You don't have to be very old to remember the days when sharing photographs meant placing them in albums and bringing them from place to place. Back before the Internet, you could either share them that way or regale friends and family with long photo slide productions at various gatherings - in many cases, boring everyone to tears. Thanks to the Internet and digital photography, though, things are a whole lot different now. Sharing your travel photos is far less invasive - and far more enjoyable - than it's ever been. By learning a few tricks of the travel photo sharing trade, you can make showing off your photographs a fun experience for everyone.
Invest In A Good Digital Camera And Memory Card
If you haven't already joined the digital photography revolution, now's the time. After all, you won't be able to share your travel photos online very easily without a digital camera. Scanning old fashioned photos into the computer is time consuming and boring - and the pictures never turn out very well. Digital cameras are very affordable these days; you can easily find a decent model for $100 to $200. Look for a reputable brand, and for a camera that can withstand a bit of abuse.
Most digital cameras come with very small memory cards; you'll want to pay a little extra and invest in a larger-capacity card right away. It will cost you a bit more, but by purchasing an 8GB memory card you'll be able to store more than 1,000 high-quality photographs at a time. This comes quite in handy when you're traveling, since you won't have a lot of extra time to constantly download your pictures from your card. Instead, you can go through your photos and upload them all in one fell swoop - it couldn't be easier!
Sign Up With A Photo Sharing Website
Although you'll want to keep copies of your travel photos on your computer's hard drive - or perhaps on another kind of drive - the quickest, easiest way to share them is by signing up with a photo sharing website. Some email providers, like Google, offer a limited amount of photo storage space; you can then email copies of your photos whenever you'd like. Otherwise, websites like Flickr are great options. Their free photo uploading service is fine, but for just $25 a year you gain access to unlimited uploads and other great perks.
Once you've signed up with a photo sharing site, make it a habit to upload your photos to it on a regular basis. In many cases, you can send your photos directly from your camera's memory card to the photo sharing site, skipping the step of copying them to your computer's hard drive. Once uploaded, be conscientious about tagging your photos - i.e., the people and/or landmarks in them - and adding descriptions wherever possible. Most photo sharing sites automatically detect the time and date that a photo was taking, making it easy to keep things organized in a chronological manner.
Send Links To Your Friends And Family
As soon as you have your latest batch of travel photos uploaded to your photo sharing account, with proper descriptions and tags, you'll be able to send a link to all of the friends and family members you want to share them with. This is vastly preferable than emailing huge attachments to people, which can take a long time and waste a lot of hard disk space. By sending them a link, you invite people to take a look at your travel photos at their own convenience; they can flip through the ones that interest them, and never have to leave their home!
Social Networking Sites Make Sharing Easy
One final note: you can also easily share your travel photos on many popular social networking sites. By joining a site like Facebook, you can quickly upload the photographs you want to share with the people on your friends list so they can enjoy them. Otherwise, you can send out a link to your photo sharing website to everyone on your friend's list, making them aware of your latest batch of travel photos so they can check them out.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
How to Eearn Big Money from Wedding Photography
The first thing you will need to do is to build up a portfolio to show potential clients. Unlike some other areas of professional photography, the bride and groom are not going to be the slightest bit impressed by images of anything other than weddings. Lighting techniques and artistic flair will mean very little to them of there is not a smiling couple featured in the shot.
There are two possible solutions to this dilemma. The first is to find associates, friends and relatives who are getting married and ask if you can shoot their weddings for them. Offering to do it at cost may convince them to give you a try. Be sure to get their permission to use some of the images in your portfolio or all the work will have been for nothing.
If that doesn't work or just to get some additional shots to show off your style, you can hold a mock wedding. If you want to go this route, be prepared that it will take quite a bit of work to make it appear as if it is a real wedding. Most brides and grooms will want to see not only the posed shots in your portfolio but also the candid shots of before and after the ceremony, including the reception. If possible, try to get together with other new wedding photographers on this project. That way all of you can improve your portfolios while sharing the cost of the mock wedding.
Now that you have a portfolio, you need to find a way to get your name out. These days the most effective way to do this is the internet. These days when someone begins to research anything, they start with the internet, so that is where you want to be.Before setting up your site, spend some time studying other sites. Take the aspects you find most appealing from those sites and combine them to create a site that is likely to hold a brides attention for more than a few seconds. Be sure to include great shots on the first page, if you don't hook them there, they will not look any further.
To be truly successful, you will also want to have a basic understanding of how the internet's search engines work. There are many tricks to getting your site placed high in a list of search results. If you are too far down the list, it is unlikely that you will get any attention. This search engine optimization (SEO) is an essential part of any successful online business and you will want to understand and use it.
Through all of this, never forget that it is the images that people see that will ultimately determine the success or failure of your wedding photography business. Make sure that every shot you take is high quality and do whatever it takes to make your clients happy. If the new couple is not pleased with your efforts, they are not going to suggest that their friends use you. Word of mouth is still a very important form of advertising and if what is being said about your business is not complementary than all of your other efforts will mean nothing.
There are two possible solutions to this dilemma. The first is to find associates, friends and relatives who are getting married and ask if you can shoot their weddings for them. Offering to do it at cost may convince them to give you a try. Be sure to get their permission to use some of the images in your portfolio or all the work will have been for nothing.
If that doesn't work or just to get some additional shots to show off your style, you can hold a mock wedding. If you want to go this route, be prepared that it will take quite a bit of work to make it appear as if it is a real wedding. Most brides and grooms will want to see not only the posed shots in your portfolio but also the candid shots of before and after the ceremony, including the reception. If possible, try to get together with other new wedding photographers on this project. That way all of you can improve your portfolios while sharing the cost of the mock wedding.
Now that you have a portfolio, you need to find a way to get your name out. These days the most effective way to do this is the internet. These days when someone begins to research anything, they start with the internet, so that is where you want to be.Before setting up your site, spend some time studying other sites. Take the aspects you find most appealing from those sites and combine them to create a site that is likely to hold a brides attention for more than a few seconds. Be sure to include great shots on the first page, if you don't hook them there, they will not look any further.
To be truly successful, you will also want to have a basic understanding of how the internet's search engines work. There are many tricks to getting your site placed high in a list of search results. If you are too far down the list, it is unlikely that you will get any attention. This search engine optimization (SEO) is an essential part of any successful online business and you will want to understand and use it.
Through all of this, never forget that it is the images that people see that will ultimately determine the success or failure of your wedding photography business. Make sure that every shot you take is high quality and do whatever it takes to make your clients happy. If the new couple is not pleased with your efforts, they are not going to suggest that their friends use you. Word of mouth is still a very important form of advertising and if what is being said about your business is not complementary than all of your other efforts will mean nothing.
SLR Photography
One of the very first things that should be taught while mastering digital SLR photography is to go out and buy a lens filter for each of your lenses. Everyone should have one on their lens, be it a digital or film SLR camera.The best kind of filter to purchase is a UV or Sky filter. Will this make your pictures any better? Maybe, a little. But more importantly what it does do though, is protect the investment you've made on your lens. Once you scratch the surface of your lens - that's it. Time to buy another lens, which can get very pricey. And there is nothing you can do about it. However, if you have a UV filter on your lens, and you scratch the filter, go purchase another one - most for around $10 dollars! It'll be the best $10 insurance you've ever spent on your equipment.
Now beyond that, what other types of lens filters are nice to have in your accessory arsenal? Most photographers will agree that a polarizing filter is always nice to have. Neutral density, or ND, filters are also a great addition to help you achieve certain types of shots in very bright light. Still another type of lens filter, used lots by landscape photographers, is the graduated ND filter. These, in effect, limit the amount of light on half of the shot - for example, when shooting land and sky.
There are also bunches of specialty filters, such as close-up or macro filters (these allow you to zoom in closer for macro photography) and special effect filters. Whereas the macro filters are nice to have, depending upon your camera's image resolution, you may be able to get as close by cropping with your photo software package. As for all the special effect filters, like adding stars and rainbows, or filtering out certain colors, most of this can now be done in your image software package.
Now beyond that, what other types of lens filters are nice to have in your accessory arsenal? Most photographers will agree that a polarizing filter is always nice to have. Neutral density, or ND, filters are also a great addition to help you achieve certain types of shots in very bright light. Still another type of lens filter, used lots by landscape photographers, is the graduated ND filter. These, in effect, limit the amount of light on half of the shot - for example, when shooting land and sky.
There are also bunches of specialty filters, such as close-up or macro filters (these allow you to zoom in closer for macro photography) and special effect filters. Whereas the macro filters are nice to have, depending upon your camera's image resolution, you may be able to get as close by cropping with your photo software package. As for all the special effect filters, like adding stars and rainbows, or filtering out certain colors, most of this can now be done in your image software package.
Take Better Photographs
Are your pictures uninteresting and badly composed? Are they boring or uninspired? Even if you have a reputation within the household as being the worst at taking photographs by adhering to just a few simple rules you can dramatically improve the quality of your snapshots. In this article I'll be telling you the most important points to get right so the next time your let loose with the camera you'll take some really nice photo's which you'll be proud of.
Of all the things that go to making up a good photo light is the absolute most important. If you get the light right then your photo will still look nice even though the composition may be poor. With today's digital cameras getting the light right has become a whole lot easier as most of it is done automatically for you. You should still pay attention to it however and change the angle from which you take photos to gain the most beneficial and flattering light. When taking photos, light should be at the top of your list to get right.
Secondly, take more time to frame your shots. Get out of this habit which tells you to simply point and shoot, instead take just a few extra moments to look at the shot your taking and adjust it so that your background and subject are fitting together with nothing ugly or distracting encroaching upon the frame. Look at the shot as though it were already a developed picture.
Finally, have a point! All photos should have a very clear central subject. Often bad photos are about nothing in particular. They are far too busy with far too many things happening within them. It's better to have decided upon a clear subject or focal point for your picture and concentrating on showcasing it.
Move around to get the most flattering light, take time to compose your shots more carefully, be aware of your background and have a clear subject for every one of your photos. By putting those fundamental points of photography into action you should see a marked difference in the quality of your shots.
Of all the things that go to making up a good photo light is the absolute most important. If you get the light right then your photo will still look nice even though the composition may be poor. With today's digital cameras getting the light right has become a whole lot easier as most of it is done automatically for you. You should still pay attention to it however and change the angle from which you take photos to gain the most beneficial and flattering light. When taking photos, light should be at the top of your list to get right.
Secondly, take more time to frame your shots. Get out of this habit which tells you to simply point and shoot, instead take just a few extra moments to look at the shot your taking and adjust it so that your background and subject are fitting together with nothing ugly or distracting encroaching upon the frame. Look at the shot as though it were already a developed picture.
