Tips for Drawing Backgrounds!

Backgrounds are Important for storytelling! But no one seems to want to draw them! In this Episode, Brent and Max draw backgrounds for characters that YOU summited, we talk about perspective, composition, and staging and all other tips related to animation background design #animation #backgroundart #perspective
Perspective Video • Perspective Drawing in...
Background Template : www.dropbox.com/s/quqe6ehf5qs...
Disney Comic Guide : comicsalliance.com/disney-com...
00:00 Intro
1:25 Thinking about Backgrounds
2:51 Simple Background exercise
4:09 Animation Background Size
4:46 Donut Shop Background
7:14 Playing with Shapes
8:25 Fantasy village Background
10:08 Alien Planet Background
10:24 Disney Manual for drawing Comics
11:50 Tangents
12:36 Outro
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👍🏻Patreon / bamanimation
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📺Second Channel / @extrabamanimation
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BaM is dedicated to teaching artists all about the animation industry, and skills sets including character design, background design, animation, and painting! Send us your art, and BaM will make an episode about YOU!
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[@ArtofMaximus]

Why U doing a background episode!? U guys can just trace 3D models!

[@ducktaledudette]

Yep, this is why I watch BaM, for beautiful moments like this

[@noleggin3239]

🤓🤓🤓🤓🤓🤓

[@gergolaky3624]

Yea I agree why U doing a background episode!? U guys can just trace 3D models!

[@arthusmariet1825]

Channel lore

[@funlabsdesignstudio]

🤣

[@grimsonforce7504]

Finally backgrounds are getting the attention they deserve. Its such an underrated topic unfortunately. Backgrounds are just as important as the character(s) drawn on them.

[@BaMAnimation]

they really are!

[@monkeydgoofy8074]

you don't want your characters floating in the void now do you

[@Ziedmac]

@@monkeydgoofy8074 every character reference sheet: "hold my beer"

[@monkeydgoofy8074]

@@Ziedmac xD

[@avivastudios2311]

I always appreciate backgrounds in film. Sometimes they're better than the movie.

[@RNorthex]

I actually kept finding myself in the dilemma that drawing characters without backgrounds just doesn't ever feel interesting enough, but by wanting to draw backgrounds for everything not many projects get done. They just do so much for storytelling, it feels like wasted potential not to have them nearly every time.

[@BaMAnimation]

Gotta have them, at least for the establishing shot so we know where we are!

[@wotwott2319]

@@BaMAnimation hey BaM, would you guys do an episode on how to make simplified backgrounds just to add flavor to a character portrait?

[@chesspiece4257]

try some patterns instead of actual locations? or just draw the part of the background the character is standing on?

[@fictions_in_motion_07]

Omg thank you so much for this. I may find backgrounds a lot of work too, but it definitely a great, especially when it comes to storytelling. Not to just replace the blank canvas behind the characters we draw, but to show a story within a story. Give the audience some snippets like clues that could help them put together a story that creators are telling. Backgrounds rock just like character designs and everything else within the making of animations.

[@BaMAnimation]

every object tells a story!

[@Skitdora2010]

go back and watch Who Framed Roger Rabbit and pause in Toon Town and look at all of the extras they drew in that.

[@ReviveGuyv]

I've drawn my share of backgrounds, but it's always more complicated than I think. I could literally spend one day drawing frames, one day on a background. Biggest takeaways for me: Express more, tone down distant details, and mind the horizon more.

[@MANGLORIOUS]

The little details at 13:57 are really fun. I see a Moana poster, a Miraculous ladybug poster, and a paisley purse. It’s really fun and lively looking.

[@Thejollyjujube]

I’m a comic artist but I love your content and find it super useful even in my field! Great video as always, I missed u ☀️

[@kiritoken1180]

What comic..? 🙂

[@Thejollyjujube]

@@kiritoken1180 for now, it's just small editorial projects, or collaboration with self-published magazines. But I'm working with an agency and doing tons of proposal, so hopefully l'll publish something soon 😁

[@kiritoken1180]

@@Thejollyjujube 😅

[@pariahpariah7048]

@Don't Read My Profile Photo couldn't resist mate😂

[@CodenameKOALS]

@@Thejollyjujube best of luck!!!

