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Chad Troftgruben

With Moho, you can import images or Photoshop Documents, add bones and create detailed rigs for 2D animation. This process can be different from rigging vector based characters. This course showcases all the important steps needed to effectively rig a PSD for Moho animation.

More specifically, you will learn how to:

Read more

With Moho, you can import images or Photoshop Documents, add bones and create detailed rigs for 2D animation. This process can be different from rigging vector based characters. This course showcases all the important steps needed to effectively rig a PSD for Moho animation.

More specifically, you will learn how to:

  • Set up layer structure for a character

  • Reduce PSD file size

  • Set up body bones appropriately

  • Create dynamic hair movement using Smart Warp meshes and special bone properties

  • Control the face using a series of dials

  • Create head turns using a Smart Warp mesh

  • Polish and correct rigging issues

  • Apply animation with an image based rig

  • Export animations out of Moho

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Properly rig a character
  • Create bone dynamics that link to a smart warp mesh
  • Apply subtle head turns with smart actions
  • Animate and polish a short scene

Syllabus

Introduction

A quick overview of what to expect out of the course.

In this section we will prepare the PSD for rigging in Moho.

In this video we will overview the process used to create the character for this course. This includes exporting a PSD file through Procreate.

Read more

In this lecture we will attempt to reduce the file size of the PSD file through a nifty free downloadable script. This is useful for since Moho can't handle large file sizes well.

This is an alternate method for reducing the file size for a PSD. Only use do this if you have issue with the previous example.

Now we enter Moho to set up the document resolution, frame rate and PSD file.

Here you will learn how to create a base bone structure and get the rig functioning on a basic level.

In this lecture we apply the main bones that will be used to make the rig function.

Taking advantage of the raster images, we will be using Smooth Joint Binding to handle all the limb bends.

We will apply constraints to keep certain areas from over extending.

By adding Target Bones, we can anchor in the rig's feet to speed up animation and create weight.

By adding dynamic bones and Smart Wrap Meshes, we can create physics for all the hair images.

Since we plan to create controls for the eyes, we will need to separately link each layer in the Head group to free up the binding.

To create dynamic animation based on the character's movement, we will need to add bones in the areas needed.

Since the hair is made up of images, we can use Smart Warp Meshes to help link areas of the hair to the bones.

We continue to build up the dynamic hair by adding a second mesh to the 3/4 phase.

In this lecture we continue to build up our dynamic hair using meshes.

In this lecture we add the final set of hair meshes to the rig.

By rebuilding the eyes and creating dials, we can create a face that is controllable at multiple angles.

While we plan to create a more complicated system for the eyes, this lecture demonstrates on optional, simplified method.

In this lecture we rebuild the eyes using vectors to gain more control.

By creating a bone for the pupils, we can control the movement of the pupils at any time.

With a bone, we can create dial which we can use to control emotion.

Like the blink dial, we can create a reusable action which allows for the opening and closing of the eye.

We can use a Smart Mesh to help smooth out the movement between head phases. It's also useful for adding more variety to your animations.

Here we begin our head turning journey by drawing a mesh around the 3/4 phase of the head.

Because we are using multiple meshes, we will need to be careful we ensure all layers are linked appropriately to the new mesh.

With the mesh and layers set, we can now focus on creating the tilt animations for the dials.

In this final section we polish up the rig, create a short animation and export it out. I also share my final thoughts on the process.

In this lecture I overview the work done between videos. This mostly pertains to the eyes and smoothing out the head turns.

In addition to the polishing done between lectures, here we will add some smart actions to help with some of the limb movements.

To start the animation process, we will lay down some basic poses to get us going.

Here we finish up the animation by applying lip syncing, adding blinks, head turns and other final touches.

With the animation complete, we can add any final touches, such as motion blur, and export for the world to see.

My final thoughts on what we learned throughout the course.