Finally, have a point! All photos should have a very clear central subject. Often bad photos are about nothing in particular. They are far too busy with far too many things happening within them. It's better to have decided upon a clear subject or focal point for your picture and concentrating on showcasing it.
Move around to get the most flattering light, take time to compose your shots more carefully, be aware of your background and have a clear subject for every one of your photos. By putting those fundamental points of photography into action you should see a marked difference in the quality of your shots.
Avoid Red-Eye in My Photos
Imagine it. After an hour in the mirror, you arrive at the office party looking exceptionally handsome or glamorous. You are so good-looking, in fact, that a coworker scrambles to take your picture. You strike the pose and - SNAP - feeling confident you've taken a great shot. That is, however, until you arrive at the office Monday morning and your coworker shows off the image she took. Suddenly, no one is admiring your chic clothes and perfectly coiffured hair, they're all laughing and calling you "demonic Donna" or "Harold from hell". After seeing your ghoulish image, you slump in your office chair and think, "What causes red-eye anyway?" Well, I'm going to tell you but the answer may surprise you.
What is Red-Eye?
Red-eye is caused when the light leaving the flash unit travels through the eye and hits the back of the retina. Since the retina is filled with blood vessels, a reflection of this blood returns through the pupil and back into the camera as glowing red.
What Causes It?
The simple, scientific reason is that your flash unit is located too close to the camera lens. To ensure its small size, a compact camera's flash window was designed to be located within a inch or two of the lens. Unfortunately, that's a formula for disaster!
How Can I Correct It?
The best answer is to avoid flash altogether by using natural light to expose your photos. This can be accomplished by moving your subjects into daylight outdoors or even indoors using diffused window light. If shooting outdoors, the most soft, flattering light exists near sunset. If you try to shoot outside but it's during hot, daylight hours, move your subjects under an overhang or into the shade. If natural light is not an option and you must use flash indoors, open all window blinds or turn on as many lights as possible. Next, move your subjects closer to the light source. Another suggestion is to move them to any well-lit room nearby. For example, if you're in a dimly-lit, hotel ballroom, move your subjects to the well-lit lobby nearby. Since red-eye worsens with enlarged pupils, the more light that exists, the more it will narrow the pupils and therefore reduce the amount of red being reflected back. This is the science behind your camera's "Red-Eye Reduction" feature that emits small bursts of light to narrow the pupils prior to exposure.
If you're willing to make the investment, purchase a digital SLR with a large accessory flash unit that attaches to a hot shoe on the top of the camera. This design significantly raises the distance of the flash from the lens. However, "pop-up" flashes on digital SLRs remain relatively close to the lens and therefore can still result in red-eye. If any of the above remedies are not feasible, photograph your subjects as close as possible to the camera. Due to the angle of light, it seems the farther away your subjects are from the camera, the worse the red-eye becomes.
Professionals virtually eliminate red-eye by purchasing brackets to mount their camera and flash unit upon. These brackets will place the flash unit significantly higher and away from the lens. After all, it's unprofessional to have red-eye in professional images.
What is Red-Eye?
Red-eye is caused when the light leaving the flash unit travels through the eye and hits the back of the retina. Since the retina is filled with blood vessels, a reflection of this blood returns through the pupil and back into the camera as glowing red.
What Causes It?
The simple, scientific reason is that your flash unit is located too close to the camera lens. To ensure its small size, a compact camera's flash window was designed to be located within a inch or two of the lens. Unfortunately, that's a formula for disaster!
How Can I Correct It?
The best answer is to avoid flash altogether by using natural light to expose your photos. This can be accomplished by moving your subjects into daylight outdoors or even indoors using diffused window light. If shooting outdoors, the most soft, flattering light exists near sunset. If you try to shoot outside but it's during hot, daylight hours, move your subjects under an overhang or into the shade. If natural light is not an option and you must use flash indoors, open all window blinds or turn on as many lights as possible. Next, move your subjects closer to the light source. Another suggestion is to move them to any well-lit room nearby. For example, if you're in a dimly-lit, hotel ballroom, move your subjects to the well-lit lobby nearby. Since red-eye worsens with enlarged pupils, the more light that exists, the more it will narrow the pupils and therefore reduce the amount of red being reflected back. This is the science behind your camera's "Red-Eye Reduction" feature that emits small bursts of light to narrow the pupils prior to exposure.
If you're willing to make the investment, purchase a digital SLR with a large accessory flash unit that attaches to a hot shoe on the top of the camera. This design significantly raises the distance of the flash from the lens. However, "pop-up" flashes on digital SLRs remain relatively close to the lens and therefore can still result in red-eye. If any of the above remedies are not feasible, photograph your subjects as close as possible to the camera. Due to the angle of light, it seems the farther away your subjects are from the camera, the worse the red-eye becomes.
Professionals virtually eliminate red-eye by purchasing brackets to mount their camera and flash unit upon. These brackets will place the flash unit significantly higher and away from the lens. After all, it's unprofessional to have red-eye in professional images.
Landscape Photography Tips
Just like the beautiful, sweeping landscapes painted by artists such as Monet and Hockney, the environment around us can provide a wonderful source of inspiration for photography as well. Landscape photography can be serene, powerful, exciting, or relaxing, among others. Here are six tips to help you capture the landscape photo that you desire.
Play with your focus. Typically, the depth of field, or the area that is in focus, is a narrow band with regular photography. However, if you adjust your hyperfocal distance, you can have photos that are in focus from as close as half the hyperfocal distance to infinity.
Pick a foreground. While your main emphasis may be on the mountains far, far away, choosing an interesting foreground can help make your pictures pop. For example, if you want to add extra contrast between the faraway snowy mountains, be sure to capture the lush green grass at your feet as well with a photo taken from ground level.Define your focal point. Because landscapes often take in a large amount of area, make sure you have a definite focal point. Also, because a landscape photo might be all in focus no matter the distance, it is easiest to place this focal point in the middle. You can choose an interesting cloud, a unique rock formation, or a lonely building against a big blue sky.
Work in movement. Nature does not sit still for a photo opportunity. Instead of hoping for one brief moment of stillness, capturing movement is actually a great way to set the mood of the picture. For instance, if you are trying to recreate the rush of a mighty waterfall, consider putting your camera on a longer shutter speed so that the water all flows together in the image.
Try a tripod. Whether you want movement in your picture or utter stillness, a tripod can help you in several ways. First, it can keep your horizon straight rather than letting it accidentally tilt. Also, it can help keep your natural flinches from blurring a photo the wrong way or pulling a finely-focused camera out of alignment.Consider the weather. Of course, if you want a bright picture of, say, the sun reflecting off of a pond, then you must wait for a sunny day. However, changes in weather can actually cast a whole new light on the landscape. Additionally, if you are interested in awe-inspiring sky shots, an upcoming storm can provide show-stopping cloud action.
Play with your focus. Typically, the depth of field, or the area that is in focus, is a narrow band with regular photography. However, if you adjust your hyperfocal distance, you can have photos that are in focus from as close as half the hyperfocal distance to infinity.
Pick a foreground. While your main emphasis may be on the mountains far, far away, choosing an interesting foreground can help make your pictures pop. For example, if you want to add extra contrast between the faraway snowy mountains, be sure to capture the lush green grass at your feet as well with a photo taken from ground level.Define your focal point. Because landscapes often take in a large amount of area, make sure you have a definite focal point. Also, because a landscape photo might be all in focus no matter the distance, it is easiest to place this focal point in the middle. You can choose an interesting cloud, a unique rock formation, or a lonely building against a big blue sky.
Work in movement. Nature does not sit still for a photo opportunity. Instead of hoping for one brief moment of stillness, capturing movement is actually a great way to set the mood of the picture. For instance, if you are trying to recreate the rush of a mighty waterfall, consider putting your camera on a longer shutter speed so that the water all flows together in the image.
Try a tripod. Whether you want movement in your picture or utter stillness, a tripod can help you in several ways. First, it can keep your horizon straight rather than letting it accidentally tilt. Also, it can help keep your natural flinches from blurring a photo the wrong way or pulling a finely-focused camera out of alignment.Consider the weather. Of course, if you want a bright picture of, say, the sun reflecting off of a pond, then you must wait for a sunny day. However, changes in weather can actually cast a whole new light on the landscape. Additionally, if you are interested in awe-inspiring sky shots, an upcoming storm can provide show-stopping cloud action.
Usable photography
Usable photography was invented way back in 1816 by Nicephore Niepce. Even though he was not the first man in the history of the world to capture an image, he did capture a photographic image that could last an extended amount of time. Mankind's quest to capture a picture has been around for centuries and continues to evolve. This evolution has led to the widespread production of photos on canvas.
Photos printed on canvas have amazing durability and they are significantly more durable than a typical printed photograph. Canvas is a very durable material that can last for tens or even hundreds of years. Printing photos on canvas is a process that allows a photo to be admired for many years into the future. The lifespan of a photo can vary greatly and really depends on the medium on which it has been printed. Printing photos on canvas ensures that the photo will survive the test of time. On top of this, canvas produces a charming quality as it ages.
Tests are conducted on canvas in photographic laboratories to ensure that it will last a century. Such tests usually involve shining UV lights at the image for an extended period of time. This is done in order to gauge how long it takes for a photo to completely fade. Canvas is a beautiful way for you to preserve your memories for a long time and your photos can remain in prime condition for decades.
With some photos, life expectancy may be an issue. If this is the case having a printed on canvas is a great idea and will assure that the image will last. By doing so, you will reduce the chance of a photo needing restoration in the future. This is a fantastic benefit of photos on canvas as ordinary photos can become wrinkled or possibly even fade away overtime. Photos of your glorious wedding day may be lost forever, but those printed on canvas can maintain their sharpness, contrast and colour depth for years to come. Many photos on canvas can see a good 100 years before needing any restoration.
Unlike ordinary photographs, those printed on canvas do not need to be cared for and stored as well as typical photos for them to last such long periods of time. This can save a lot of energy wasted in the upkeep of your photos over the long-term.
There is also a big difference in the way canvas photos look and feel. Unlike photo paper, canvas has a rough surface which adds a fantastic texture to your photo. This also makes your photo look a lot more like an oil painting rather than a printed photograph. On top of these differences, your photos can also be printed in a variety of sizes and some are able to be printed on very large pieces of canvas.
The best way to ensure that your canvas photos last a century is to keep them away from areas where they may receive a lot of direct sunlight. Sunlight will cause your image to fade over time. Water is also an enemy of photographs on canvas, so it is wise to keep your photos in dry areas with low humidity. Keeping the canvas print clean will also help to prevent dust particles permanently adhering to the photo.
Photos printed on canvas have amazing durability and they are significantly more durable than a typical printed photograph. Canvas is a very durable material that can last for tens or even hundreds of years. Printing photos on canvas is a process that allows a photo to be admired for many years into the future. The lifespan of a photo can vary greatly and really depends on the medium on which it has been printed. Printing photos on canvas ensures that the photo will survive the test of time. On top of this, canvas produces a charming quality as it ages.
