Welcome to the second tutorial on learn to draw with me, Mitali P.

This tutorial will mostly cover the basics in one point perspective…

so-

What is perspective, actually?

Ehm, ehm.. ”the theory or art of suggesting three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface, in order to recreate the appearance and spatial relationships that objects or a scene in recession present to the eye

OR

the appearance of objects, buildings, etc., relative to each other, as determined by their distance from the viewer, or the effects of this distance on their appearance”

There are three kinds that will help you put magic into your scene…

One point perspective

Two point perspective  and

Three point perspective.

blah, blah, blah everyone knows the things that are far from the eye appear smaller.. so when we copy this into a 2d paper.. it re creates a feeling of depth to the scene.
You may find hundreds and thousands of books on perspective all ready to confuse your already confused mind..
I was too, but the thing is perspective is really easy to understand, just shed all your fear that comes with it…

You’ll need:

A paper sheet

A good pencil

Eraser [obviously]

ruler [I strongly recommend scribbling so that you don't have to use the ruler to rule out everything]

So we begin with the horizon..

The horizon is nothing but the line that we see where the earth/sea meets the sky.. even if it is not visible in your drawings.. there is a horizon line… you can draw it up or low as you want

Tip: place the ruler’s edge perpendicular to the papers’ edge to get a straight line

Make a vanishing point…
This the the point where your buildings, rails, roads seem to converge into one single point on the horizon.

Draw the size accordingly of the part of the block facing you, the height and the width,

Connect an imaginary line called as orthogonal to the vanishing point and the sides of the block  there’ll be four in total but three visible in this case.. Draw horizontal lines where you want your block to end [parallel to the horizon]
and vertical line where you want the side of the block to end [perpendicular to the horizon]

PHEW!

Now you’re pretty much done there! just erase the orathgonals and Bingo! you have a 3d real looking block which you can convert into anything

Just be sure to use a single point for all the objects

Tips:

1. Draw the orthogonal lightly so that you can erase them easily.

2. Google the word ”One point perspective” and find out more techniques and images, try to draw the scene on your paper… try to figure out the vanishing point in the given scene

3. Add details to your drawings, like windows, sills, telephone poles and people..  just follow the orthogonal to decide the height or width of the object/person/creature.

Here are some random examples from the net that can help you to get started

That’s it for today, meet you in the next tutorial, which is two point perspective.

Enjoy making your own worlds!

Please feel free to add any comments and critiques.. this is a way of showing that it has helped you in some way…

You can check Mitali’s Blog and her works here

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It has been a long and tedious way till here, but let me tell you this… every result is worth it, so pack your backpacks and join me on the adventures we’re gonna have!

… Now,   Did you ever have this idea/character roaming in your head for too long, how you wish you could only draw it to life? but only if you had this secret ingredient to make it…
I searched far and wide for this secret ingredient until I saw Kung fu Panda.. [there is no secret ingredient to it]  it’s just practice and perseverance!

So long Miss talk it…. where to start? ?

#1 Passion…
”B- But I thought….”      I can almost see your faces in amazement.. Yupp! neglected and left aside… a fuel that’s gonna light your fire when you’re down.. you have to burn for it, you have to crave for it!  you can’t sleep without it!

#2 Exposure…
Read, see, observe.. what’s worth taking.. what’s around you.. what’s in you. Watching blogs and sites such as deviant art.com can really start you up and start with a strong basic foundation of what you wanna do, you have to know where you want to reach up to…

Tip: make folders.. like guns, girls, armor, villain etc for references
Tip: make an deviant art account.

#3 Practice and dedication…
So you’re ready, eh?  Are you? Then be ready to take hundreds and thousands of critiques and be able to carry on… be there to practice.. nothing comes easy especially art, be ready to be criticized till the point that you crave for critics… so you thought criticism was a bad word, eh?
But there are certain myths that I’d like to bust before I move on..

You can draw if it’s in your genetics… duhh
Many a times I hear people saying, ” Oh she can draw well , you see her father and grandfather’s an artist…”  I have never heard such a thing being an obstacle for anyone, sometimes being able to see someone draw can be helpful but it’s almost helpful as watching a fire miles away and getting warmth from it.. remember Birbal kids?

