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I updated this course 6/5/2022 to include my Introduction to Moho course at the end.  Enjoy the additional training material :-).

I updated this course 6/4/2023 to provide information on the Moho 13.5 release and acquisition by Lost Marble.

Have you tried to learn Moho but gotten stuck?  Well, you're not the only one I've been where you are now.

Read more

I updated this course 6/5/2022 to include my Introduction to Moho course at the end.  Enjoy the additional training material :-).

I updated this course 6/4/2023 to provide information on the Moho 13.5 release and acquisition by Lost Marble.

Have you tried to learn Moho but gotten stuck?  Well, you're not the only one I've been where you are now.

  • Maybe you tried piecing together YouTube videos but couldn't find where to begin or the order in which to watch them

  • Maybe you tried other online video courses but found they were outdated (no longer matched your version of the software), were too specific or way too advanced

  • Maybe you tried an introductory course which was nice but it was too short

I created this course to specifically address these issues.  They are what I viewed as a gaping hole in the previously available body of Moho knowledge; namely, a decent introduction.

This course provides a detailed, easy to follow introduction to Moho Pro, version 12 (not Anime Studio..).  This introduction is 11.5 hours (not one hour) because it addresses all the phases of 2D development using Moho (not just one phase) including:

  • Illustration

  • Rigging

  • Animation

It even includes a lengthy section on lip syncing a character manually and using a semi-automated process based on the free Papagayo product.

Though this course is for beginners, it delves into advanced topics such as:

  • Smart Bones

  • Reference Layers

  • Target Bones

After completing this course, you'll know Moho very well.  You'll certainly be able to tackle more advanced YouTube lectures to hone your skills to perfection.

Don't forget the Udemy 30 day no questions asked money-back guarantee.  If you're not happy with this course, just return it.  That makes your decision to enroll a straightforward decision, doesn't it?

Click on the Enroll button in the upper right to learn the most powerful 2D illustration and animation software in the world: Moho Pro.

I'll see you in the classroom,

Brian

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn the fundamentals of moho and how to use it like a pro
  • Learn to create vector graphic illustrations
  • Learn to rig a character for animation
  • Learn to create professional 2d animation
  • Learn switch layers, smart bone dials, target bones and the timeline

Syllabus

Introduction

In this lecture, I provide a short update on the latest Moho 13.5 update.

In this lecture, I propose the learning path of watching this course, watching the Lost Marble 13.5 Youtube videos and Subscribing to Poptoogi on Youtube for intermediate to advanced training videos.

Read more

In this lecture, a rather crude animation of me will introduce you to the course.

This lecture provides an overview of Moho, a professional 2D animation tool.

This lecture provides an overview of the animation workflow from illustration through rigging to animation.

This lecture provides an overview of the course content.

This article provides sources of additional information that you should consider reviewing after watching this course.

Your first section project is to install some version of Moho so that you can follow along with the project in this course.

This lecture provides a short demonstration of kinetic typography (animated text) using Moho.

Introductory Workshop

In this lecture, you'll create your first Moho animation in only 10 minutes.

In this lecture you'll learn Moho illustration by creating a simple happy star character.

In this lecture you'll rig you happy star character for animation.

In this lecture you'll animate your happy star character.

This lecture provides a quick note on sharing your work to the Q&A section of this course.

Illustration Part I

In this lecture, Dill and Spud introduce you to illustration.

This lecture will orient you to Moho and the illustration interface.

This lecture stresses the importance of keeping track of your current keyframe and layer.

Remember to use Cntl-z to undo your mistakes.

This lecture reminds you that you can use library resources or the character wizard to skip illustration and rigging and jump directly to animation.

This lecture discusses character posing options and suggests the 3/4 front pose.

This lecture explains how to insert basic shapes (e.g. rectangle, ellipse, ...).

This lecture outlines how to select points for modification.

This lecture explains how to use the transform points tool to modify a shape.

This lecture describes how to add, delete and copy points.

This lecture explains how to smooth curves using the traditional method and Bezier curves.

This lecture describes how to control line thickness and hide lines.