[@RAVEVelvet]

Oh my God how convenient that I'm currently trying to learn backgrounds and bam just uploaded a video that's super usefull!! These guys sure have helped me alot

[@animalfort3183]

Real quick: I am currently tracing some of my old photos for references of buildings that don't exist anymore. These structures can't be found even online. For this, I thank you for reminding me of the importance of changing the final outcome of these scene's through understanding it's perspectives and avoiding tangents. Cheers!

[@Grim_Grim.]

its rare you find a channel that gets straight to the point clearly and concussively. I have watched so many videos on this and learned nothing and suddenly in 14 minuets I feel as if I can draw any background. that's earned a life long subscriber my dude

[@MANGLORIOUS]

Dude, i’m so damn inspired to draw backgrounds now. Love the tips! I stay far away from backgrounds because I have a distaste for perspective, but this video’s encouraging me to give it a try

[@BaMAnimation]

it's really easy once you add a grid!

[@RakibSWN]

Thank you..Waiting for colouring episode...

[@Fatih_M177]

This is honestly helpful, my art is honestly great on its own, and i am still learning and improving, but without backgrounds, it can sometimes look bland, i am happy with this video

[@marcypotato6435]

this made me respect backgrounds even more, i kinda always knew that theyre not just something rushed for characters to run around in, but rather an environment that tells a story within it. so i like that you treat it as a character, it gives me a whole other *perspective* to it (and maybe can help me draw interesting backgrounds idk) *TL;DR: perspective is hard* :') but what i think why artists tend to avoid backgrounds (like me) is because it can feel intimidating, i can imagine a cool background with a mood and story for a character to live in, but i immediately get frustrated and overwhelmed because there are so many elements that makes a background good with so many objects that has to be in perspective or they will feel out of place (which we obviously dont want).. which is what this video stated at a point, instead of thinking about it as complex buildings or whatever you can think of simple shapes, just like characters. characters and figures seem to be the thing to start with for any beginner and eventually they stick to it and it becomes a comfort zone, maybe cuz drawing characters feel more impressive like "omg it just looks like mickey mouse", or maybe because characters are the focus in most media and artists wanna draw their favorite people, i rarely see someone being like "i started drawing because i liked the backgrounds of looney toons" or something. while anatomy can be an analogy for the elements and objects working together in a background... but.. is anatomy really what you think about when you see spongebob the question "why most artists only draw/start with drawing characters" interests me and i doubt i even scratched the surface uh maybe cuz characters feel simpler to draw, more appealing? cooler? ..or maybe theyre just hot idk

[@AustenValentine]

You have a lovely, encouraging teaching style. This lesson is also clearly structured and full of great content. It makes me curious about your online classes. Thank you!

[@BaMAnimation]

Our best stuff is on KZbin! Thanks for watching

[@liziseclecticadventure338]

I *just* began realizing the amount of story a background can tell about a character. I come from a simple pencil sketch childhood. No color. I was actually afraid to try to add colors to my artwork. I wasn't familiar with how they worked (water color vs. Marker vs. Acrylic, etc.). But I began using color and now... I'm OBSESSED with learning how to fo backgrounds! I'm not sure how color unlocked it, but.... yeah.

[@HoldOntoYourButts]

It's always a pleasure to see a new upload from you guys. I appreciate your time and knowledge

[@nickvita4610]

Just found this channel today, and I gotta say you guys produce incredible content. I majored in animation and motion media and, across the 4 videos I've seen so far there's been more high quality, concise, and easily understandable information than my entire university experience provided. Crazy to me that you guys put these videos out FOR FREE. Can't thank you enough

[@anadespot5780]

You guys have been my holy grail for animation tutorials since you started posting. Thank you so much, you always answer my exact questions in each video you make!!! There aren't many straightforward animation tutorials out there, on youtube or anywhere else, so I can't even describe how much you helped me in the past few years. And also, you are both hilarious and I would like to be your friend. Is that cool? Love you guys! Thanks once again, you have no idea how helpful you've been

[@RavenStarMedia]

I actually just started adding backgrounds to my art, and now here I get this as a notification! Might help inspire me to add more backgrounds now!