It’s too hard
Yeah, it’s not hard but little by little, everyday you will do it.. don’t let go.. if I post some of my earlier works.. you’ll all gather round and laugh at me! [so I'll not post it]

You see, I’m not creative kind of person…
Do you remember scribbling away happily when you were a kid.. but something happened.. at some point your logical brain said.. it doesn’t look like I want it to be… I won’t draw anymore!! yeah that’s what happened…Grab the pencil/eraser, bring back the child within you and start with us!
————————————————————————————————-

The numero Uno!
Scribble your way to top!

Start with some paper and pencil sit in a comfortable position and get ready to scribble!!

Scribbling is something like doodling.. but with more concentration and defined shapes.

All you have to do is free your hand on paper and get used to the pencil..most of the times my hands and wrists would hurt , so I think this strengthens the hands, wrists and fingers as well draw anything.. shapes, sizes, and curves and straight lines, of course!

Avoid doing this..

Avoid scratching...

Avoid anything that is not rhythmic… I know this is obvious but many of them do it..

Your pad should look something like this..
circles, curves, lines, rhythm, ovals..and curls

something like this.. but you can add your shapes as you like...

Not only you enjoy this... it's a good exercise

This is more like a warm up before an exercise, and it will get better.. try to get those circles as circly as possible… exact and of same shape.. these dudes are gonna do magic for us later..

As I know.. this exercise is to be continued till the end of your life if you’re an animator..don’t get disappointed, just imagine your idol such as Jackie Chan or Rocky Balboa training, this is your training…

Remember to warm up before every drawing that you make… it will improve your quality and confidence in drawing strokes …

Now try varying the stroke pressures as you move on…
something like this:

Try to get control over your strokes and imagine the stroke on paper before drawing

try with lines.. try with curves..

Tip : try not to get carried away with other thoughts and let your circle become misshapen lumps or whatever!

Oh you like it, don’t you!

That’s it for today, the most basic but a magic ingredient for a strong foundation in drawing!
Hope to see you scribbling, guys!

Please feel free to add any comments and critiques.. this is a way of showing that it has helped you in some way…

You can check Mitali’s Blog and her works here

“We are committed to CANI! ” click here

To get latest news , professional interviews, articles , works of professionals , free online webinars ,podcasts ,job openings, upcoming movies , games , inspirational videos,inspirational articles and so much.

Join Bramhaa Animation Blog facebook page

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“ She knew that tomorrow he is going to come for her , finally its her turn , she will get eaten by the Devil Dragon … there’s no way to stop.. she was crying … sometimes tears bring nothing but the tears … it’s her last night in the castle .. after all to save the kingdom she has to die , like her other 6 beautiful sisters..

He is at huge entrance of kingdom … now the wait is over … he is shocked … he sees the knight in front him …. As the knight comes closer … he cant believe his eyes … it’s the 7^th princess!!! He laughs (thinking at least … there is MAN in this kingdom, he almost traveled through 100s of kingdoms , but every kingdom sacrificed their prince or princess , all gutless creatures … FINALLY I WILL ABLE TO TASTE THE WARRIORS BLOOD .. and I’m thirsty …)

Princess is looking like a beautiful storm , on white horse … she thrust forward … her horse jumps … jumps higher … princess aim the neck of Dragon …. Blood is coming through neck… he screams … (without even talking a word she clears her intension)

He turns toward her .. she is coming back … but this time dragon .. fires up through his giant mouth …. Aiming the princess .. she jumps from horse … she’s on ground … she picks of sword … dragon is coming towards her …she thrusts forward … making grip even tight .. she throws the sword like a spear aiming the eye of dragon… misses the target… she is weapon less … she is trying to run … dragon is very close to her .. she is going towards the huge entrance … the dragon sets the walls and entrance on fire … now no place to run… he picks up her like a tiny stone … he enters in kingdom… roars setting everything on fire … still no sign of life … finally a small kid comes from nowhere , and throws small stone at dragon .. dragon turns towards the kid … princess trying to escape… kid is gone … no he is isn’t he is trying to pick up the sword … but he cant .. how could he ? dragon picks up the kid in his other hand.. he is about to eat the kid ….”