This lecture explains how to select shapes and apply styles (color and line thickness) to those shapes.

This lecture proposes a mid-section project to explore what you've learned so far.

Illustration Part II

This lecture explains how to use the add points tool to create any arbitrary shape.

This lecture explains shape stacking order and how to change it.

This lecture explains layers, an alternative to stacking shapes, and their advantages.

This lecture discusses layer groups and how to use them to mask layer contents.

This lecture explains how to use accelerator keys to speed your illustration workflow.

This lecture explains how to define styles and apply them to shapes.

This lecture explains how to use the grid to more precisely position points and curves.

This lecture explains how to use the freeform drawing tool.

This lecture explains how to Review your work and Export illustrations.

This lecture describes the processes of tracing within Moho to produce illustrations.

This lecture outlines the section project which is to trace a picture of your head.

A goodbye message from Dill the pickle.

Illustration Workshop

In this lecture I demonstrate how to modify library resources for your use.

In this lecture I demonstrate tracing of images within Moho.

This lecture describes the option of originating art within Moho.

This section describes the task of illustrating hands, feet and mouths for switch layer settings.

Rigging

Dill and Spud provide a quick introduction to rigging.

This lecture explains what rigging is and how to use bones to perform the task.

This lecture describes how to quickly add a skeletal structure to your character.

This lecture explains how to add bones, transform them and reparent them to other bones.

This lecture describe using bone strength vs specific binding to set the points to be controlled by each bone.

This section describe how to add switch layers to your character.

This lecture explains how to rig smart bone dials to control points.

This lecture demonstrates how to use target bones with your character.

This lecture demonstrates the use of dynamic bones to add movement to your character.

This lecture demonstrates the use of pin bones to move a blob.

This lecture shows how to use reference layers to place a character both behind and in front of an object.

In this section project you'll be asked to rig the character you implemented in the previous illustration projects.

This is a quick summary of rigging.

Rigging Workshop

In this lecture, I demonstrate how to illustrate and rig the perfect elbow joint.

In this lecture, we begin to fully rig a character.

In this lecture we continue to fully rig a character.

In this lecture we conclude fully rigging a character.

In this lecture I demonstrate how to illustrate and rig eyes to make them blink.

In this lecture I demonstrate how to rig eyes to make the pupils move around.

In this lecture I demonstrate how to rig your character mouth.

Audio and Lip Syncing

This lecture provides a quick demonstration of lip syncing in Moho.

This lecture demonstrates how to record audio within Moho.

This lecture demonstrates how to manually lip sync a dynamic mouth rigging using smart bones.

This lecture demonstrates how to manually lip sync a mouth implemented using a switch layer.

This lecture describes the use of Papagayo to semi-automate the process of lip syncing.

This lecture explains how to install Papagayo (simple).

This lecture demonstrates how to replace a character mouth with a mouth from the library that implements the Preston Blair phoneme set.

In this section project you'll be tasked with lip syncing a character using the method of your choice.

A short conclusion.

Animation

A quick introduction to animation.

This lecture demonstrates basic animation using character bones.

This lecture provides information on using switch layers, smart bone dials and visibility to further animate your characters.

This lecture demonstrates the advanced features of timeline editing.

Advanced Timeline Editing (Part 2)

In this lecture, we animate a Preston Blair standard walk sequence.

In this lecture, you'll learn how to convert your walk sequence into a repeating cycle.

In this lecture, we dive into animating backgrounds to imply motion.

In this lecture you'll learn how to animate the camera angle by panning and zooming.

In this lecture, you'll learn how to export your animation to an MP4 file and distribute it via YouTube and FaceBook.

In this section project you'll be tasked with creating and distributing your own animated video.

Dill and Spud out for a drive.

Animation Workshop

This is a sample of the animation you'll be producing in this workshop.

Step 1 is to gather the resources (e.g. character and background) you'll be using in your scene and arrange them on the screen in preparation for animation.

In this lecture you'll have your character walk into the scene.

In this lecture, your character speaks using lip syncing.

In this lecture we learn to clean up our animation and produce and distribute the result.