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Rigging and Animating PSDs in Moho Pro with these activities:
Review Photoshop Layer Organization
Reinforce your understanding of Photoshop layer organization, which is crucial for preparing PSDs for rigging in Moho Pro.
Show steps
  • Open a complex PSD file in Photoshop.
  • Identify and group related layers.
  • Rename layers descriptively.
  • Create layer folders for logical organization.
Read '2D Animation: Theory and Practice'
Gain a deeper understanding of 2D animation principles to improve the quality of your Moho Pro animations.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of '2D Animation: Theory and Practice'.
  • Read the chapters on timing and spacing.
  • Study the examples of character animation.
  • Apply the principles to your Moho Pro projects.
Rig a Simple Character
Practice rigging a simple character in Moho Pro to solidify your understanding of bone structure and constraints.
Show steps
  • Create a simple character design in Photoshop.
  • Import the PSD into Moho Pro.
  • Create a basic bone structure for the character.
  • Apply constraints to limit joint movement.
  • Animate a short walk cycle.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Short Animated Scene
Apply your rigging and animation skills to create a short animated scene using a rigged PSD character in Moho Pro.
Show steps
  • Develop a storyboard for a short scene.
  • Rig a character using the techniques learned in the course.
  • Animate the character according to the storyboard.
  • Add background elements and sound effects.
  • Export the final animation.
Explore Advanced Moho Pro Features
Deepen your knowledge of Moho Pro by exploring advanced features like Smart Bones and Actions through online tutorials.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on Smart Bones in Moho Pro.
  • Follow a tutorial to create a Smart Bone rig.
  • Experiment with different Smart Bone setups.
  • Search for tutorials on Actions in Moho Pro.
  • Follow a tutorial to create a reusable Action.
Study 'The Animator's Survival Kit'
Enhance your understanding of animation principles to create more compelling and realistic animations in Moho Pro.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Animator's Survival Kit'.
  • Read the chapters on timing and spacing.
  • Study the examples of character animation.
  • Apply the principles to your Moho Pro projects.
Contribute to Moho Pro Community Forums
Share your knowledge and learn from others by participating in Moho Pro community forums.
Show steps
  • Join a Moho Pro online forum or community.
  • Answer questions from other users.
  • Share your rigging and animation tips.
  • Provide feedback on other users' work.