Tests are conducted on canvas in photographic laboratories to ensure that it will last a century. Such tests usually involve shining UV lights at the image for an extended period of time. This is done in order to gauge how long it takes for a photo to completely fade. Canvas is a beautiful way for you to preserve your memories for a long time and your photos can remain in prime condition for decades.
With some photos, life expectancy may be an issue. If this is the case having a printed on canvas is a great idea and will assure that the image will last. By doing so, you will reduce the chance of a photo needing restoration in the future. This is a fantastic benefit of photos on canvas as ordinary photos can become wrinkled or possibly even fade away overtime. Photos of your glorious wedding day may be lost forever, but those printed on canvas can maintain their sharpness, contrast and colour depth for years to come. Many photos on canvas can see a good 100 years before needing any restoration.
Unlike ordinary photographs, those printed on canvas do not need to be cared for and stored as well as typical photos for them to last such long periods of time. This can save a lot of energy wasted in the upkeep of your photos over the long-term.
There is also a big difference in the way canvas photos look and feel. Unlike photo paper, canvas has a rough surface which adds a fantastic texture to your photo. This also makes your photo look a lot more like an oil painting rather than a printed photograph. On top of these differences, your photos can also be printed in a variety of sizes and some are able to be printed on very large pieces of canvas.
The best way to ensure that your canvas photos last a century is to keep them away from areas where they may receive a lot of direct sunlight. Sunlight will cause your image to fade over time. Water is also an enemy of photographs on canvas, so it is wise to keep your photos in dry areas with low humidity. Keeping the canvas print clean will also help to prevent dust particles permanently adhering to the photo.
Animation and Multimedia
In recent days, it is not unusual to see Indian children chatting about mythological stories of Indian culture like Ramayana, Mahabharata and the legendary characters such as Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna and many more. This re-introduction to the Indian culture can be attributed to the enthralling animated movies that have summarized the good old Indian epics for our young generation. And who could forget the ever so famous characters Tom & Jerry, Mowgli, Stuart Little, Popeye, and many more that were brought to life by animation. In this world of animation, inert images are brought to life through diverse tools and techniques.
Animation finds its place in the filming industry and in television but there are several other areas that animation plays a large part in. The biggest scope for animation comes from the gaming industry. Animation hit upon its place in the film and television industry, however there are quite a lot of other areas that animation plays a vital role in. The leading scope for animation comes from the gaming industry. The archetypal roles for people hunting animation as a profession in computers, depending upon their skills, consist of digital film animator, visual artists, graphics designer, senior animator, web artist or web designer.
The essential prerequisites for animation as a career, despite knowing the essentials in computer education, engage an unusual skill and startling versatility in drawing. A person who takes pleasure in drawing and computers can simply make a winning career out of computer animation. Associate degree in Animation normally takes about two years, and most individuals can start working straight away after graduation.Those animators who acquire a higher level of education are typically the ones who are proposed the superior positions as they come available. Salary can vary from employer-to-employer, but many animators are able to set their own working hours and prices for the work they do, if they decide to freelance. Career as an animator will be more than rewarding for a person who is full of creativity and it offers a real sense of fulfillment when you see how much others valued your work.
Animation finds its place in the filming industry and in television but there are several other areas that animation plays a large part in. The biggest scope for animation comes from the gaming industry. Animation hit upon its place in the film and television industry, however there are quite a lot of other areas that animation plays a vital role in. The leading scope for animation comes from the gaming industry. The archetypal roles for people hunting animation as a profession in computers, depending upon their skills, consist of digital film animator, visual artists, graphics designer, senior animator, web artist or web designer.
The essential prerequisites for animation as a career, despite knowing the essentials in computer education, engage an unusual skill and startling versatility in drawing. A person who takes pleasure in drawing and computers can simply make a winning career out of computer animation. Associate degree in Animation normally takes about two years, and most individuals can start working straight away after graduation.Those animators who acquire a higher level of education are typically the ones who are proposed the superior positions as they come available. Salary can vary from employer-to-employer, but many animators are able to set their own working hours and prices for the work they do, if they decide to freelance. Career as an animator will be more than rewarding for a person who is full of creativity and it offers a real sense of fulfillment when you see how much others valued your work.
History of Mickey Mouse
With the continuing demand for Mickey Mouse toys,cartoons and a whole range of Mickey related paraphernalia, it's always good to take a look back at how this phenomenon actually started. Today, we're going to take a look at one of the earliest cartoons, Steamboat Willie.
Released in 1928 it was the 3rd Mickey Mouse Cartoon and the first to feature synchronized sound. Steamboat Willie premiered in New York. it was an instant hit.Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks wrote and directed the film, parodying Steamboat Bill Jr, a Buster Keaton film. The music was put together by Wilfred Jackson who was a Disney animator. Popular songs included 'Steamboat Bill' and 'Turkey in the Straw'.There have been a number of controversies relating to the copyright of the film, although recent evidence suggests that issues relating to the original copyright may in fact, place 'Steamboat Willie' in the public domain. The film is selected for preservation in the United States Film registry and was voted number 13 out of the 50 Greatest Cartoons of all time.
The film has been subject to the censors scissors in the past. Mickey's pulling of a cat's tail and swinging it around his head caught the censor's eye, as did the using of a goose as a set of bagpipes.
DVD release
Steamboat Willie formed part of the Walt Disney Treasures DVD. it was also released as a DVD title, 'Vintage Mickey' which was a collection of Black and White Mickey Mouse Cartoons.
Video games
With so many Mickey toys and games being developed, it was hardly surprising that Mickey would feature in a video game. 'Steamboat Willie' was used as a the basis for the first level of the video game Mickey Mania: The Timeless Adventures of Mickey Mouse. This was released for the Super Nintendo games console, but also made it onto the Sega CD and Sony Play stations.
In the Disney game Kingdom Hearts II a 'Steamboat Willie' inspired and themed world feature period versions of the characters.It is pretty amazing that a 1928 cartoon, primitive as it appears now, could have spawned such a market for Mickey Mouse Toys and other items. A search on the web brings forward a vast array of mickey related items. Board games, dressing up sets, earrings, ears, bedding, pajamas, video games, dozens of DVD releases and a whole lot more besides. There is a toy for all occasions. Mickey is never far away and the obsession appears as strong as ever.
Released in 1928 it was the 3rd Mickey Mouse Cartoon and the first to feature synchronized sound. Steamboat Willie premiered in New York. it was an instant hit.Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks wrote and directed the film, parodying Steamboat Bill Jr, a Buster Keaton film. The music was put together by Wilfred Jackson who was a Disney animator. Popular songs included 'Steamboat Bill' and 'Turkey in the Straw'.There have been a number of controversies relating to the copyright of the film, although recent evidence suggests that issues relating to the original copyright may in fact, place 'Steamboat Willie' in the public domain. The film is selected for preservation in the United States Film registry and was voted number 13 out of the 50 Greatest Cartoons of all time.
The film has been subject to the censors scissors in the past. Mickey's pulling of a cat's tail and swinging it around his head caught the censor's eye, as did the using of a goose as a set of bagpipes.
DVD release
Steamboat Willie formed part of the Walt Disney Treasures DVD. it was also released as a DVD title, 'Vintage Mickey' which was a collection of Black and White Mickey Mouse Cartoons.
Video games
With so many Mickey toys and games being developed, it was hardly surprising that Mickey would feature in a video game. 'Steamboat Willie' was used as a the basis for the first level of the video game Mickey Mania: The Timeless Adventures of Mickey Mouse. This was released for the Super Nintendo games console, but also made it onto the Sega CD and Sony Play stations.
In the Disney game Kingdom Hearts II a 'Steamboat Willie' inspired and themed world feature period versions of the characters.It is pretty amazing that a 1928 cartoon, primitive as it appears now, could have spawned such a market for Mickey Mouse Toys and other items. A search on the web brings forward a vast array of mickey related items. Board games, dressing up sets, earrings, ears, bedding, pajamas, video games, dozens of DVD releases and a whole lot more besides. There is a toy for all occasions. Mickey is never far away and the obsession appears as strong as ever.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
digital photography
People have different approaches when it comes to managing to get their businesses off the ground. If there is anything that history teaches company owners, it is that only those who dare receive the rewards of their labors. Work on every project you take as if the life of your business depends on it. The thing about the digital photography business is that this can be the case.
Definite Objectives
Every business should have definite goals that it should measure its performance against. It is unfortunate that some business owners skip this part. The significance of having clear and established goals is that it focuses on the resources of the company. For example, knowing where you want the business positioned can be quite helpful when it comes to formulating marketing and advertising plans.
Develop a Reputation
Take note that you are only as good as the last work that you put it. This is why you should endeavor to have quality results each time you snap a picture or post an image online. Building a good reputation is the best way to sustain the business. What makes businesses different now is that there are methods that are available that were unheard of in previous generations. In making sure to get the business off the ground, there are some steps that need to be taken.
Network
The digital photography business is an industry that is fueled by the power of referrals. Widen your roster of potential clients by increasing the number of contacts that you have. Think of every acquaintance or business contact as a potential client and act accordingly. A good trick that many professionals have periodically sending updates on their companies to all the people in their contacts list in order to make the presence of their company known.
Definite Objectives
Every business should have definite goals that it should measure its performance against. It is unfortunate that some business owners skip this part. The significance of having clear and established goals is that it focuses on the resources of the company. For example, knowing where you want the business positioned can be quite helpful when it comes to formulating marketing and advertising plans.
Develop a Reputation
Take note that you are only as good as the last work that you put it. This is why you should endeavor to have quality results each time you snap a picture or post an image online. Building a good reputation is the best way to sustain the business. What makes businesses different now is that there are methods that are available that were unheard of in previous generations. In making sure to get the business off the ground, there are some steps that need to be taken.
Network
The digital photography business is an industry that is fueled by the power of referrals. Widen your roster of potential clients by increasing the number of contacts that you have. Think of every acquaintance or business contact as a potential client and act accordingly. A good trick that many professionals have periodically sending updates on their companies to all the people in their contacts list in order to make the presence of their company known.
online photography business guide
Being in the business of photography is both rewarding and challenging. There are many players in the market who acts as stiff competition to your endeavors. To differentiate yourself from the rest, you need to have a niche that will help potential clients remember you. The best photography business guide in terms of identification of niche tells about the distinction of specialization or diversification.
If you decide to focus on for example, fashion, you need to study the technical and artistic aspects of it. Even if you decide to diversify, you need to ensure your competence in every field that you enter in order to ensure the success of your business.
As a professional photographer, you can decide to specialize in terms of subject such as fashion or portraits. You can also make a distinction based on industry such as journalism or weddings. But no matter what kind of activity is chosen, professionals usually divide their craft into two main categories. Choosing your niche depends on your interests.