Hi there , I thought I should start with bang for a topic(as usual ) ….

In this series of Story writing ,Up to this article we have finished the conflict stage , my aim with this story is,

1. whatever we have learned from throughout the series of Story Writing , is not just for 3 hrs film , it can be applied to short like say 6 -7 minutes
2. I have purposely left the story incomplete , cause we have to still learn the last stage “Resolution”
3. Look at the first paragraph Its Set-up

Where indirectly I’v introduce so many things , RULES,WORLD,BACKSTORY,SEEDS OF CONFLICT,CHARACTER/s, Exploring the character through SITUATION,MOTIVATION and GOAL

When you look at the second paragraph those things become more clear and clear , even you learn about both characters Dragon and Princess

4. The most important parts ..

1.THE PROGRESSION OF CONFLICT

AND

2.INTENSITY OF CONFLICT

See from third paragraph , there is “Progression of conflict”

Its extremely important Part of story , which decides that the story is Exciting , Boring or Confusing

Just setting the big conflict, does not mean that you’re done with story conflict , you have to consider the two important parts one its “progression of conflict ” and “ intensiy of conflict ”

So here are types for Progression of Conflict

1. Compound Conflicts

1.1 Domino effect

1.2 Cascade effect#1

1. Accumulated Conflicts

2.1 Cascade effect#2

2.2 Ripple effect

2.3 Butterfly effect

Don’t get frustrated , only names are slight burdening , but learning it will be fun.

I learned this types from book “Finding And Building Stories- ideas for animated short by Karen Sullivan , Gary Schumer, Kate Alexander”

This is must have book. An incredible for student short films .

Anyway if you cant wait for next article , study that Progression of Conflict from the book ,

But come back, because I’m gonna discuss the OUTCOME OF EACH TYPE OF PROGRESSION which is not in book

And try this assignment

Go through today’s story of Princess and Dragon , and write down all the elements that we have discussed through all previous articles , please do this it will be really helpful for you as You will recognize

1. how all basic elements of story rendered together ?
2. how perfect SET-Up is created ?
3. How conflict is introduce ?
4. We’ve learned every element with its ultimate OUTCOME , like what is the OUTCOME of SETUP , CONFLICT , How it can be achieved ?

Study the story with this point of view

Thank you so much see you in next article …

For All Story Writing Animation Lessons click here

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Do you remember the “popping out eyes of wolf in Roadrunner show” or “Flatten Tom under the anvil” or Bunny…..or…….. or……..  .

In all above examples, Squash and Stretch principle is used to create comic effect. But when we use Squash and Stretch with sensitivity, it can be used in naturalistic Animations, too.

The action can be made with and without Squash and Stretch principle, but quality use of Squash and Stretch, enhances action and does it differently.

But be careful, the parting line between perfect Squash & Stretch and unnatural rubberizing is very indistinct. It is very easy to miss the zone, and instantly, the output is rubberized or looks unnatural.

To avoid this, one simple rule is to be followed. The volume of object, being animated, must not be changed. It should neither gain or lose mass, while shape of object can change. Along with this, the weight of object must be monitored to make Animation look believable.

To understand this rule in more detail, consider the object volume as half filled flour sack. If it is dropped on the floor, it will flattened (squashed) to its fullest shape and if picked up by top corners, it will stretched out to its longest shape, but never change its volume. This concept of flour sack was used by Disney Studio.

When it comes to character body movements, character can squash itself within limits of its Anatomy (flour sack limits). While in stretch, the body extends itself beyond normal to some extent (again, flour sack limits).

Lot of talking………Somebody have quote “A picture worths a lot of words”, now I have a quote “A video worths a lot of pictures, hence words”. So, follow the video:

Example of Squash and Stretch on You Tube

OR

Download Video

This video shows the comparison between two actions, one made without Squash & Stretch effect and other with that.

The aim of ball is same in both cases. “Fall down and move out of screen from right side”. Normal ball follows the aim and complete the task normally, while ball with Squash and Stretch, complete the task differently. Moreover, it have far more ways to complete the task.