Save this course

Save Moho: 2D Illustration, Rigging and Animation with Moho Pro to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 Moho: 2D Illustration, Rigging and Animation with Moho Pro with these activities:
Review Vector Graphics Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of vector graphics principles, which are essential for creating illustrations in Moho.
Browse courses on Vector Graphics
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos about vector graphics concepts.
  • Practice creating simple shapes and illustrations using vector-based software.
Study 'Cartoon Animation'
Learn classic cartoon animation techniques to enhance your character animation skills in Moho.
View Animation on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to character design and animation techniques.
  • Practice applying the techniques learned to your Moho animations.
Read 'The Animator's Survival Kit'
Learn the core principles of animation to create more believable and engaging animations in Moho.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to timing, spacing, and key poses.
  • Apply the principles learned to your Moho animations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Character Rigging Exercises
Improve your rigging skills by practicing different rigging techniques in Moho, such as bone creation, parenting, and constraints.
Show steps
  • Create a simple character in Moho.
  • Experiment with different bone structures and constraints to control the character's movements.
  • Try rigging different parts of the body, such as arms, legs, and head.
Create a Short Animated Scene
Apply your knowledge of illustration, rigging, and animation to create a short animated scene in Moho.
Show steps
  • Develop a storyboard for your scene.
  • Create the necessary illustrations and rigs in Moho.
  • Animate the scene, paying attention to timing, spacing, and character movement.
  • Add sound effects and music to enhance the scene.
Follow Advanced Moho Tutorials
Expand your Moho skills by following advanced tutorials on topics such as smart bones, action settings, and scripting.
Show steps
  • Search for advanced Moho tutorials online.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, paying attention to the techniques and concepts being taught.
  • Apply the techniques learned to your own Moho projects.
Contribute to Moho Scripting Projects
Deepen your understanding of Moho by contributing to open-source scripting projects, which can automate tasks and extend the software's functionality.
Show steps
  • Research existing Moho scripting projects on platforms like GitHub.
  • Identify a project that aligns with your interests and skill level.
  • Contribute to the project by reporting bugs, writing documentation, or adding new features.