Assignment
Every photography business guide takes into consideration assignment photography. This term refers to any photography that is commissioned by a client. Some of the kinds that fall under this category are those for product, portraits, and weddings. One of the advantages of doing assignment photography is that it poses less of a financial risk for the business owner because you are guaranteed payment.
Stock
Contrary to assignment photography, stock photography banks on the probability of publication. In other words, the person who takes the pictures cannot be sure that he or she will be paid. For example, photos can be used in many different ways in newspapers, brochures, calendars, and other publications. Many establishments or institutions may simply opt to buy stock photographs for convenience and lower costs.
If you decide to focus on for example, fashion, you need to study the technical and artistic aspects of it. Even if you decide to diversify, you need to ensure your competence in every field that you enter in order to ensure the success of your business.
As a professional photographer, you can decide to specialize in terms of subject such as fashion or portraits. You can also make a distinction based on industry such as journalism or weddings. But no matter what kind of activity is chosen, professionals usually divide their craft into two main categories. Choosing your niche depends on your interests.
Assignment
Every photography business guide takes into consideration assignment photography. This term refers to any photography that is commissioned by a client. Some of the kinds that fall under this category are those for product, portraits, and weddings. One of the advantages of doing assignment photography is that it poses less of a financial risk for the business owner because you are guaranteed payment.
Stock
Contrary to assignment photography, stock photography banks on the probability of publication. In other words, the person who takes the pictures cannot be sure that he or she will be paid. For example, photos can be used in many different ways in newspapers, brochures, calendars, and other publications. Many establishments or institutions may simply opt to buy stock photographs for convenience and lower costs.
online photography business for all people
Marketing is the backbone of any business, whether it is online or not. Without it, your business may go practically unnoticed and drop into the wayside. Luckily for those who are into photography, marketing their products is no longer as difficult before. There are numerous resources that can be used in order to turn the venture into a viable career, whether it is an offline or an online photography business or both.
Search Engine Marketing
Marketing through the use of search engines is one of the most popular and effective ways of letting your audience know about the services that you offer. What makes it so good is that everyone makes use of search engines. Ideally, you would want the search of people to lead directly to sites that contain your photos. Search engine marketing is actually quite specialized so it is best to get in touch with professionals who can help you with your own business.
Social Media Marketing
An online photography business can benefit from the social interactions that occur online on a daily basis. There are websites such as Twitter, Digg, and other community-based location that can be of use of your photography business. This is the perfect way of taking advantage of the opportunities other people present when it comes to marketing. Make sure that your photos are included in the forums and discussion groups in order to garner positive attention.
Paid Advertising
Pair advertising is quite similar to traditional forms of marketing. The tradeoff of fast results is that it may entail additional costs for you and your business. Some of the opportunities that are available are pay-per-click, offline ads, and traditional banners. For those who are just starting their business, this is the best option. Once the company has become more established, then it can be a good takeoff point towards other online methods of marketing.
Search Engine Marketing
Marketing through the use of search engines is one of the most popular and effective ways of letting your audience know about the services that you offer. What makes it so good is that everyone makes use of search engines. Ideally, you would want the search of people to lead directly to sites that contain your photos. Search engine marketing is actually quite specialized so it is best to get in touch with professionals who can help you with your own business.
Social Media Marketing
An online photography business can benefit from the social interactions that occur online on a daily basis. There are websites such as Twitter, Digg, and other community-based location that can be of use of your photography business. This is the perfect way of taking advantage of the opportunities other people present when it comes to marketing. Make sure that your photos are included in the forums and discussion groups in order to garner positive attention.
Paid Advertising
Pair advertising is quite similar to traditional forms of marketing. The tradeoff of fast results is that it may entail additional costs for you and your business. Some of the opportunities that are available are pay-per-click, offline ads, and traditional banners. For those who are just starting their business, this is the best option. Once the company has become more established, then it can be a good takeoff point towards other online methods of marketing.
Easy to learn Photographic Lighting
The quality of your photographic lighting can have a big effect on the quality of your photos. There are a number of setups that have become extremely common in photography, and understanding them can help you control your images more effectively. Let's take a look at some of these basic setups, including the ideal positioning of these lights and what they are best for.
Modeling Light
Photographic lighting travels in a straight line when it's not filtered or diffused, causing sharp shadows to be created. You can exaggerate the contours of objects by using this lighting dramatically. Moving the light or the object can help you control the shadows, a process called modeling. This can also be referred to as key lighting when modeling is the main purpose for your light setup.
Soft Light
When you use diffusers or filters, or bounce your light off an opaque surface, it softens, losing its directional properties. This type of photographic lighting can be used to soften shadows from direct or modeling light, and still increase the level of ambient light around the subject. Reflector boards are popular methods when working outside. This can also be called fill lighting.
Rim Light
Silhouetting a subject from behind with unfiltered light is called rim lighting. Usually, this kind of photographic lighting is positioned high, and a little outside the scene. It creates an edge light, allowing the imagination of the viewer to fill in a window or other light source outside the image. It can be used to keep subjects from merging with backgrounds, but is distracting when overdone.
Front Light
To lift the exposure level and soften harsh shadows caused by modeling light or direct sunlight, front lighting is a good choice. To decrease its obviousness, this light is usually positioned a little above the axis of the camera lens, looking at the subject from the same point of view as the lens. This light may be called a basher.
Standard Three Light Setup
In this very standard photographic setup, three lights are used. A modeling, or key light, a soft fill light that brightens shadowed areas, and a back or rim light to highlight details. To avoid lens flare, no light should be allowed to fall on the surface of the camera lens itself.
Artificial Light Only, Or Daylight Combination?
Using artificial photography lighting alone gives you complete control over the situation, but can seem cold or calculated. Adding daylight can make things a lot more complicated, but adds a natural element. However, you have to be very skilled in order to use it effectively, since artificial lighting must be matched in color to the sunlight, and the sun will continue to move throughout the shoot. Avoid using the white balance on your camera to try to compensate for differing photographic lighting colors, since this can produce unusual effects.
Modeling Light
Photographic lighting travels in a straight line when it's not filtered or diffused, causing sharp shadows to be created. You can exaggerate the contours of objects by using this lighting dramatically. Moving the light or the object can help you control the shadows, a process called modeling. This can also be referred to as key lighting when modeling is the main purpose for your light setup.
Soft Light
When you use diffusers or filters, or bounce your light off an opaque surface, it softens, losing its directional properties. This type of photographic lighting can be used to soften shadows from direct or modeling light, and still increase the level of ambient light around the subject. Reflector boards are popular methods when working outside. This can also be called fill lighting.
Rim Light
Silhouetting a subject from behind with unfiltered light is called rim lighting. Usually, this kind of photographic lighting is positioned high, and a little outside the scene. It creates an edge light, allowing the imagination of the viewer to fill in a window or other light source outside the image. It can be used to keep subjects from merging with backgrounds, but is distracting when overdone.
Front Light
To lift the exposure level and soften harsh shadows caused by modeling light or direct sunlight, front lighting is a good choice. To decrease its obviousness, this light is usually positioned a little above the axis of the camera lens, looking at the subject from the same point of view as the lens. This light may be called a basher.
Standard Three Light Setup
In this very standard photographic setup, three lights are used. A modeling, or key light, a soft fill light that brightens shadowed areas, and a back or rim light to highlight details. To avoid lens flare, no light should be allowed to fall on the surface of the camera lens itself.
Artificial Light Only, Or Daylight Combination?
Using artificial photography lighting alone gives you complete control over the situation, but can seem cold or calculated. Adding daylight can make things a lot more complicated, but adds a natural element. However, you have to be very skilled in order to use it effectively, since artificial lighting must be matched in color to the sunlight, and the sun will continue to move throughout the shoot. Avoid using the white balance on your camera to try to compensate for differing photographic lighting colors, since this can produce unusual effects.
Best camera memory card
Choosing the right digital camera can be a chore at first, but after some careful consideration with the image quality, megapixel count, and handling, you should end up being satisfied with your chosen unit. However many of the point-and-shoot cameras have one thing in common: they have very small internal memory capacities. You may fit dozens of photos if you choose the lowest resolution setting, but there might be times where you may need to have more space for taking high resolution shots of scenes that you may never get a chance to take again. Fortunately all digital cameras have a card slot that can accept different camera memory cards depending on the manufacturer and model. This way you can make the most out of your camera by getting an appropriate memory card. Here are some tips in choosing the best camera memory cards for your unit.
Getting to Know your Memory Card Type
Consult your camera's instruction manual to find out what memory cards your camera supports so that you know what to get when you purchase online or at your local store. Most cameras should come with a free memory card so you can simply take your camera with you with your memory card safely inside so you can show it to the salesperson or compare it with the images online. Still, it is good to be familiar with the type of card just in case.
Determining the Best Desired Size of your Camera Memory Card
Camera memory cards come in several different sizes ranging to the small 512 MB sizes to 8 GB and beyond. Although there could be sizes smaller than 512 MB, it is recommended not to get those as 512 MB sizes are very affordable and can store a decent amount of photos.
If you want to choose a good memory capacity without overspending or falling short of the total memory, consider your camera's maximum megapixel count and then take a good estimate on how many shots you wish to take per session. If you own or are using a 5.3 megapixel camera, each JPEG file should be around 1.5 MB each on the highest quality or 8 MB using the RAW format. That means around 680 photos can fit in a 1 GB card or 126 RAW photos. Don't forget to put videos into the equation too because they take up the most space depending on the length. Best thing to do is experiment with your current memory card and internal memory than do simple multiplication to get the best amount.
Camera memory cards are becoming more affordable as the maximum capacity goes up. Therefore it is best to get premium brands like SanDisk to ensure that your memory card lasts. After you picked your memory card, you should be all set in taking pictures without the need of clearing space often.
Getting to Know your Memory Card Type
Consult your camera's instruction manual to find out what memory cards your camera supports so that you know what to get when you purchase online or at your local store. Most cameras should come with a free memory card so you can simply take your camera with you with your memory card safely inside so you can show it to the salesperson or compare it with the images online. Still, it is good to be familiar with the type of card just in case.
Determining the Best Desired Size of your Camera Memory Card
Camera memory cards come in several different sizes ranging to the small 512 MB sizes to 8 GB and beyond. Although there could be sizes smaller than 512 MB, it is recommended not to get those as 512 MB sizes are very affordable and can store a decent amount of photos.
If you want to choose a good memory capacity without overspending or falling short of the total memory, consider your camera's maximum megapixel count and then take a good estimate on how many shots you wish to take per session. If you own or are using a 5.3 megapixel camera, each JPEG file should be around 1.5 MB each on the highest quality or 8 MB using the RAW format. That means around 680 photos can fit in a 1 GB card or 126 RAW photos. Don't forget to put videos into the equation too because they take up the most space depending on the length. Best thing to do is experiment with your current memory card and internal memory than do simple multiplication to get the best amount.