Now, we will see the technical side of Squash and Stretch effect, in this video. When ball achieve enough speed in air, it is slightly elongated or gets elliptical. When it hits the ground, it gets squashed in the appropriate manner. The energy stored in the squashed position is released and ball achieve good speed (some energy lost in impact). This movement is startd with elongated shape of ball. With decrease in speed (intermediate position between two successive impacts), ball becomes round again. Here, sequence of squash and stretch cycle is: “Normal-Stretch-Squash-Stretch-Normal”. This is another small rule: “In the end, object regains its original shape”.

Now, this is your today’s exercise- Make simple Animation of bouncing ball. Do it in your way! You can show ball bouncing at same place or from one end to other end or if you are expert, you can show spinning motion of ball by use of parting line or coloured halves, along with bouncing. There is no bar for tool. Use flash or draw on paper or anything you like. Feel free to apply new ideas and you will definitely explore newer things.

(Note: The example video I have given contains several mistakes. I have mentioned in video, as ball with and without Squash effect but it is example of  Squash and Stretch effect and not only Squash effect.)

That’s all. In next article, I will be ready with 2nd Principle: Anticipation.

Till then, Bie!!!

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So, what these things have to do with Animation? Does it have some rules, or principles? Who found or defined them? What are those?

For answers to these questions, I am taking Disney Studio as reference. At start of 20th century, Animation was in its initial phase. Animation artists were trying new and newer ideas and getting different results. Some of those ideas and techniques were continued and developed while some were lagged and obsolete.And this was the phenomena, when principles of Animation were invented, developed, well-defined, used and reused differently.

According to book, “The Illusion of Life : Disney Animation”  there are 12 Fundamental Principles of Animation. Animation artists of Disney Studio have developed those principles from their experiences. Even, new artists appointed to studio were initially taught these principles, like syllabus or training program.

Fundamental Principles of Animation:

1. Squash and Stretch.
2. Anticipation.
3. Staging.
4. Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose.
5. Follow Through and Overlapping Action.
6. Slow In and Slow Out.
7. Arcs.
8. Secondary Action.
9. Timing.
10. Exaggeration.
11. Solid Drawing.
12. Appeal.

Again, one more important point: At start, I have mentioned about various sciences and their principles. If you study those principles you can answer some problem, regarding the branch, with great accuracy or precision. But in Animation, knowing and learning these principles, does not guarantee success every time but they make result more Predictable.

So, for Animator, these principles must be practiced a lot. The difference in media (2D or 3D), may cause difference, in the way the principles are used, but core concept always remains the same and is helpful for effective working.

That’s all. In next article, I am coming with 1st principle: Squash and Stretch.

Till then, Good Bie!!!

“We are committed to CANI! ” click here

Do you remember the times, when mom used to tell the Bed time stories of   Princess, Prince, Magic….? Now its your time to tell a great bedtime story to whole world. Which will open the door of new Dreamworld, where they will fall in love with every thing of that world !

So what is the great story ? What makes the great story ?  Start from yourself. Which movies do you like the most? Ask the question , that what is it that makes me feel like that I MUST BE IN THIS DREAM WORLD ? But be aware that Most people generalize that what I like that must be appreciated by Audiences , and that’s the terrible mistake if you are planning any project , where you are pushing the Audience into the story , and it wont happen. And you will get criticized that “ The Story is too self indulgent where it doesn’t even care about the Audience”

So are there any RULES that makes great story ? actually its creative world here are no specific protocols that must be followed but you need to be flexible in approach. ( What the heck does that mean ? Just stay with me ) Our master tells us that “Before breaking the traditional rules in this field , it is MUST that you Must learn and understand the traditional Rules , so then you will know why exactly you are breaking the rule”

Lets start understanding The Rules . . .

When we study the Great Animation movies , the story has something common and that’s its structure . The Story Structure !
Yes , there is frame that helps , and fits for any best movie.
Its SETUP-CONFLICT-RESOLUTION

SET UP :

Where you slowly introduced the audience to  the new world , characters , whats the characters in the story feel about the world , how they are leaving the world , what is that makes them happy , sad, excited ? Are they after something  ? Are they waiting for something ?  it’s the basic plot you create, where story is going to  happen.

