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2D Animation 101 Courses and McCoy Buck

UPDATE 1/17/2016 - The course is live and we are so excited. We have a lot of great content that we will be adding in the next week. McCoy is finishing the exercises for you to do after each lecture to make learning Moho & Anime Studio easy. We will also have a trailer shortly for the course as well. Can't wait to see you there.

Try to remember the last time you tested some 2D animation software and you just didn’t like it, or didn’t understand it.

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UPDATE 1/17/2016 - The course is live and we are so excited. We have a lot of great content that we will be adding in the next week. McCoy is finishing the exercises for you to do after each lecture to make learning Moho & Anime Studio easy. We will also have a trailer shortly for the course as well. Can't wait to see you there.

Try to remember the last time you tested some 2D animation software and you just didn’t like it, or didn’t understand it.

Probably the first step to start your journey is be deciding which animation software that you can master in a couple of days. Truth be told, mastering something takes years. But in this course we will have you mastering the essentials in days.

The problem is that, once you have the software, what happens if you don't understand how to use it?

Think about it, one of the main reasons beginners stop trying is because they just don’t get how the software works.

You can check tutorials on the internet, but most of the time, they are not presented in a sequential order, or maybe, they are either too advanced or too specific.

So what you need to do is: Learn how to use the software.

In this case, we are inviting you to give Moho & Anime Studio a try, learn the essentials and discover its power.

This is your first step to learn how to make an animation.

After you know the basics, you will have a stronger idea when deciding what to do next.

And because Anime Studio is so easy to use, we know you are going to love it.

It has been proven more than once that when people understand something, they make better decisions.

So give yourself this opportunity and take this Animation Course today.

How can this course help you?

This course is an introduction to Anime Studio Pro, it covers how to draw using the Add Points Tool, Curvature Tool, Transform Tool and Shape Tools.

Than we will learn about working with layers, and doing animation for a scene. To enhance the shot we will go through how to work with a camera in Anime Studio.

You will have the foundations to make your own animation.

You will learn with Video Training, and if you want, you can download the project files to follow along.

The course also comes with quizzes and exercises to help the student really learn all the techniques and tools covered in the course.

The course is about 1 hour of video tutorials, but the exercises can take you from a couple of minutes to maybe a whole hour, depending on your learning skills, and how well you remember the lessons.

The Course is divided in 3 sections:

  • The first is the Introduction Section, which covers a brief overview of the interface and how to set the project settings.

  • The second section is the Drawing Tools Section, which covers the different tools used to draw in Anime Studio as well as techniques to manipulate and transform the drawings.

  • And thirdly, the Animation Section, in which we will go through how to make an animation of a scene.

Anyone wanting to learn how to animate should give Moho & Anime Studio a test Drive and who knows… maybe this is the software that can get you to make your own animation, make your ideas become a reality.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Create an animation action scene working with keyframes
  • Add dynamism to your animation working with the camera
  • Draw characters using the drawing tools in anime studio

Syllabus

You will learn how to download Anime Studio Pro and learn a bit about the interface

This lesson will teach you how to get Anime Studio Pro

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Join the Moho/Anime Studio Animation Challenge Group!
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS
Overview
Project Files

You will understand a bit about what you will learn in this course

Some projects can have a small resolution, or a high one, you can choose how big or small your animation can be, by adjusting the Project Settings

Introduction Quiz
This section will teach you how to use the different tools to draw in Anime Studio

In this lecture you will discover the most basic tool to draw inside Anime Studio Pro, the Add Points Tool

Add Points Practice

Once you have some shapes in your project, you can make the edges round or sharp using the curvature tool

Curvature Practice

Shapes can be edited, you can move points around and change the shape form, using the transform tool

Transform Practice

With the Select Shape Tool you can change the fill and stroke of a shape already created, as well as re-arrange them in your project

Once you have a set of points with no fill nor stroke, you can create a Shape using the Create Shape Tool with your desired Fill and Stroke

Now that you know about the different tools to draw in Anime Studio, it's time to put everything together

This quiz helps you consolidate what you learned in the Drawing Tools Section

You will learn how to prepare a Scene

This lesson will teach you how to work with the different layers, how to group them and how to arrange them