Camera memory cards are becoming more affordable as the maximum capacity goes up. Therefore it is best to get premium brands like SanDisk to ensure that your memory card lasts. After you picked your memory card, you should be all set in taking pictures without the need of clearing space often.
Anybody want michael Jackson Painting?
So you want to buy a Michael Jackson painting? You are not alone. After the shocking death of Michael Jackson his music sales have hit an all time record high. Just as popular as his music has gotten since his death so also has paintings of Michael Jackson.
I've been searching online to find a painting of him that I really liked. I wish I could buy all of the paintings I found because there are so many great paintings that I would be proud to display on my wall. Michael Jackson is my favorite star of all time. I've been listening to his music since I can remember. I grew up with posters of him on my wall.
When I heard of his death I knew there would be many people trying to profit from it all. Which I guess isn't bad because after all everybody needs money and if they have painted a great painting of him or made some other artistic tribute to him and are selling it, more power to them. I don't think Michael would mind because he loved his fans and wanted them to succeed.
I don't remember how I found the painting that I ended up buying, I think I just kept searching the net until I came across it, but when I say it I knew it was the perfect one for me. I knew I was looking for something unique. A different perspective of Michael that no one had painted before. Something simple, but unique.
I've been searching online to find a painting of him that I really liked. I wish I could buy all of the paintings I found because there are so many great paintings that I would be proud to display on my wall. Michael Jackson is my favorite star of all time. I've been listening to his music since I can remember. I grew up with posters of him on my wall.
When I heard of his death I knew there would be many people trying to profit from it all. Which I guess isn't bad because after all everybody needs money and if they have painted a great painting of him or made some other artistic tribute to him and are selling it, more power to them. I don't think Michael would mind because he loved his fans and wanted them to succeed.
I don't remember how I found the painting that I ended up buying, I think I just kept searching the net until I came across it, but when I say it I knew it was the perfect one for me. I knew I was looking for something unique. A different perspective of Michael that no one had painted before. Something simple, but unique.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
A Complete Guide to 3D Animation & the World of Computer Animations
If you have been one of these people who has just had to sketch something every time the opportunity arises then there may be an opportunity for you in art. It may go beyond that point and you are fascinated in animation. Now it has gone even further where you just have to become a 3D animator. If this is the case or even just for interest sake then you should know some of the details about this intriguing subject.
Most often artists feel that getting into the world of 3D animation is not that much of a challenge. They are under the misconception that it is just a matter of learning how to use some great software and that is it. That could not be further from the truth.
To begin with, 3D animation is not just requiring someone to sit down and come up with some exciting characters and then that is the end of it. Often there is disappointment in store for the individual who seeks a career with this type of intention.
Most often "would be animators" end up in an entirely different segment of the 3D animation world. To have a better understanding it is wise to do some research on the industry and learn about how many different sectors there are to 3D animation. This way with this knowledge and knowing your skills, you may get an idea where you would end up if you pursue this adventure.
There are two primary applications in 3D animation, which are...
If you take a group of frames and change the objects in them through spacing or timing for example plus making the most of the changes to the key frames then you are in fact key framing. The oldest style of animation is key frame animation itself and the techniques have not changed much over the years.
The other downside to mocap is that the end-result is often far from perfect; mocap animation usually requires clean up from keyframe artists to make it look more realistic, especially if the character being animated does not have an anatomy or proportions similar to those of a human.
There is much a would be 3D animator must possess and learn through observation of any type of movement and understanding the principals of it. Continually be learning from history as well as present day. Start with the basics and master these. Next move onto more complex areas of the fundamentals of art to broaden your knowledge. These are a definite requirement for any animation including 3D.
By being constantly aware of the movements around you then you, begin to master how these movements take place and what it will require to get your character to move in the same fashion.
To learn 3D animation one must be patient, willing to be constantly learning and choose a good reputable school to learn the skill necessary for this industry. This way there will be no surprises when you enter into the industry, and without all of these attributes, you will certainly not go far in the industry even if you were to get in at an entry level.
Most often artists feel that getting into the world of 3D animation is not that much of a challenge. They are under the misconception that it is just a matter of learning how to use some great software and that is it. That could not be further from the truth.
To begin with, 3D animation is not just requiring someone to sit down and come up with some exciting characters and then that is the end of it. Often there is disappointment in store for the individual who seeks a career with this type of intention.
Most often "would be animators" end up in an entirely different segment of the 3D animation world. To have a better understanding it is wise to do some research on the industry and learn about how many different sectors there are to 3D animation. This way with this knowledge and knowing your skills, you may get an idea where you would end up if you pursue this adventure.
There are two primary applications in 3D animation, which are...
If you take a group of frames and change the objects in them through spacing or timing for example plus making the most of the changes to the key frames then you are in fact key framing. The oldest style of animation is key frame animation itself and the techniques have not changed much over the years.
The other downside to mocap is that the end-result is often far from perfect; mocap animation usually requires clean up from keyframe artists to make it look more realistic, especially if the character being animated does not have an anatomy or proportions similar to those of a human.
There is much a would be 3D animator must possess and learn through observation of any type of movement and understanding the principals of it. Continually be learning from history as well as present day. Start with the basics and master these. Next move onto more complex areas of the fundamentals of art to broaden your knowledge. These are a definite requirement for any animation including 3D.
By being constantly aware of the movements around you then you, begin to master how these movements take place and what it will require to get your character to move in the same fashion.
To learn 3D animation one must be patient, willing to be constantly learning and choose a good reputable school to learn the skill necessary for this industry. This way there will be no surprises when you enter into the industry, and without all of these attributes, you will certainly not go far in the industry even if you were to get in at an entry level.
A Beginners Guide to Cartoon Animations and 3D Animations
Almost everyone enjoys cartoons of some type whether it is in the newspaper or on television. They are so popular that you will often see cartoon characters in a variety of advertisements. Saturday mornings used to be famous for cartoons. In today's age they have somewhat been replaced with video games, but then even those characters are animated. In addition, the majority of animated box office hits are now all in 3D animation.
You may be intrigued enough by animation that you want to know more about it. It has its complexities and it is by no means an easy job. To put it in easy terms, it is a group of drawings that an artist has designed and then they are put into frames, which are then imaged very quickly to denote movement. It should be remembered though that animation is not just restricted to cartoons.
There are many fazes to producing a great cartoon. First, the idea has to be borne. An artist or cartoonist is this case will dream up a character then draw it. Then it goes to the computer for animation. The animator will use various software to take the character through various stages, which will bring it to life, and then it must go through processes where it can be produced and put out to the viewer.
There is a certain amount of talent required for this job. There must be artistic talent where the artist as learned the fundamentals. Although the computer will do much of the work, the operator must tell it what to do, and then be able to judge whether the computer has done it right. In addition to this, the animator must have a good understanding of the various programs available and how they work.
Cartoons must have a purpose or a storyline. It is the interest in the storyline enhanced by the characters that make it successful. They must be fun and light hearted as this is what attracts people to them. It makes them laugh. Voiceovers in today's media are important. In the case of major productions well known actors and actresses will be retained to do them. It adds creditability to the story and depending on how famous they are often serves as an attraction.
Cartoon animation has predominantly been dome in 2D and 3D formats. 2D was the forerunner and with the introduction of computers, it was not long before it progressed into 3D. They both play a major role in the industry. 3D has not replaced 2D, but it has enhanced it. The computer can be used for both types of formats and there is software that allows the capabilities to do this. The software is only the tool that the animator works with, as we said earlier that there still has to be a well-trained user to execute it. The world of animation is no doubt going to progress and continually get better as computers and software continue to excel in their technology.
You may be intrigued enough by animation that you want to know more about it. It has its complexities and it is by no means an easy job. To put it in easy terms, it is a group of drawings that an artist has designed and then they are put into frames, which are then imaged very quickly to denote movement. It should be remembered though that animation is not just restricted to cartoons.
There are many fazes to producing a great cartoon. First, the idea has to be borne. An artist or cartoonist is this case will dream up a character then draw it. Then it goes to the computer for animation. The animator will use various software to take the character through various stages, which will bring it to life, and then it must go through processes where it can be produced and put out to the viewer.
There is a certain amount of talent required for this job. There must be artistic talent where the artist as learned the fundamentals. Although the computer will do much of the work, the operator must tell it what to do, and then be able to judge whether the computer has done it right. In addition to this, the animator must have a good understanding of the various programs available and how they work.
Cartoons must have a purpose or a storyline. It is the interest in the storyline enhanced by the characters that make it successful. They must be fun and light hearted as this is what attracts people to them. It makes them laugh. Voiceovers in today's media are important. In the case of major productions well known actors and actresses will be retained to do them. It adds creditability to the story and depending on how famous they are often serves as an attraction.
Cartoon animation has predominantly been dome in 2D and 3D formats. 2D was the forerunner and with the introduction of computers, it was not long before it progressed into 3D. They both play a major role in the industry. 3D has not replaced 2D, but it has enhanced it. The computer can be used for both types of formats and there is software that allows the capabilities to do this. The software is only the tool that the animator works with, as we said earlier that there still has to be a well-trained user to execute it. The world of animation is no doubt going to progress and continually get better as computers and software continue to excel in their technology.
3D Animation Industry - Discover the Latest Trends and Technology in the Animation Industry
Here is a term that has not been heard of too often, Phenadistoscope. If you are familiar with it then you might be giving away your age. Actually, this was the technique used to give the animation effects. It was a matter of simple drawings that were made to move simultaneously.
We do the same thing today but with much, more advanced methods. The general concept is still there it is the way that results are achieved that is so dramatically different. The techniques of phenadistoscope became extinct by the end of the 21st century when a more exciting and innovative way to get the job done surfaced. If you have not guessed what that is, then it is the computer. Naturally, these dynamic pieces of technology are just never ending in what they can do.
What happened now in the world of animation was that the drawings could be scanned into the computer or even better created on it. The computer has the capability of rapidly displaying all those images that depict movement at a very rapid rate. These are images created from models of 2D or 3D artwork. They are then put into a sequential order, which the computer takes and is able to create the illusion of movement.
The characters of animation today have taken on a dramatic look of realism thanks to the ability to view them from all angles.
The computer is successful at achieving these great results by being able to perform a variety of techniques.
It is capable of making a comic book or cartoon character look as if it were drawn by hand. This is done by a technique knows as cel-shading. To achieve the animation features of skin and facial expressions and cloth as well a technique called morph target animation is implemented. This means that the movements are stored as vertex positions. They in every major frame the vertex will move to a different position.
