost Freak are you good at drawing yet, cause damn I’m still a beginner at drawing, but I still want to be an animator. I feel like I’m a bit late at the party cause I’m going into my senior year.

[@SuchAPratt]

I've always wanted to be an animator but pushed it aside for a career that was more acceptable but 10 years later I still have a passion for animation. This year I will pursue it!

[@olivermisbach2454]

Thanks for making this video! I really want to be a 3d game or film animator, and this clears up a lot of questions I didn't even know I had.

[@kangalcea]

when I studied animation and Game making in school the animators survival kit was my best friend! this is a wonderful video.

[@smileyartz]

HOW I animate: (Draws a line) Me: Yup that`s good!

[@minyak2376]

My dream is become anime animator in Japan because drawing anime and study their body types is only my ability, but i don't know how to animate them thx this video helps a lot

[@danalyzer264]

I, by the way, am already a natural born writer but unfortunately I cannot draw. My overwhelming desire is to possibly pursue a career as a successful animator. Now, do I need to learn how to draw characters beforehand?

[@markdefeo7958]

That quote about the mountain really hit me close. Thanks for this video!

[@Kirungi_Birungi]

"so take a moment to celebrate how far you've got" Me: Yas! Yes! I have come far "And than start climbing again" *Throws computer against wall*

[@PrincessSabbath415]

I'm about to graduate with a bachelor in computer animation, and through out the years, I took classes about all the things you mentioned in your video. I had to study academic art, color theory, and sculpting (these classes are relevant). I took an acting class and photography, and worked on a 2 minute animation with a team of four. My schedule was hectic and my hours were long, but it was worth it. I highly recommend going to college to learn animation.

[@feynstein1004]

I don't want to learn animation as a profession but as a hobby. To illustrate better what's going on in my head. So I'm thinking of learning Blender. Any tips?

[@kitten9104]

I wanna make a game alone but Idk how to draw

[@OscarLopez-yo9my]

@@kitten9104 to practice try to draw anatomy.

[@animationwriter]

Thanks for the book reccomendation, I do animation just for hobby for now but maybe I'll get to make it for some bigger project one day... although i have no Idea in which field preferably yet xd

[@marvinparacuelles]

If you are talking about how to become a successful animator, then u need to study the fundamentals and the foundations. One of it is drawing. This is why there are only a few good animators nowadays. Is the mindset that you can bypass drawing to become an animator. Then how can study movement without learning how to draw?!!!!!!!! Seriously!

[@owenw.8242]

OMG. I'm literally reading that book right now. The one thing I want to learn is what style of animation I want to do.

[@deez747]

I’m 10 and I’m here for some reason, guess this is my life now

[@_Yeeboi_]

Its good to start young dude, im young too which is why im starting tryng animation too haha

[@ShadowCD624]

subtle reference to Negative Man from Mother 3 at 2:57 Also, very happy to see that visual effects got included in this. I feel like it's a craft that's very often overlooked and taken for granted.

[@wavegunner2323]

Hey Dan (i think thats your name) do you ever listen to classical music when animating?

[@justinc2792]

Before asking this question, you should read the animators survival kit. It says that people listening to music produce less quantity and quality.

[@wavegunner2323]

I know i literally just quoted the book as a joke. Like this is exactly what he said but with the names switched

[@TeegMonkey]

+Justin C But I get bored when animating without music. What should I listen to instead?

[@purnya2]

but... ahaha xD good question!

[@jonniebeans4304]

I like to listen to podcasts :P

[@vilelilman4252]

Climbing that mountain, and mastering each skill and hurdle is like stumbling upon a marvelous city full of wonder. And the harder you work, the harder you climb, you stumble upon another city or land with each level, more wondrous than the last. Because with each technique and skill you discover you can DO more CREATE MORE. When you decide to apply them. You find yourself finally able to create those unique and beautiful designs you were jealous you couldn’t do when you saw other people do them. Even if it’s starts with some basic random shapes or references to get the juices flowing. Because you take a particular idea, a few details no else did. You take those of what you have, and bring it out to it’s full potential. And then you suddenly realize, each city you pass on that mountain, are your creations. And you get more excited than you ever thought before, on how to go about bringing those characters to life, as you climb through their world.

[@SuperMarioVideoProduction]

What if you wanna do both 2d and 3d animation?

[@box787]

Proud SCAD animation major here :) Starting my senior film this quarter!

[@anarchimation1448]

I use Flipnote Studio 3D and Butterfly: Inchworm Animation 2 for Nintendo 3DS. Do those count as useable and powerful software?

[@paitrynpait9664]

Thank you EC for pointing out that this market does have A LOT of people in it without a lot of demand. People are free to do what they love but need to understand that tough job markets will not always be employment friendly.