Now, we are ready to make a little animation

In this lecture you will learn how to set layers in 3D Space

Camera Tools

This quiz helps you consolidate what you learned in the Animation Section

Building a Mech Character
Using Bones
Planning A Scene Using Markers
You will be able to make your first animation in Anime Studio
Posing the Character
Animating the In Betweens
Final Touches
Rendering Your Animation
Share your results!
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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 2D Animation Essentials in Moho & Anime Studio with these activities:
Review Basic Animation Principles
Review the fundamental principles of animation to better understand how to apply them within Moho & Anime Studio.
Browse courses on Animation Principles
Show steps
  • Research the 12 basic principles of animation.
  • Find examples of each principle in animated works.
  • Take notes on how these principles can be applied in 2D animation software.
Study 'Cartoon Animation'
Study a classic guide to cartoon animation techniques to improve your character animation skills.
View Animation on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Cartoon Animation'.
  • Read the chapters on character design and posing.
  • Practice drawing characters in different poses.
Read 'The Animator's Survival Kit'
Study a comprehensive guide to animation principles and techniques to enhance your understanding of the art form.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Animator's Survival Kit'.
  • Read the chapters on timing, spacing, and keyframing.
  • Practice applying the techniques described in the book to simple animation exercises.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Keyframe Animation
Practice creating simple animations using keyframes to improve your timing and spacing skills within Moho & Anime Studio.
Show steps
  • Create a new project in Moho or Anime Studio.
  • Animate a ball bouncing across the screen using keyframes.
  • Experiment with different timing and spacing to achieve a realistic bounce.
  • Refine the animation until you are satisfied with the result.
Create a Short Animated Scene
Develop a short animated scene to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the course and practice using Moho & Anime Studio.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm ideas for a short animated scene.
  • Create a storyboard to plan out the scene.
  • Create the assets and characters in Moho or Anime Studio.
  • Animate the scene using keyframes and other animation techniques.
  • Add sound effects and music to enhance the scene.
Explore Advanced Moho/Anime Studio Tutorials
Follow advanced tutorials to learn more complex animation techniques and features within Moho & Anime Studio.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on rigging, bone animation, or special effects in Moho/Anime Studio.
  • Follow along with the tutorial, paying close attention to the techniques used.
  • Apply the techniques learned to your own animation projects.
Contribute to Moho/Anime Studio Community Forums
Engage with the Moho/Anime Studio community by answering questions, sharing tips, and providing feedback to other users.
Show steps
  • Join the official Moho/Anime Studio forums or online communities.
  • Browse the forums for questions or discussions related to animation techniques or software features.
  • Share your knowledge and experience by answering questions and providing helpful advice.