Career center

Learners who complete Moho: 2D Illustration, Rigging and Animation with Moho Pro will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
2D Animator
A 2D Animator specializes in creating animations using two-dimensional images and software. This course provides comprehensive training in 2D animation using Moho Pro, making it an excellent choice for aspiring 2D animators. The course covers all phases of 2D development, including illustration, rigging, and animation, which are crucial skills for a 2D animator. The detailed exploration of advanced topics such as smart bones and reference layers further prepares students for professional 2D animation work. This course would be excellent for one who wishes to pursue the career of 2D Animator.
Animator
An Animator brings characters and stories to life through movement and visual effects. This course focusing on Moho Pro helps build a foundation in 2D animation, a valuable skill for animators. Learning illustration, rigging, and animation within Moho, as this course provides, gives aspiring animators the practical experience needed to create compelling animated content. Specifically, the course's detailed exploration of lip syncing, smart bones, and timeline editing directly contributes to an animator's ability to produce high-quality work.
Rigger
A Rigger creates the skeletal structure and controls that allow animators to pose and animate characters. This course would be very useful for those hoping to become riggers, since it centers around rigging in Moho Pro. The course covers bone creation, parenting, and the use of smart bones and target bones, which are essential rigging techniques. The rigging workshop included in the course would be particularly be beneficial for aspiring riggers.
Character Designer
A Character Designer conceptualizes and creates the visual appearance of characters for animation, games, and other media. With the illustration skills taught in this course, one may design unique and expressive characters. The course covers the use of Moho Pro for detailed illustration and rigging, leading to designs that are animation-ready. Understanding how to use layers, styles, and tracing techniques within Moho, as covered in the curriculum, would be exceptionally helpful to Character Designers.
Digital Artist
A Digital Artist creates artwork through digital means using software and tools. This course is excellent for those seeking to learn illustration and animation. The course specifically covers illustration, rigging, and animation, allowing artists to experiment with different styles. The skills covered in this course in particular include character design and creating motion with characters.
Motion Graphics Designer
A Motion Graphics Designer creates animated visual content for various platforms, including advertising, film, and television. Learning 2D animation techniques in Moho Pro can be a great asset. The course provides a detailed introduction to creating animated text, illustrating graphics, and animating elements. The course's coverage of timeline editing and exporting to MP4 formats directly applies to the creation of motion graphics.
Illustrator
An Illustrator creates visual images for various media, including books, magazines, and digital platforms. This course helps build a foundation in vector graphic illustration using Moho Pro, a valuable skill for illustrators. The course covers shape insertion, point modification, curve smoothing, and style application, as well as freeform drawing. Aspiring illustrators may find exploring line thickness control and layer usage particularly helpful.
Game Artist
A Game Artist creates visual assets for video games, including characters, environments, and special effects. This course's focus on 2D illustration and animation in Moho Pro can be applied to creating 2D game assets. The course helps build a good foundation in character design, rigging, and animation, all of which are relevant to game art. The illustration skills taught in the course, especially tracing and modifying library resources, would equip you to create engaging game visuals.
Multimedia Artist
A Multimedia Artist creates artwork using a variety of sources. This course is useful to learning 2D animation skills. The course specifically covers illustration, rigging, and animation, allowing artists to experiment with different styles. The skills covered in this course in particular include character design and environment creation.
Visual Development Artist
A Visual Development Artist explores and defines the visual style of an animated project. This course focusing on 2D illustration and animation may be helpful in visualizing concepts. The course covers illustration, rigging, and animation, allowing artists to experiment with different styles. Specifically, the skills in character design and environment creation can lead to a more unified and appealing visual style for a project. The course may inform and inspire a visual development artist.
Content Creator
A Content Creator develops engaging material for online platforms, often incorporating visual elements. This course may be useful in helping content creators produce animated content. The course helps build a basic understanding of 2D animation, character rigging, and lip syncing. The skills acquired can be applied to create animated shorts, explainer videos, or social media content. The course's coverage of exporting to MP4 and distributing via social media also directly addresses the needs of content creators.
Storyboard Artist
A Storyboard Artist visualizes a story through a sequence of drawings, which serve as a blueprint for animation or film. The illustration skills taught in this course may be helpful in this kind of work. Although storyboarding does not necessarily involve animation, the course's focus on character design and composition would assist storyboard artists in creating compelling visual narratives. Exploring character posing options and basic shape insertion, as the course outlines, may be useful to storyboard artists.
Technical Artist
A Technical Artist bridges the gap between artists and programmers, developing tools and workflows to improve the art creation process. While this course primarily focuses on artistic skills, the rigging techniques taught in Moho Pro are useful for technical artists. The course's coverage of bone systems, smart bones, and target bones provides a basis for understanding character control systems. Understanding how to implement dynamic bones can also inform tool development for animation pipelines.
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer creates educational materials, sometimes incorporating animation to enhance learning. This course may be useful to instructional designers seeking to create engaging content. The course provides a good introduction to 2D animation, character rigging, and timeline editing. These skills can be applied to develop animated tutorials, explainer videos, or interactive learning modules. The course can inform design for educational contexts, improving educational videos.
Video Editor
A Video Editor edits raw video footage into a final product for various platforms. This course may be helpful in enhancing videos. The course helps one learn how to edit videos by adding animated text and animated characters. The skills learned in this course may include character design and creating motion with characters.

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 Moho: 2D Illustration, Rigging and Animation with Moho Pro.
Comprehensive guide to traditional animation principles that are highly relevant to 2D animation in Moho. It covers key concepts like timing, spacing, weight, and anticipation. While Moho digital tool, understanding these fundamental principles will significantly improve the quality of your animations. This book is considered a must-read for animators of all levels.
Classic guide to cartoon animation techniques, offering valuable insights into character design, posing, and movement. It provides a strong foundation for creating expressive and dynamic animations in Moho. The book's focus on traditional animation principles complements the digital tools and techniques taught in the course. It is especially helpful for understanding character animation and creating appealing designs.

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