Career center

Learners who complete Rigging and Animating PSDs in Moho Pro will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Rigging Artist
A Rigging Artist specializes in creating the underlying skeletal structure and controls for 2D or 3D characters, enabling animators to bring them to life. Rigging artists create the control systems that animators use to pose and animate characters. This course, centered on rigging PSDs in Moho Pro, directly mirrors the tasks a rigging artist performs. You learn how to set up bone structures, create dynamic movements, and control facial expressions, all vital skills for a rigging artist. The course's detailed lessons on setting up body bones, creating dynamic hair movement with Smart Warp meshes, and controlling faces with dials, will be especially relevant.
2D Animator
A 2D Animator creates animations in two dimensions, using software and techniques to bring characters and stories to life. A 2D animator works primarily with flat characters and backgrounds, using software tools to create movement and action. This course, which details animating PSDs in Moho Pro, is directly applicable to the skill set of a 2D animator. The course content focuses on animation techniques tailored for image-based rigs, including setting up layer structures, creating bone dynamics, and polishing animations, therefore this course can help to build a foundation for more complex 2D animation projects.
Character Animator
A Character Animator brings characters to life through animation, often for films, television, or video games. This course, focusing on rigging and animating in Moho Pro, directly translates to the skills needed in character animation. Character animation involves giving a digital character movement and personality. This course offers training in the technical aspects of character setup, bone structure creation, and animation techniques within Moho Pro. In particular the course's instruction on bone dynamics and smart warp meshes helps build a foundation for more complex animation projects, such as using industry-standard animation software.
Freelance Animator
A Freelance Animator works independently on animation projects for various clients, providing services such as character animation, motion graphics, and visual effects. Freelance animators often manage their own schedules and work on a project basis. This course, which teaches how to rig and animate PSDs in Moho Pro, gives you essential skills for a freelance animator. The course covers how to set up animations, focusing on bone dynamics and special bone properties, which helps freelancers deliver high quality animations.
Animator
An Animator creates moving images for various media, including films, television shows, video games, and websites. The course, which teaches how to rig and animate PSDs in Moho Pro, gives essential skills for an animator. The course covers the setup of layer structures for a character, how to reduce PSD file size, how to setup of body bones appropriately, and the creation of animations. Learning to export animations will be beneficial for an animator.
Technical Animator
A Technical Animator bridges the gap between artists and programmers, focusing on developing and maintaining animation pipelines and tools. The technical animator may be responsible for developing custom tools to improve the animation workflow. This course, which focuses on rigging and animating in Moho Pro, offers a practical understanding of the technical aspects of animation, directly aligning with the responsibilities of a technical animator. The detailed knowledge of bone structures, Smart Warp meshes, and rigging techniques covered will be invaluable for optimizing animation workflows.
Digital Artist
A Digital Artist creates artwork using digital tools and software, often for use in advertising, marketing, or entertainment. Digital artists create paintings, illustrations, and animations using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Maya. This course, which teaches how to rig and animate PSDs in Moho Pro, gives digital artists strong skills for creating character animations. The course goes over how to export animations and create bone structures, both of which are important skills for a digital artist to possess.
Motion Graphics Designer
A Motion Graphics Designer creates animated graphics and visual effects for various media, including commercials, websites, and video games. Motion graphics designers use animation principles to create visually engaging content and communicating ideas. This course, centered on rigging and animating PSDs in Moho Pro, provides valuable skills useful in motion graphics. The course's instruction on creating dynamic hair movement using Smart Warp meshes and applying animation with image based rigs can translate into sophisticated motion graphics projects. The ability to export polished animations out of Moho will be crucial.
eLearning Developer
An eLearning Developer creates interactive online courses and training modules, often using animation, video, and interactive elements. The course, which teaches how to rig and animate PSDs in Moho Pro, provides developers with skills to create visually engaging characters. The course covers a number of topics including setting up bone dynamics and the application of subtle head turns, all of which can enhance the appeal and effectiveness of eLearning modules.
Game Artist
A Game Artist creates the visual assets for video games, including characters, environments, and special effects. Game artists are often responsible for creating all of the art assets in a game. This course, which shows how to rig and animate PSDs in Moho Pro, offers a practical understanding of character animation that can be useful for a game artist. The course gives instruction on setting up layer structures for characters, reducing PSD file size, and applying animation with an image based rig, all providing a good foundation for creating game assets.
Content Creator
A Content Creator produces engaging material for online platforms, such as videos, blog posts, or social media content. The content creator may be responsible for all aspects of content creation including on-screen talent, camera work, and editing. This course, which teaches how to rig and animate PSDs in Moho Pro, gives you practical skills for creating animated content. The course covers how to set up animations, add bone dynamics for characters, and create controls for facial expressions. Knowing how to export animations will be helpful for a content creator.
Visual Development Artist
A Visual Development Artist designs and creates the visual elements of a film, television show, or video game, including characters, environments, and props. Visual development artists work closely with the art director and other artists to establish the visual style of a project. The course, which teaches how to rig and animate PSDs in Moho Pro, can teach artists skills for character animation. The course goes over how to export animations and create bone structures, both of which are useful skills.
Storyboard Artist
A Storyboard Artist visually plans out the scenes of a film, television show, or video game by creating a series of drawings or images. Storyboard artists work closely with directors and writers to translate scripts into visual sequences. This course may be useful for storyboard artists who want to prototype animated sequences. Skills in character rigging and animation can help a storyboard artist present dynamic and well-realized storyboards. This course, focused on animating in Moho Pro, can equip storyboard artists with a more technical skill set.
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer develops educational materials and programs, often incorporating multimedia and interactive elements. Instructional designers make courses, modules, or other resources that help people learn. The course, which teaches how to rig and animate PSDs in Moho Pro, gives designers practical skills for creating visually engaging educational content. The course covers the creation of dynamic hair movement using Smart Warp meshes and the application of subtle head turns with Smart Actions, all of which can enhance the visual appeal and effectiveness of instructional materials.
Art Director
An Art Director is responsible for the visual style and images in various projects, such as films, television, advertising, and video games. Art directors oversee artists and designers to ensure a consistent vision for the project. The course, which teaches how to rig and animate PSDs in Moho Pro, may be useful for art directors who want to understand the animation process firsthand. The course covers the setup of layer structures for characters, the creation of dynamic hair movement using Smart Warp meshes, and the application of subtle head turns with Smart Actions, thereby informing creative decisions and guiding artistic teams.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Rigging and Animating PSDs in Moho Pro.
Comprehensive guide to animation principles and techniques. It covers a wide range of topics, including timing, spacing, weight, and character acting. While not specific to Moho Pro, the fundamental knowledge gained from this book will significantly improve your animation skills. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced animators.
Provides a comprehensive overview of 2D animation principles. It covers key concepts like timing, spacing, and character design, which are essential for creating believable and engaging animations in Moho Pro. While not specific to Moho, the foundational knowledge gained from this book will greatly enhance your ability to animate rigged PSDs effectively. It valuable resource for understanding the art of animation.

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