[@ijerofei]

Oooo my gaaaad

[@nidhi4482]

OooOo my gooaddd

[@ghostapparition6179]

Wow

[@Shortay123]

Ooooo gad

[@Krosstheroad]

hali cow

[@mainemoragriegaart757]

I've watched lots of BG tips but you guys made it much easier to understand to a person like me who struggle a lot when it comes to BG designs. It really is hard for me to include BG and understand the values to everything when you're a character design artist. It's just a lot to take in. So, I'm just glad that I found this channel. Thanks guys. I wish you more subcribers and stuff. 😁👍

[@Jasmera]

You guys have the best background tutorial videos ever! Very easy to understand, fun to watch, and informative. I always coming back to the perspective grid video and Im sure I'll be coming back to this one millions of times!

[@fareschouihi3]

Welcome back, we missed your content guys

[@cristianlavado6891]

This is the best channel for animators, illustrators and comic book artists, not only because they are true professionals in this area ,but also because each video has great content, they are very very funny with an intelligent narrative. Thank you guys for share your talent.📝🤓

[@jean-baptistedeclerfayt8288]

That's so amazing to see a new vid from you guys popping in my notifications! I love your work! It's such a boost of motivation watching you :)

[@HiVisl]

I love drawing backgrounds. It actually fuels character drawing because it forces you to think about how to place the character in the overall composition, how to make room for the acting, and how to draw the character(s) in perspective and to one another. Great episode!

[@Nadiaxel]

I've enjoyed and learned so much from your videos for such a long time now. Your channel is, in my opinion, one of the best for artists on KZbin! Keep it up, guys! You are killing it!...(in the best way XD)

[@orenjidesu7290]

I always fascinated by how Studio Ghibli Artist render their Background Art that fit perfectly with their characters and storytelling. So their Movies was my main inspiration and motivation to become background artist/painter/illustrator

[@bluejtee2762]

Im glad you guys are back! the information in these videos are a goldmine

[@attritian]

These guys always make it exciting for me when I know I'm about to head into college for animation, its fun knowing that my ideas always have a chance to spring to life and there's always a lot to learn

[@itsyeduk]

BAM ANIMATION BACK??? THANK GOD!

[@veronica.theswamphag]

I used to yearn for the 70s, 80s, and 90s, but as someone who would never have been able to go to art school to learn this stuff I am so grateful for the internet and the people sharing their amazing knowledge like this for free 😭 thank you so much 💞

[@unaninated]

This is amazing, I have always struggled with creating background environments for my characters. I gone so far as to learn 3D just so I didn't have to. But watching this video really reframes my thinking on how to go about it (Trearting it as it's own character, which is silently telling the audience more about the characters who inhabit it). I will definitely be taking your advise of starting with my own environment and go from there.

[@BaMAnimation]

Success! You rule

[@bunnie_inc6683]

IT'S LIKE YOU READ MY MIND- I recently subbed because I remembered your perspective video recently and went back to watch it because it's still something I struggle with (along with backgrounds itself)- all of which I want to improve on. So...perfect timing!

[@phillipjohnson8903]

it's nice to hear the line about there being multiple vanishing points for different objects in a background for the LONGEST time thats been my biggest hurdle. I can't wait to get into backgrounds going forward

[@RetroReviewsMovies]

I can’t wait to watch this video at least three more times to make sure I gain every piece of animation knowledge.

[@funlabsdesignstudio]

You guys are Rad! Thx for all the inspiration. You remind me of what it was like in animation class all them yrs ago and man do I miss it! Love being around silly creative people drawing all day and having fun coming up with funny entertaining ideas! I studied 2D animation some yrs ago but under the intense military style sgt like drilling critique majority of our classes self esteem dove to beyond un-epic proportions. 🤣 Now after yrs of continued practice drawing and building back up my beaten down self worth I am now starting to develop my own animations once again! Yay to healed self esteem! 😂 Backgrounds are definitely under rated but definitely worth creating. I have recently been drawing more of them. I think people feel intimidated by them but thanks for making another amazing video!

[@whyishehere3930]

Im soo happy u guys found the time to make another video!!! U two are one of the most important reasons I started drawing again. Thank U so much

[@minetruly]

Thinking of backgrounds as characters was mind-blowing for me. You have revolutionized how I approach backgrounds, and I'm actually inspired to do a bunch of practice with them. Thank you!!