The works not done yet though. There is skeletal animation that has to be comprised meaning rigging, which is a vertebrate technique. It entails the designing of bone that comprise a portion of the character to allow for visual representation.
After the above has been carried out, a procedure had to be put in place to record the movement. Much like those in video games, called motion capture. Then another exciting aspect is known as crowd simulation. You know those pictures where you see multitudes of people; well this is the technique that is responsible for the realism of these shots.
Often people think of 3D animation as only relating to cartoons. They fail to realize that many other moving objects as seen on the computer for example are animation as well. Perhaps you have viewed the beating heart on a medical site, or seen a 3d plan on a decorating internet show. What you are seeing by way of the presentation is all due to the amazing capabilities of the 3D animation. Therefore, as you can see this technology goes far beyond the use of just entertainment. It has a place in many different industries.
We do the same thing today but with much, more advanced methods. The general concept is still there it is the way that results are achieved that is so dramatically different. The techniques of phenadistoscope became extinct by the end of the 21st century when a more exciting and innovative way to get the job done surfaced. If you have not guessed what that is, then it is the computer. Naturally, these dynamic pieces of technology are just never ending in what they can do.
What happened now in the world of animation was that the drawings could be scanned into the computer or even better created on it. The computer has the capability of rapidly displaying all those images that depict movement at a very rapid rate. These are images created from models of 2D or 3D artwork. They are then put into a sequential order, which the computer takes and is able to create the illusion of movement.
The characters of animation today have taken on a dramatic look of realism thanks to the ability to view them from all angles.
The computer is successful at achieving these great results by being able to perform a variety of techniques.
It is capable of making a comic book or cartoon character look as if it were drawn by hand. This is done by a technique knows as cel-shading. To achieve the animation features of skin and facial expressions and cloth as well a technique called morph target animation is implemented. This means that the movements are stored as vertex positions. They in every major frame the vertex will move to a different position.
The works not done yet though. There is skeletal animation that has to be comprised meaning rigging, which is a vertebrate technique. It entails the designing of bone that comprise a portion of the character to allow for visual representation.
After the above has been carried out, a procedure had to be put in place to record the movement. Much like those in video games, called motion capture. Then another exciting aspect is known as crowd simulation. You know those pictures where you see multitudes of people; well this is the technique that is responsible for the realism of these shots.
Often people think of 3D animation as only relating to cartoons. They fail to realize that many other moving objects as seen on the computer for example are animation as well. Perhaps you have viewed the beating heart on a medical site, or seen a 3d plan on a decorating internet show. What you are seeing by way of the presentation is all due to the amazing capabilities of the 3D animation. Therefore, as you can see this technology goes far beyond the use of just entertainment. It has a place in many different industries.
Animation Styles
If you are contemplating a career in animation then you have a few decisions to make. First, you need to determine if your interest lies in 2D, 3D or stop action. Then you will need to do some research and determine what are the skill requirements for these three distinct yet related entities. They all have one common denominator though and this they will all require you to have some basic artistic skills by way or drawing capabilities. In the case of 3D, it will be a necessity to have some talent in model building and sculpting.
It is most likely most of your knowledge will be in relation to 2D animation although something may have sparked your interest in 3D. The 2D is most common because it has been around the longest. It is the creator of the traditional animation found in the old time cartoons.
To begin with, if you have done any type of animation it has most likely been in the 2D format. The computer can still have its place in this dimension. In fact, many web pages are comprised of 2D design. Using your 2D skills and your computer, you can produce a frame-by-frame presentation of a scene or even a character. You need create the image manually for each individual frame. If it is a cartoon, you are interested in creating, draw the image first in pen. These images would finally have to go through a video or film process.
As a 2D animator, you have most likely become quite comfortable manually drawing your images. You can continue to do so and then once complete you can scan them into your computer with a scanner. If you are computer comfortable then you can create your images by using the various software packages that are available on the market. To become adept at the 2D processes you would do well to utilize both methods and become comfortable with them. You will then need to become familiar with Flash for example. This software will allow you to compose all of your images and animate them as you intend them to be. Once you have done this then they are in the proper format to be released on the internet.
If you feel that you would like to go further in your animation endeavors then you are ready to move onto 3D. This is computer animation. You will need to be quite adept with your computer skills to begin with. You will most certainly need your basic art skills and be able to apply the fundamentals that pertain to them.
In the case of 3D, you are going to have to create your character by using specifically designed software for this purpose. If you are self teaching yourself as a hobby then you may want to start with basic software. As you master it, move onto something more advanced. If you are studying to become a 3D professional then you will be introduced to software that your training program utilizes.
It is most likely most of your knowledge will be in relation to 2D animation although something may have sparked your interest in 3D. The 2D is most common because it has been around the longest. It is the creator of the traditional animation found in the old time cartoons.
To begin with, if you have done any type of animation it has most likely been in the 2D format. The computer can still have its place in this dimension. In fact, many web pages are comprised of 2D design. Using your 2D skills and your computer, you can produce a frame-by-frame presentation of a scene or even a character. You need create the image manually for each individual frame. If it is a cartoon, you are interested in creating, draw the image first in pen. These images would finally have to go through a video or film process.
As a 2D animator, you have most likely become quite comfortable manually drawing your images. You can continue to do so and then once complete you can scan them into your computer with a scanner. If you are computer comfortable then you can create your images by using the various software packages that are available on the market. To become adept at the 2D processes you would do well to utilize both methods and become comfortable with them. You will then need to become familiar with Flash for example. This software will allow you to compose all of your images and animate them as you intend them to be. Once you have done this then they are in the proper format to be released on the internet.
If you feel that you would like to go further in your animation endeavors then you are ready to move onto 3D. This is computer animation. You will need to be quite adept with your computer skills to begin with. You will most certainly need your basic art skills and be able to apply the fundamentals that pertain to them.
In the case of 3D, you are going to have to create your character by using specifically designed software for this purpose. If you are self teaching yourself as a hobby then you may want to start with basic software. As you master it, move onto something more advanced. If you are studying to become a 3D professional then you will be introduced to software that your training program utilizes.
What Are the Good Sites to Review Your Favorite Animmation
Nowadays it is possible to read anime news accessing vast number of sites on the internet. However you may find that most are not reliable, having links that are broken or you'll be required to lose a lot of time browsing for the content that interests you. The result may leave you disappointed, instead of satisfied for finding what you were looking for. Let us now examine the available options.
Don't think Google is the best. Perhaps this is the first thing coming to your mind when browsing the internet in search for an anime. You can get in trouble trying to discover animes and stated above is the reason for this. You may be left with nothing after the results of the search are viewed. The landing page of the result may give you everything but what you're searching for or the movie may be there, but the link to it is broken. Then what can be done about it? Fortunately one of the best choices is to bookmark sites of importance and stick to them.
Various anime sites are known to provide quality content and they have episodes organized with care and able to provide the visitor with content systemized in alphabetical order. The viewer is thus given an easier choice for finding content for the episodes of his interest. Disregard sites that have broken links to shows with bad quality.
Some sites have huge index. It provides you with a brief review for every video and has tracks that you'll be able to hear. Other sites are as good and present to you a great list of anime episodes, though you may happen to find broken links as the index is not perfectly organized.
Watching animes on the web is the best choice presently, though not everyone will share my view. Possible reasons may be that in the anime downloads:
Some of the more popular choices are:
Don't think Google is the best. Perhaps this is the first thing coming to your mind when browsing the internet in search for an anime. You can get in trouble trying to discover animes and stated above is the reason for this. You may be left with nothing after the results of the search are viewed. The landing page of the result may give you everything but what you're searching for or the movie may be there, but the link to it is broken. Then what can be done about it? Fortunately one of the best choices is to bookmark sites of importance and stick to them.
Various anime sites are known to provide quality content and they have episodes organized with care and able to provide the visitor with content systemized in alphabetical order. The viewer is thus given an easier choice for finding content for the episodes of his interest. Disregard sites that have broken links to shows with bad quality.
Some sites have huge index. It provides you with a brief review for every video and has tracks that you'll be able to hear. Other sites are as good and present to you a great list of anime episodes, though you may happen to find broken links as the index is not perfectly organized.
Watching animes on the web is the best choice presently, though not everyone will share my view. Possible reasons may be that in the anime downloads:
- The quality of the video and audio material is somewhat better and it is possible to watch the movie in your favorite player.
- The downloads are commonly from one source so discrepancies in translation do not often occur.
- The new episode can be obtained in an easier way.
- You may be a collector of anime movies and like to show them to your friends on DVD's.
Some of the more popular choices are:
- Anime subs is one of the biggest anime sites having huge index. It provides you with a brief review for every video and has tracks that you'll be able to hear.
- AnimePile is just as good and presenting to you a great list of anime episodes, though you may happen to find broken links as the index is not perfectly organized. The site however has many links to a single episode so you're sure to find at least one that works.
The History and Evolution of Claymation
With so many innovative forms of animation and computer technology being used to create films, adverts and TV shows, some might think that "old favourites" - such as claymation - are a thing of the past. But in reality, some of the more traditional forms of animation are making a comeback - and they're doing so in all realms of media. This type of animation happens to be one of the most prominent traditional techniques making a comeback, and can be seen in everything from films, television shows and educational content, to marketing material for companies the world over.
But what is the history behind claymation, and how has it evolved over the years? It actually dates back to 1897, and started with a messy material called plasticine. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that this form of animation was prominently used in adverts and children's shows. A man named Art Clokey started producing such advertising films during this time, and then went on to produce the famous Gumby and Pokey television show - which, for many, was the defining introduction of claymation into households. The series ran from 1956 to 1963, making a comeback in the 1980s. Another famous duo consists of Wallace and Gromit. The characters were created in 1989 by Nick Park for the Wallace and Gromit animated series, and Park went on to produce a number of other films starring the two loveable characters.
However, even with the rapid development of this type of animation, the process required a lot of work and time. While conventional commercials are shot on 35 mm film at 25 frames-per-second, claymation production requires stop-action photography, and shoots up to 30 individual frames for each second of film. The models in each and every frame have to be hand-sculpted by the animator, with the artist slightly changing expressions and movements - including forms of the characters' mouths, eye movements, eyebrow raises, glances, shrugs, and of course, bodily movements - before scenes are shot by the camera. The process then slowly repeats itself one frame at a time. The result is an amazing and convincing portrayal of movement in the clay characters.
Claymation is now a popular form of animation, used not only for entertainment purposes but as an advertising and informational tool. Many companies, for example, have adopted characters of this type too - such as Wallace and Gromit - as mascots of sorts, to either represent a product or service, or to help relay more information to customers.
Such characters are often used in TV commercials, company literature and online media, helping assign a story or a theme to companies and products - a move that can make products, services, and companies as a whole more memorable to clients, as well as enable clients to make associations between characters and company offerings.
