Animation homages aren’t a problem if you use them infrequently, but it’s important to keep your work fresh and creative. Read on to learn the top 5 clichés to look out for!
Animation Tutorial with Lead Reel FX Animator
read more
Animation Tips & Tricks Articles
Animating the 6 Basic Emotions: Acting Tips from Pro Animators
Get animation tips from our blog series on Animating the 6 Basic Emotions. Polish your demo reel with advice from professional animators!
Top 5 Animation Clichés You Should Avoid
Our new blog series focuses on Animating the Six Basic Emotions, and we’re covering them one emotion at a time!
Next up is Happiness, with Kevin Koch! 😀
Q&A with Lion King Animator Natalia Falowska
Framestore animator Natalia Falowksa chats about her work on The Lion King, her time at two large VFX studios, and her school experience!
First up is DreamWorks animator Tim Ingersoll with tips on animating Sadness! 🙁
Animation Career Advice with Shawn Kelly & Carlos Baena
Animation Mentor alum and OpenPixel Studios Co-Founder Kathryn Taccone shares her student experience and animation advice, and reaffirms the importance of having diverse voices in film.
Blink for a Reason: Acting Advice from ILM Lead Animator Shawn Kelly
We’re so excited to introduce brand new Maya Mentor and former Pixar Animator, Carolina Lopez Dau! Like our workshop, Maya en Español, the Q&A below is in Spanish AND English. Check it out!
The 6 Basic Emotions: Animating Surprise with DreamWorks Animator Chadd Ferron
Take your body mechanics and facial animation to the next level with Chadd Ferron as he shares tips on animating Surprise!
The 6 Basic Emotions: Animating Disgust with Jay Davis
Ever smelled boiled brussel sprouts? Yep, they’re disgusting. Learn how to animate that face you just made with facial animation tips from Jay Davis!
The 6 Basic Emotions: Animating Anger with Pixar’s Anthony Wong
Does facial animation have you bristling with rage? Channel that anger and perfect your acting shots with tips from Pixar animator Anthony Wong!
The 6 Basic Emotions: Animating Fear with Keith Sintay
Take your facial animation to the next level with Keith Sintay as he shares tips and tricks on animating Fear, one of the 6 Basic Emotions!
The 6 Basic Emotions: Animating Happiness with Kevin Koch
Professional animator Kevin Koch shares his tips and tricks for animating “Happiness.” It’s not as straightforward an emotion as it may seem!
The 6 Basic Emotions: Animating Sadness with Tim Ingersoll
DreamWorks animator Tim Ingersoll shares the key to successfully and believably animating “Sadness.” Pro tip: It begins in the eyes.
Top 3 Reasons You Need Creature Animation on Your Demo Reel
Lead Animator at Industrial Light & Magic, Shawn Kelly shares why you need more creature animation in YOUR demo reel, regardless of the studios you are applying to. Read along and then go polish your demo reel!
5 Reasons Why 3D Animators Should Know Autodesk Maya
Why do Animation Mentor students use Autodesk Maya? Is this animation software really that important? Can I learn it on my own?
For answers to these and other important questions, read 5 Reasons Why 3D Animators Should Know Autodesk Maya.
Carlos Baena’s Journey: Simplicity in Animation
Hey kids and kids at heart! Ever wonder what happened to your favorite Saturday morning cartoons? Anne Choi takes a nostalgic look back at the evolution of classic cartoon favorites.
Do You Need Natural Talent To Be A Good Animator?
We asked former student, current mentor, and Blue Sky Studios animator Dan Segarra, “Do you need...
5 Key Steps for Effective Blocking
What are some effective blocking methods? This is a question that students ask a lot! According to...
Pro Animation Tip: Don’t Forget About the Shoulders!
When you think of showing emotion in animation, what's the first thing that pops into your head....
Pro Animation Trick: Forget About the Legs!
Basically, the idea is this—if you nail the timing and posing of the body (hips, torso, etc), then...
What is a Reversal in Animation?
Reversals aren’t all that complicated, but lots of new animators haven’t heard of them! Here,...
Why All Animators Need to Master the Moving Hold
A "moving hold” is basically just a way to have your character hold a key pose for a long time...
ANIMATION TIPS & TRICKS
DEMO REEL ADVICE