Its very important and the basic part where your job is to introduced and make the impression on the audience that it’s the believable world , it has same life , same fellings as they have !

Believe me if you loose here the audience never gonna involved in the story and your story will be self involved with you ! Now further in the story you will drag audience and they refuse your call!

CONFLICT:

It’s the important phase too . Until now you have created the believable world , Audience is with you , they know the limitations of that new world , limitations of characters. Now its right time to challenge the characters through the situation or introducing the villain character , or whatever but the Conflict situation must be believable for audience. It will be not much difficult if

1. you clearly understand the your story world and the characters you are creating.
2. you are successfully created the first phase of  “SET-UP” .

If you have difficulties in creating the problem , then that two things you haven’t done properly and you have to work on it .

RESOLUTION:

Finally its time to charge up our hero, or character to fight with situation , struggle with it ,  stretch themselves against there limitations, be smart and remove the Conflict which is created in the story. And the character must grow. .  (if you see in real life too we struggle , stretch ourselves and WE GROW. . .)

So this is the BEST  STORY STURTCURE FOR EVERY BEST MOVIE . .  Toy Story,  Nemo, Kung Fu Panda . .  And all that legends.

In next article we dig little more about story will find something more exciting , energetic . . .

Thanks . .  We will love if you  share your ideas, thoughts . .

Share –Stretch and Grow . …   See you again . . 

Mahesh

For All Animation Story Writing Lessons click here

“We are committed to CANI! ” click here

Just imagine for second that I’m representative of PIXAR Studio (it feels awesome!).  I approach to you, “Sir, tell me any date, I’ll give you 3 minutes, hit me with your best, doesn’t matter you come today, after months or a year! Show me what you got?  All the best. Thank You!”

How does it feel? What will be your steps? Are you thinking or not? Let me tell you one thing, its not hypothetical situation, this day will come. But here is the question; don’t you think that we should be prepared for this day? Start from right now. Think that you already have got a call and you have to prepare.

[If you are just starting in Animation, your first response will be “3 minutes, are you kidding?”

But I’m not, believe me! Every year there are Global Competitions for 2 to 8 minutes short animated movies. Some of us call it “Demo Reel” or “Show Reel”.]

So here is magic formula . . . Don’t get excited, (There is no magic formula, like a Secret Ingredient in Kung fu Panda.) But will make A Magic Formula.
For that we will start with First and Most important variable. (Ya this is the magic ingredient.)

What makes the best?  Let’s find out. You must have seen many best movies of Best studios Like Disney, PIXAR, Warner Brothers, DreamWorks… As an audience you loved that movies don’t you? So what’s that which makes you fall in love with them?

In that movies we sing with characters, they made us laugh, sometimes excited, some times when shark comes we think he is coming after us, we care for the heroes. Sometimes we feel, “I wish I could help him”

Are you realizing the Magic Variable? It’s our involvement…

Ya “Audience Involvement”  is the magic ingredient.  You can see that in every best Animation Movie.  No matter its Toy Story, A bug’s Life, All Disney Movies, Kung Fu Panda, Ratatouille and All (that we loved).  Audience Involvement comes with three Basic Parts.

1.    Story
2.    Character
3.    Emotions

I know that what are you thinking, that what about Motions then?  Remember this, audience believe that whatever way the character moves it suppose to be moved this way.

Let me simplify, whatever the animator do for walking, jumping… and all actions the viewer considers that they are normal (how insane is that?). They don’t know it’s so much difficult to animate running horse, but they wonder that what beautiful horse is doing in story. , how does he feel? what  is his motive behind the motion?   And human eye easily find faults in motion, for that one need not to be an expert.

For Audience Involvement, motion should be clean so that it won’t distract their common sense.

Let’s look at the Story part; the story must be entertaining and simple with traditional approach.

(The Setup – Conflict – Resolution)

Always remember that “Bad story can not be survived by the Best Animation and Bad Animation can not be survived by Best story”.

For holding audience it does not mean that your story should be suspense.  And similarly most of the time people get misunderstood that Entertaining means the one which is Comic, no way!  We don’t need to create forced Comedy sequence if it’s not the part of the script.

Don’t create circus either.

Now look at the Characters, on the stage, character become alive when it moves the way it should and makes his decisions himself.