Finally, many customers find it easier and more entertaining to follow information relayed by claymation characters, thus making it a valuable marketing, advertising, and informational tool.
But what is the history behind claymation, and how has it evolved over the years? It actually dates back to 1897, and started with a messy material called plasticine. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that this form of animation was prominently used in adverts and children's shows. A man named Art Clokey started producing such advertising films during this time, and then went on to produce the famous Gumby and Pokey television show - which, for many, was the defining introduction of claymation into households. The series ran from 1956 to 1963, making a comeback in the 1980s. Another famous duo consists of Wallace and Gromit. The characters were created in 1989 by Nick Park for the Wallace and Gromit animated series, and Park went on to produce a number of other films starring the two loveable characters.
However, even with the rapid development of this type of animation, the process required a lot of work and time. While conventional commercials are shot on 35 mm film at 25 frames-per-second, claymation production requires stop-action photography, and shoots up to 30 individual frames for each second of film. The models in each and every frame have to be hand-sculpted by the animator, with the artist slightly changing expressions and movements - including forms of the characters' mouths, eye movements, eyebrow raises, glances, shrugs, and of course, bodily movements - before scenes are shot by the camera. The process then slowly repeats itself one frame at a time. The result is an amazing and convincing portrayal of movement in the clay characters.
Claymation is now a popular form of animation, used not only for entertainment purposes but as an advertising and informational tool. Many companies, for example, have adopted characters of this type too - such as Wallace and Gromit - as mascots of sorts, to either represent a product or service, or to help relay more information to customers.
Such characters are often used in TV commercials, company literature and online media, helping assign a story or a theme to companies and products - a move that can make products, services, and companies as a whole more memorable to clients, as well as enable clients to make associations between characters and company offerings.
Finally, many customers find it easier and more entertaining to follow information relayed by claymation characters, thus making it a valuable marketing, advertising, and informational tool.
Hard to Find Animation
I find a good number of anime and manga shows every week. It is pretty much what I do in my spare time. From sci-fi to romance to drama, I am a dedicated anime buff. I mentioned already that I like animes and manga of all types. Bleach, Please Teacher, Aquarion, Blue Gender, and Slayers are among my many favorites. Most have exceptional story lines or a few laughs. A good majority rock.
However, first to get to this desired point, I had alot of trial and error. Mostly, it was because I was lazy and only looking on YouTube.com. So I wound up running out of selection. Same thing with every .com, .net, and .org I came across. in other words the well ran to dry.
Next I found dubhappy.com. This was a web site that had a time limit. I did not like the sight except for it was sortive a good site to find series that I did not know the name of. I used this information to aquire the chance to watch videos on other sites. This got old for me then, too.
Last I went to downloads sites. These sights seemed to pay-off. My well was full again. there's always something to watch when I just want relaxing time to my self. I download, most of the time 2 animes a week. A little corny, but like I said, I'm an anime buff. If you need anymore info on this subject checkout my blog. It is more clear about how I achieved this goal.
However, first to get to this desired point, I had alot of trial and error. Mostly, it was because I was lazy and only looking on YouTube.com. So I wound up running out of selection. Same thing with every .com, .net, and .org I came across. in other words the well ran to dry.
Next I found dubhappy.com. This was a web site that had a time limit. I did not like the sight except for it was sortive a good site to find series that I did not know the name of. I used this information to aquire the chance to watch videos on other sites. This got old for me then, too.
Last I went to downloads sites. These sights seemed to pay-off. My well was full again. there's always something to watch when I just want relaxing time to my self. I download, most of the time 2 animes a week. A little corny, but like I said, I'm an anime buff. If you need anymore info on this subject checkout my blog. It is more clear about how I achieved this goal.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
History of Walt Disny Animation Comapny
Walt Disney, one of the most successful movie producers of the Twentieth Century was born on December 5, 1901 in Chicago, Illinois. He was married to Elizabeth Bounds and partnered with his brother Roy Disney. Walt proved to be extremely innovative with animation and character development. It was his creativity that lead his Walt Disney Company to rake in over $35 billion. He began creating characters like Mickey Mouse and producing movies over 50 years ago.
Disney's early characters, Mickey Mouse and Popeye, were vastly popular for many years, when their popularity started to wane; Disney made plans to produce Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. His counterparts said this move would be his downfall. He persevered with the movie in spite of massive criticism, and it turned out to be a huge success, raking in $8 billion, making it the most successful film in 1939. This paved the way for other princess movies old and new including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, Aladdin, and many more. Each of which has earned the Walt Disney Company billions of dollars.
During World War II, Disney was paid to make War Films such as "Victory Through Air Power" and others. These movies did not fare well in the box office, nor did Babmi which was released in the same period.
However, after the war, Disney had grand ideas of creating an exciting theme park that we know today as Disneyland and Disney World. The parks were hugely successful and fun for all ages. These theme parks currently reside in the United States, Japan, France, and China. These parks generated the popularity of Mickey Mouse and other characters like Winnie the Pooh, and later the Disney Princesses. The Disney princesses now amass billions of dollars on a yearly basis.
Disney's creativity came to an end on December 15th, 1966 when he died at the age of 65. His brother Roy, came out of retirement, and took over the business upon his death. Today, his legacy continues as Disney Productions continues to release blockbuster movie hits and open new theme parks in distant lands.
Shelby is the mother of 2 girls and 1 boy and lives in Orem, Utah. She also runs a home-based business called My Cute Dressups that sells Princess dress up clothes and other fun pretend play items for kids, toddlers, and even teenagers and adult princess costumes. She also has an ebay store and a local store run by the same name. She has seen a noticeable difference in her kids after encouraging dress up play. Visit her website for more biographical information or to see her exciting line of Princess Costumes like Cinderella dresses, Snow White Costumes, Sleeping Beauty dresses, wedding dress up, Medieval Princess, Yellow Beauty, Winter Beauty, Rapunzel dress, doll clothes that fit American Girl, 18 inch doll clothes. She has a Cinderella doll dress that matches exactly with the girl Cinderella dress as well as matching Snow White doll dress, Sleeping Beauty doll dress, and Medieval princess doll dress. She also sells princess accessories like Cinderella accessories, long gloves, wand, tiara and long cape, Snow White cape, and more. See her complete line of Boys Costumes like pirate cape and pirate hat, superhero cape, dragon cape, wizard wand, wizard cape, long cape, and many more.
Disney's early characters, Mickey Mouse and Popeye, were vastly popular for many years, when their popularity started to wane; Disney made plans to produce Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. His counterparts said this move would be his downfall. He persevered with the movie in spite of massive criticism, and it turned out to be a huge success, raking in $8 billion, making it the most successful film in 1939. This paved the way for other princess movies old and new including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, Aladdin, and many more. Each of which has earned the Walt Disney Company billions of dollars.
During World War II, Disney was paid to make War Films such as "Victory Through Air Power" and others. These movies did not fare well in the box office, nor did Babmi which was released in the same period.
However, after the war, Disney had grand ideas of creating an exciting theme park that we know today as Disneyland and Disney World. The parks were hugely successful and fun for all ages. These theme parks currently reside in the United States, Japan, France, and China. These parks generated the popularity of Mickey Mouse and other characters like Winnie the Pooh, and later the Disney Princesses. The Disney princesses now amass billions of dollars on a yearly basis.
Disney's creativity came to an end on December 15th, 1966 when he died at the age of 65. His brother Roy, came out of retirement, and took over the business upon his death. Today, his legacy continues as Disney Productions continues to release blockbuster movie hits and open new theme parks in distant lands.
Shelby is the mother of 2 girls and 1 boy and lives in Orem, Utah. She also runs a home-based business called My Cute Dressups that sells Princess dress up clothes and other fun pretend play items for kids, toddlers, and even teenagers and adult princess costumes. She also has an ebay store and a local store run by the same name. She has seen a noticeable difference in her kids after encouraging dress up play. Visit her website for more biographical information or to see her exciting line of Princess Costumes like Cinderella dresses, Snow White Costumes, Sleeping Beauty dresses, wedding dress up, Medieval Princess, Yellow Beauty, Winter Beauty, Rapunzel dress, doll clothes that fit American Girl, 18 inch doll clothes. She has a Cinderella doll dress that matches exactly with the girl Cinderella dress as well as matching Snow White doll dress, Sleeping Beauty doll dress, and Medieval princess doll dress. She also sells princess accessories like Cinderella accessories, long gloves, wand, tiara and long cape, Snow White cape, and more. See her complete line of Boys Costumes like pirate cape and pirate hat, superhero cape, dragon cape, wizard wand, wizard cape, long cape, and many more.
How to Draw Cartoons and draw flipbook
Drawing cartoons is as simple as being able to put some circles and rectangles together until they resemble the outline of the person or object you want to draw. Once you get the basic outline, then you just add a few details and your drawing will take the shape of your idea. But then what happens? Unlike the cartoons you can watch on TV, your drawings just sit there. That won't be the case when you learn how to draw cartoons, how to draw a cartoon flipbook.
Cartoon Flipbook
Flipbooks aren't all the same as they have traditionally been. Now, you can use computer software which will help you get your favorite drawings on the move. The old-fashioned way of drawing a flipbook is one that uses pencil and paper and can be entertaining for children and adults alike. It is also called a motion picture book and that is the idea. You want to create a picture and give it motion.
draw a flipbook
Start with a pencil and a pad of plain paper that isn't too big to handle with ease. Next, think of something you want to see happen. You could make a football player catch the ball and go for the finish line. Two race cars could be in fierce competition around the track. Or you may want to do something simpler such as a dog getting a drink of water. Whatever you choose, think of how you want it to start. Think of the football player, for instance. Where will he be at the beginning? Jumping up to catch the ball? Now Decide how you want it to end. When he gets to the finish line, will he fall to the ground? Or maybe you want to add a little victory dance before he finishes.
Some people draw both the first and last pictures to start, but you may have trouble working it out in the middle so that the pictures come out right. You do need start with the last page of the notebook and draw your first picture there. You need to start towards one side of the paper with your main character in order to make it progress across the page. When you draw your second drawing, you will want it to be slightly to the side of the first one. If you can see through the sheet you are drawing on, then you can use it as a guide to draw the next one. The fewer pages you want to draw to get to the last picture, the farther your subject needs to advance in each one.
You can color all of your drawings ones they are finished to give them a more professional look. To activate the picture, flip the pages of the book from the bottom up, as though thumbing through a book. Now you can draw cartoons that move!