[@dayolasekan2550]

You guys just made me want to practice more background works. Btw submitted some of my characters for draw my art. Fingers crossed that you draw it

[@BaMAnimation]

We'll do our best! Thanks for your nice comment it makes me smile

[@swittle8183]

These guys showed, up made some of the most helpful tutorials ever, and then just diappeared

[@SOM_-sy6pv]

Finally after 9 months! so happy you're back, cause of your valuable content!

[@happyboogaloo]

Thank you so much for making this video, I’ve watched a few other background tutorials but none of them really tackled the topic the way you both have here

[@BRdarkdragon1]

As a background designer i have to say, this is one of the best vídeos about it. Simple but with a lot of information. Nice work guys! Cheers from Brazil ✌️

[@haoqw]

They’re back!

[@ephemereaux]

Absolutely incredible video. I’m a college junior majoring in Fine Arts, and throughout ALL the perspective drawing units I’ve taken, no one has ever really explained how the horizon line works in perspective like this. That short animation showing how different camera angles affects the horizon line blew my mind lmao. Excited to try all this out!!

[@derekwalker647]

I was literally looking up tutorials for backgrounds and once again, you all come in the nick of time!

[@randomaniac1558]

bam animation has posted a new video! today is gonna be a great da- wait it's midnight

[@lixxer10135]

plz make a video how to color this

[@Lets_Take_OFF]

Watch some colour theory video, you will learn that also😄😄😄

[@TYguy___]

Man your videos are packed with genuine great advice. These videos seemed to be the ones I come back to the most for help. Thanks guys!

[@AmbroseReed]

Perfect timing!! I do a print every month and am focusing on big location-focused lore for the last four of the year. Backgrounds and atmosphere will be a huge focus so I appreciate the tips!

[@manuelmedina38]

it really amazes me the amount of dedication that u guys put in your videos. So higly educational, entertainment, very high value content. It is so much easier to grow as an artist with all the information that is shown. Backgrounds has been difficult ofr me, but with all the tips here, i will definetly try everything and practice more! As allways, thank you! I hope you guys can submit more helpful videos!

[@actualtrashyy]

I've been having problems with backgrounds lately, this is awesome! You guys are officially my favourite animation channel

[@nestycruz891]

Love the effort you both put in the video👍. Been drawing BG's for years, since its part of being a layout artist in an animation studio. Still, I've learned new things today from this video: "...old villages are organic places that form over time". And... "BG are characters. They may not have speaking roles, but the feelings they convey are clear".

[@medeyum]

So stoked I found this channel! Solid, practical advice. All killer no filler, thanks guys.

[@MonaMSP]

Great to see you guys active again! This video helped me a lot, as I am studying environmental art at the moment.

[@mad_hatt]

Finally a video that helps me! I know perspective, I can draw a background from a reference, but I can’t make something from memory or create an interesting composition. This was exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!

[@Robindoesstuff]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO! So many people just skip backgrounds when it makes the image say so much more about the character

[@erezkz]

for me, it doesnt even matter the subject, I'm just happy to see a post from you guys! please keep this channel up. big appreciation for your content 🤍

[@stillremain.artwork]

EVERY TIME you guys upload a video I run to watch it, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@juanpis.f]

You guys really make these videos very approachable for beginners! Thanks for the tips and making the videos with so much love

[@caspremedia]

One of the best animation/art channels on youtube. thanks for this, the background aesthetic is more important than the character design imo. although both are critical to get right.

[@asakusamidori1fan]

i don't really like drawing people but I love drawing backgrounds, when I used to watch gravity falls I used to screenshot EVERY scene when there's no characters and just the background. I still have the collection on my old tablet,I really love backgrounds, especially the artstyle in gravity falls xd

[@kidusmarkos1653]

appreciate the hardwork put behind this. such a underrated youtuber

[@AlphAndroiD]

Again, one of the best channels on this entire platform!!! Insanely good ❤️❤️❤️

[@KarpoCottage]

I've been wanting to learn to draw backgrounds for years! This has gained me new inspiration to try again!

[@eleonoracaprara2807]

I'm so happy you guys are back!