The personality is important part of it.  The most important part is that it should be like human i.e. it should have some human characteristics (emotions, physics etc).

That makes easier for him to be with audience.

There are presumptions about some animals or type of caricature already in audience’s mind. They are generalizations use them effectively. (Like wolf is mean, rabbit is helpless, etc). There can exceptions too. That is creating a scorpion as kind creature, it will be challenging but it’s possible.
Like they have done in Shrek, the lead character looks slight ugly but they made him Hero (awesome!)

Finally Emotions, it’s very important, the physiology, facial expressions and dialogs, constitute emotions of character on screen. You must find out the kind of message character wants to deliver through his emotions. The mean character is mean when he does, speaks, behaves mean. The stupid character is stupid because his way of behaving through his actions, words and expressions.

You have to master all these skills of emotions; you are the one who brings them to life.

Finally at the end lets see what we have learned about Magic Ingredient “Audience Involvement” , It consists three things that must be best and that are “ Good Story”, “Characters”, “Emotions” and one that is hidden “Clean Motions”

I’ll discuss in detail all the three things that are essential for “Audience Involvement” and   in upcoming articles.

In next article I’ll discuss about the “Story”

Stay with me, we will definitely make the Magic formula for Best Animation Movie (It may be of 2 minutes or of 2 Hours) don’t we?
Thank You… 

Mahesh

For All Animation Story Writing Lessons click here

“We are committed to CANI! ” click here

In nature every species that exists have to struggle for its survival. During its existence  of its herd/community , the herd goes through some development period some downfalls , some period of growth. . . but still finally  it becomes  an  “endangered species “ .

All the periods define some golden history that guides the new generation . Same is true for our Animation herd .

The movie starts with  humble beginning “In the memory of Walt ( Disney ) “ ( Just in case he is still watching ).

The  movie describes all the story from   first generation of Animation (Classical Animation) to Our generation .  It refers First Generation Animator as  “ ANIMATICUS DRAWERSAURUS ” .

Drawing was the base of Animation , slowly the drawing was used for motion of objects .  Thoughts became things and finally things came alive.  The Animation herd was growing . At first it was believed that sound was not necessary for Animation and Animator should not need the knowledge of sound . But with time period sound was used very effectively . Music and words from things , characters made Animation a magic stick that would give  Life to any thing . During this  development period the Greatest Powerful Leader  (Walt Disney) was introduced who guided the Animators throughout their work . Many breakthroughs were achieved by the Animation Community. Unique style of Animation, storytelling methods, basic principals were developed . The first generation Animation was at its peak still there were some challenges that had to come in the way and then unfortunate thing happened, the  death of leader ( Walt Disney )!
Now at that time corporate strategies were changing, new conditions were raised. The herd became alone and unprotected.  The new arrivals from new generation were not so good. The bizarre Animation work was introduced, the first generation was becoming old. Then changes in technology, corporate methodologies all this were making the first generation helpless. Still the some good changes in new generation were occurring.  The part of new generation (The Brilliant Studio PIXAR) learned the classical Animation methods of storytelling, innovation and excellence and used them for new technology called “3D” for the first time 3D Animation was introduced. Now after that the youngest generation picked up the new technology, After the 100 golden years of Pencil it was feeling like end of PENCILS . . .

What happens next?

Is it really end of Pencils?

Are you excited? For that please watch the Movie “Endangered Species “
In 8 mins Tony takes us through very exciting journey of 100 Years.

Here is the Link: http://www.savevid.com/watch.php?id=62664
Thank You very Much  . . . Wish Very Happy New Year . . Bye Bye 

The Comment of Mr. ROY DISNEY on “Endangered Species”:

“ In the last 20 years , the so called “digital revolution”  has brought sweeping changes to Animation or at least that is the perceived wisdom as we hear it from the outside world . You will hear that “Everything has changed ” that “pencils are no longer required” and most demanding of all “2D is dead!!”

Before we all go out and hang ourselves in despair, let me recommend that you sit down and watch “Endangered Species” , so you can see that Animation has been in a state of evolution from very its inception, that it continues to evolve, and most of all , that there is nothing to fear.”

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