Career center

Learners who complete 2D Animation Essentials in Moho & Anime Studio will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Character Animator
A Character Animator focuses on bringing characters to life through movement and expressions, working in animation, video games, or film. This course on 2D animation with Moho & Anime Studio is an ideal starting point for a career as Character Animator. It helps master the essentials of 2D animation. The course focuses on drawing tools, working with layers, and animating a scene. The inclusion of keyframes, camera tools, and animation techniques directly supports the creation of believable and engaging character animations. Through video training, project files, quizzes, and exercises, this course equips you to make your character ideas a reality.
Animator
An Animator creates motion pictures, working frame-by-frame, to tell a story. This course is perfect for anyone looking to become an Animator, focusing on the essentials of 2D animation using Moho & Anime Studio. It gives you the foundations to make your own animation. The learning objectives—creating animation action scenes with keyframes, adding dynamism with the camera, and drawing characters—are key to animation. You will have the video training that helps you get underway, plus project files, quizzes, and exercises that ensure you learn the tools and techniques.
Motion Graphics Designer
A Motion Graphics Designer creates visually engaging content for various platforms. This course helps build a foundation in 2D animation using Moho & Anime Studio, enabling you to master the essentials of animation software quickly. Understanding how to use animation software is crucial for a Motion Graphics Designer. By learning to draw, work with layers, and animate scenes, you can effectively communicate ideas and capture attention. The lessons focused on keyframes, camera tools, and creating dynamic animations directly translate to creating compelling motion graphics. The course's practical exercises and quizzes help learn these techniques and tools, increasing your proficiency and confidence as a Motion Graphics Designer.
Game Artist
A Game Artist creates the visual elements of video games, including characters, environments, and special effects. This course may be useful for those interested in creating 2D game assets. By learning how to use Moho & Anime Studio, one can create animations and artwork for 2D games. The course covers drawing tools, layer management, and animation techniques. The course's focus on creating scenes and working with keyframes can translate well to creating animations for game characters and objects. The ability to draw characters and animate scenes provides a foundation for creating visually appealing game content.
Digital Artist
A Digital Artist uses technology to create art, often involving illustration, animation, or visual effects. As a Digital Artist, this course on 2D animation essentials may be useful in expanding your skillset. This course guides you through the fundamentals of Moho & Anime Studio, allowing you to master the essentials. The course provides a foundation for creating animations and understanding how to use the software effectively. The course focuses on drawing tools, layer management, and animation techniques, all of which can be applied in digital art projects. The practical exercises and quizzes can aid in mastering these techniques.
Character Designer
A Character Designer creates the visual appearance of characters for animation, games, or other media. A course like this may be useful for Character Designers wanting to explore 2D animation. The course helps you master the essentials of 2D animation in Moho & Anime Studio quickly. This course provides you with a strong foundation in drawing tools, layer management, and animation techniques. The ability to create appealing and expressive characters is crucial for a Character Designer. The skills learned from this course, such as drawing characters, creating animations, and working with keyframes, can directly contribute to creating compelling character designs.
Content Creator
A Content Creator develops engaging material for various media platforms, often incorporating visual elements to enhance storytelling. This course can be useful for Content Creators looking to add 2D animation to their skillset. The course helps learn the essentials quickly and aims to provide a solid foundation in Moho & Anime Studio. The drawing tools and animation sections, including working with layers and cameras, help create dynamic and visually appealing content. Learning to create scenes and add movement may enhance the quality of content. The practical exercises and quizzes can improve proficiency in using the software and creating effective animations.
Illustrator
An Illustrator creates visual representations for various purposes, such as books, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for Illustrators seeking to incorporate animation into their work or create animated illustrations. The course helps learn the essentials of 2D animation in Moho & Anime Studio. The course covers drawing tools, layer management, and animation techniques. The knowledge gained from this course can aid in producing dynamic and engaging illustrations. The exercises and quizzes included can enhance your understanding of the software and improve your ability to create animated illustrations.
Storyboard Artist
A Storyboard Artist visualizes narratives through sequential drawings, often for animation, film, or advertising. This course may be useful for Storyboard Artists looking to create animated storyboards or enhance their visual storytelling skills. This animation course introduces the basics of Moho & Anime Studio and helps learn the essentials of 2D animation. The drawing tools, layer management, and animation techniques taught can be applied to bring storyboards to life. The exercises and quizzes can aid in mastering the use of the software and creating dynamic storyboards.
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer creates learning materials and experiences, often incorporating multimedia elements. This course may be useful for Instructional Designers seeking to incorporate 2D animation into their educational content. This course helps learn the essentials of 2D animation in Moho & Anime Studio. The course introduces you to the fundamentals of Moho & Anime Studio and provides a foundation for creating animations. The drawing tools, layer management, and animation techniques taught can be applied to create engaging and informative educational content. The exercises and quizzes can help solidify your understanding of the software and improve your ability to create effective animated learning resources.
Graphic designer
A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts for various media, including print and digital platforms. This course may be useful for Graphic Designers seeking to add basic animation skills to their repertoire. This course provides an introduction to Anime Studio Pro and helps to learn the essentials of 2D animation. The drawing tools and animation techniques sections, including working with layers and cameras, can help create dynamic and visually appealing content. Learning to create scenes and add movement may enhance the quality of graphic design projects. The practical exercises and quizzes can improve proficiency in using the software and creating effective animations.
Special Effects Artist
A Special Effects Artist creates visual effects for film, television, and video games. A course like this may be useful for Special Effects Artists interested in adding 2D animation to their toolkit. The course helps learn the fundamentals of 2D animation and the essentials of Moho & Anime Studio. The course is structured to help develop a solid understanding of the software. The drawing tools, layer management, and animation techniques can be applied in creating interesting special effects. The practical exercises and quizzes can improve your proficiency in using the software.
UX Designer
A User Experience Designer focuses on improving the usability and accessibility of digital products. This course may be useful for UX Designers looking to incorporate simple animations into user interfaces. The course focuses on learning the essentials of 2D animation in Moho & Anime Studio. The course covers the drawing tools, layer management, and animation techniques necessary to create basic animations. The course can aid in creating engaging and intuitive user interfaces. The exercises and quizzes can enhance your understanding of the software and improve your ability to create effective micro-animations for UX design.
Web Designer
A Web Designer creates the visual layout and design of websites. This course may be useful for Web Designers interested in learning how to create simple web animations. By learning the essentials of 2D animation with Moho & Anime Studio, you can quickly add character to otherwise static web pages. The course reviews drawing tools, layer management, and animation techniques. The knowledge gained can be applied to create engaging and interactive web elements. The course exercises and quizzes can improve your understanding of the software and improve your ability to create effective web animations.

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 2D Animation Essentials in Moho & Anime Studio.
Is considered a must-read for animators of all levels. It covers essential animation principles, timing, spacing, and character animation techniques. It provides a solid foundation for understanding animation concepts that are applicable to any software, including Moho & Anime Studio. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Classic guide to cartoon animation techniques. It covers character design, posing, and movement. It valuable resource for learning the fundamentals of cartoon animation, which can be applied to 2D animation in Moho & Anime Studio. This book is helpful in providing background and prerequisite knowledge.

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