[@jowbee4675]

Missed you both! Glad youve posted again

[@ginogarcia8730]

man this video is amazing! - it has so much great info packed into it

[@veraartcloud7740]

You guys are awesome. I've dabbled in background art but always defaulted to natural landscapes due to the loose and organic lines being easier to draw. But this is giving me inspiration to try those more complex or strict city scrapes and lines, thank you!

[@cinnamon9390]

YAAAAAAY you're back! Love you guys :D

[@iamrovai]

omg you're alive! glad to see you guys back! :D

[@matthew1385]

Glad you guys are back, your videos are always great. BAM!

[@BaMAnimation]

No you!

[@Redballoon99]

LOVE BAM - glad to see you posting again

[@trevorwilliams401]

Thank you. I really enjoy all of your videos and tips. I really enjoyed this one because I love backgrounds. Thanks for making them more interesting and relevant to your viewers. Always amazed how you find the time to put these videos together for us. Thank you.

[@vincentleow670]

Thank you, BAM, for yet another incredible video! The backgrounds are so cool

[@paulopereira7411]

I'm so glad you guys are back!

[@schnoig_]

Oh my god you guys are back! Can’t wait to see what’s to come.

[@TamarinFrog]

Great video! I'm also looking forward to part 2 about colouring backgrounds. That is something I personally struggle with so I'm interested in hearing your tips and tricks!

[@desertbloomke]

Thank you for the video✨ I'm an artist that's in the midst of trying to find out what type of illustrations I could do. I've been an artist since my young years and it was a personal choice to just slowly explore it throughout my life as i make it. I'm majorly inspired by animations and book illustrations, and to me scenes are not just captivating because of the people, but the backgrounds they're set in. I would like to be able to put out full scenes, where the coloring, lighting, people and background tell a story in themselves. It's a lot of work but what in practicing art isn't! Thank you for the tips. They give me direction on what resources to pick while growing in my art capabilities

[@gescheitine]

Thank you very much. What a great idea ! I’m drawing and backgrounds are giving me real hard time. Your video helps me determine what are parts of my issues as well as the solutions to try to solve it. I can’t wait to see your next video. Thank you 🙂

[@Poboi_Draws]

It’s always a good day when Bam Animation uploads

[@paolabarr5692]

Woow en serio explican todo increíblemente bien, muchas gracias por compartir sus conocimientos y ahh ahora ya quiero ver la segunda parte 🥺❤

[@DukeCartoons]

Ah man... you guys are amazing. I've been looking this info for years... I mean, is like you took like 20 other videos and tutorials, and made a milkshake with it, concentrated juice of background designing. This is generally the easy way in to get into the animation business if you are a beginner, but is not an easy job... thanks for these tools, as always.

[@oswaldcannon9483]

Bro literally taking a bunch of objects and making them into a bg is such a good idea. Thanks!!!

[@AnaraBerdy]

Thank you! I’m getting addicted to your channel! 😍

[@sonseraedesigns7167]

This is excellent. I have tried for years to look for a background painting class for 2D Animation. There is only basically one teacher out there that has a long waiting list. All of the other programs that teach background painting, you have to sign up for an entire four year program at art center of Pasadena. This is why so few people are actually painting backgrounds. There’s just not enough courses That teach this in great detail.

[@sukeyd.artist]

This is the best explanation for perspective I’ve ever seen, thank you.

[@hiwezart]

Really excited to learn your tips on colouring background. Great video and great tips as always guys 🙌

[@thebuchsighoullolgameplay6112]

im so glad you guys upload again great video

[@bearwithaking6174]

Awesome guy I've been waiting for this video! Great job and thank you!

[@IronKore]

I needed practical artists like you and this is only when am seeing this

[@Pdexterness]

Your videos are great & they are always worth the wait!

[@stellar6994]

I didn't expect this comeback but im so glad I waited! this video is great!!!

[@jay_seijo]

Wow! So glad I found this channel! Love it! Thank you!

[@OscarTorresWork]

I missed your content glad to see you guys again awesome work.

[@roycebenjaminrecuerdo2679]

Luv u guys, hope u never get tired doing this ❤️

[@BaMAnimation]

Hell naw!

[@goodollita]

Finally a useful background video! I think most artists don’t like backgrounds because they require more research and thought, and you can go wrong pretty easily with perspective!

[@kass5361]

awesome video!! Background art is intimidating, but it seems more manageable when it's explained so well🥰