Cartoon Flipbook
Flipbooks aren't all the same as they have traditionally been. Now, you can use computer software which will help you get your favorite drawings on the move. The old-fashioned way of drawing a flipbook is one that uses pencil and paper and can be entertaining for children and adults alike. It is also called a motion picture book and that is the idea. You want to create a picture and give it motion.
draw a flipbook
Start with a pencil and a pad of plain paper that isn't too big to handle with ease. Next, think of something you want to see happen. You could make a football player catch the ball and go for the finish line. Two race cars could be in fierce competition around the track. Or you may want to do something simpler such as a dog getting a drink of water. Whatever you choose, think of how you want it to start. Think of the football player, for instance. Where will he be at the beginning? Jumping up to catch the ball? Now Decide how you want it to end. When he gets to the finish line, will he fall to the ground? Or maybe you want to add a little victory dance before he finishes.
Some people draw both the first and last pictures to start, but you may have trouble working it out in the middle so that the pictures come out right. You do need start with the last page of the notebook and draw your first picture there. You need to start towards one side of the paper with your main character in order to make it progress across the page. When you draw your second drawing, you will want it to be slightly to the side of the first one. If you can see through the sheet you are drawing on, then you can use it as a guide to draw the next one. The fewer pages you want to draw to get to the last picture, the farther your subject needs to advance in each one.
You can color all of your drawings ones they are finished to give them a more professional look. To activate the picture, flip the pages of the book from the bottom up, as though thumbing through a book. Now you can draw cartoons that move!
How to Draw and Desingn Animation
Different artists have different ideas on how to design your Anime. Some prefer to write the entire script out before working on their images. Some prefer to go panel by panel, writing one panel and then drawing it before working on writing the next one. It is generally a good idea to start with at least a basic outline. This will help you ensure that you are pacing well and that you don't leave out key elements you will later have to go back and add in.
There are several ideas for inspiration for people who are unsure of how to start designing their own Anime. One idea is to study art history. Understanding the dynamics of art before you get started can be a great tool. Don't just read up on or look at pieces of art that will apply specifically to your work. Understanding the history of your art and what came before it can give you a better understanding of the art you are working on. It can also give you ideas on how to incorporate different elements into your Anime that you hadn't considered.
Reading different drawing technique books can be a huge help as well. No matter how good an artist is, there's always room for improvement. Taking advantage of different drawing exercises can be immensely rewarding in a number of ways. They will likely force you to think outside the box by doing exercises on things you aren't used to doing. Stretching your imagination will help you to be more creative in your own work. It'll also help you to learn what your strengths and weaknesses are. Some artists would never know they were particularly talented in drawing certain action scenes or particular body shapes if they didn't force themselves to try drawing exercises.
Of course drawing your Anime is only half of your design. You also want to make sure you have effective and interesting writing as well. No matter how good your drawings are or how well you shade your panels, if the story is uninteresting or written poorly your reader will not be interested. Study up on writing books to learn proper techniques for creating tension, pacing and other aspects of writing. You can also go back and study examples that you particularly like. Reading you favorite Anime with a more critical eye can be very helpful. Pay attention to the way the writer worked on their dialog, transitions and other aspects of their writing. Make a note of the things that did and did not work for you and plan your own art accordingly.
There are several ideas for inspiration for people who are unsure of how to start designing their own Anime. One idea is to study art history. Understanding the dynamics of art before you get started can be a great tool. Don't just read up on or look at pieces of art that will apply specifically to your work. Understanding the history of your art and what came before it can give you a better understanding of the art you are working on. It can also give you ideas on how to incorporate different elements into your Anime that you hadn't considered.
Reading different drawing technique books can be a huge help as well. No matter how good an artist is, there's always room for improvement. Taking advantage of different drawing exercises can be immensely rewarding in a number of ways. They will likely force you to think outside the box by doing exercises on things you aren't used to doing. Stretching your imagination will help you to be more creative in your own work. It'll also help you to learn what your strengths and weaknesses are. Some artists would never know they were particularly talented in drawing certain action scenes or particular body shapes if they didn't force themselves to try drawing exercises.
Of course drawing your Anime is only half of your design. You also want to make sure you have effective and interesting writing as well. No matter how good your drawings are or how well you shade your panels, if the story is uninteresting or written poorly your reader will not be interested. Study up on writing books to learn proper techniques for creating tension, pacing and other aspects of writing. You can also go back and study examples that you particularly like. Reading you favorite Anime with a more critical eye can be very helpful. Pay attention to the way the writer worked on their dialog, transitions and other aspects of their writing. Make a note of the things that did and did not work for you and plan your own art accordingly.
Review of Latest Animation Series
One of the most bizarre, yet compelling anime series I have ever watched. The series follows the notion of Van Hellsing; from Dracula, starting an organization to protect England from supernatural threats. The series begins with the police being called to deal with a violent outbreak of what soon are revealed as zombies. All but a single police officer are killed. The lone police girl runs to a church only to be attacked by a vampire. A new vampire appears and fights the first, saving the police girl.
This vampire is Alucard. As the series progresses, more is revealed about the Hellsing organization, the vampires and Alucard himself. The series ends with one of the strangest battles I have ever seen in Anime. Akira is weirder, but not by too much.
The main theme of the series is the struggle with identity. Alucard being under the command of humans, and other such crisis. The series is not for the squeamish. It contains very graphic combat, and murder scenes comparable to even the worst slasher flicks. The fact that it's animated doesn't help much, since they used that to let them get even more realistic and grotesque.
Some fun aspects of the series are Alucard's boredom, and the glee with which he goes into battle. His relationship with the current head of Hellsing is both amusing and at times odd. Sometimes fatherly, sometimes pet and owner. The fact that you are never 100% sure who the owner is, makes it even more fun to watch.
If you don't like shows that are more action oriented you probably wont care for Hellsing much. The action is the focal point of the series. Don't get me wrong, the story is good and keeps you guessing. It is somewhat like a combination of horror movie, action movie and a 'who done it'. They tell a good story, but they keep the action going through most of it. If you like Vampire movies, and have never seen Hellsing, you should.
This vampire is Alucard. As the series progresses, more is revealed about the Hellsing organization, the vampires and Alucard himself. The series ends with one of the strangest battles I have ever seen in Anime. Akira is weirder, but not by too much.
The main theme of the series is the struggle with identity. Alucard being under the command of humans, and other such crisis. The series is not for the squeamish. It contains very graphic combat, and murder scenes comparable to even the worst slasher flicks. The fact that it's animated doesn't help much, since they used that to let them get even more realistic and grotesque.
Some fun aspects of the series are Alucard's boredom, and the glee with which he goes into battle. His relationship with the current head of Hellsing is both amusing and at times odd. Sometimes fatherly, sometimes pet and owner. The fact that you are never 100% sure who the owner is, makes it even more fun to watch.
If you don't like shows that are more action oriented you probably wont care for Hellsing much. The action is the focal point of the series. Don't get me wrong, the story is good and keeps you guessing. It is somewhat like a combination of horror movie, action movie and a 'who done it'. They tell a good story, but they keep the action going through most of it. If you like Vampire movies, and have never seen Hellsing, you should.
Computer Animation and graphics
Like stop motion, computer animation encompasses a variety of techniques, the unifying idea being that the animation is created digitally on a computer.
2D animation
Figures are created and/or edited on the computer using 2D bitmap graphics or created and edited using 2D vector graphics. This includes automated computerized versions of traditional animation techniques such as of tweening, morphing, onion skinning and interpolated rotoscoping.
Examples: Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, SpongeBob SquarePants, Danny Phantom, El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera
Digital models manipulated by an animator. In order to manipulate a mesh, it is given a digital armature (sculpture). This process is called rigging. Various other techniques can be applied, such as mathematical functions (ex. gravity, particle simulations), simulated fur or hair, effects such as fire and water and the use of Motion capture to name but a few. Many 3D animations are very believable and are commonly used as special effects for recent movies.
Examples: Toy Story, Shrek, Pocoy
2D animation
Figures are created and/or edited on the computer using 2D bitmap graphics or created and edited using 2D vector graphics. This includes automated computerized versions of traditional animation techniques such as of tweening, morphing, onion skinning and interpolated rotoscoping.
Examples: Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, SpongeBob SquarePants, Danny Phantom, El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera
- Analog computer animation
- Flash animation
- PowerPoint animation
Digital models manipulated by an animator. In order to manipulate a mesh, it is given a digital armature (sculpture). This process is called rigging. Various other techniques can be applied, such as mathematical functions (ex. gravity, particle simulations), simulated fur or hair, effects such as fire and water and the use of Motion capture to name but a few. Many 3D animations are very believable and are commonly used as special effects for recent movies.
Examples: Toy Story, Shrek, Pocoy
Examples of traditionally animated feature films
- Full animation refers to the process of producing high-quality traditionally animated films, which regularly use detailed drawings and plausible movement. Fully animated films can be done in a variety of styles, from realistically designed works such as those produced by the Walt Disney studio, to the more "cartoony" styles of those produced by the Warner Bros. animation studio. Many of the Disney animated features are examples of full animation, as are non-Disney works such as The Secret of NIMH (US, 1982), An American Tail (US, 1986) and The Iron Giant (US, 1999)
- Limited animation involves the use of less detailed and/or more stylized drawings and methods of movement. Pioneered by the artists at the American studio United Productions of America, limited animation can be used as a method of stylized artistic expression, as in Gerald McBoing Boing (US, 1951), Yellow Submarine (UK, 1968), and much of the anime produced in Japan. Its primary use, however, has been in producing cost-effective animated content for media such as television (the work of Hanna-Barbera, Filmation, and other TV animation studios) and later the Internet (web cartoons).
- Rotoscoping is a technique, patented by Max Fleischer in 1917, where animators trace live-action movement, frame by frame. The source film can be directly copied from actors' outlines into animated drawings, as in The Lord of the Rings (US, 1978), used as a basis and inspiration for character animation, as in most Disney films, or used in a stylized and expressive manner, as in Waking Life (US, 2001) and A Scanner Darkly (US, 2006).
Traditional Animation or hand drawn animation
Traditional animation was the process used for most animated films of the 20th century. The individual frames of a traditionally animated film are photographs of drawings, which are first drawn on paper. To create the illusion of movement, each drawing differs slightly from the one before it. The animators' drawings are traced or photocopied onto transparent acetate sheets called cels, which are filled in with paints in assigned colors or tones on the side opposite the line drawings. The completed character cels are photographed one-by-one onto motion picture film against a painted background by a rostrum camera.
The traditional cel animation process became obsolete by the beginning of the 21st century. Today, animators' drawings and the backgrounds are either scanned into or drawn directly into a computer system. Various software programs are used to color the drawings and simulate camera movement and effects. The final animated piece is output to one of several delivery mediums, including traditional 35 mm film and newer media such as digital video. The "look" of traditional cel animation is still preserved, and the character animators' work has remained essentially the same over the past 70 years. Some animation producers have used the term "tradigital" to describe cel animation which makes extensive use of computer technology.
The traditional cel animation process became obsolete by the beginning of the 21st century. Today, animators' drawings and the backgrounds are either scanned into or drawn directly into a computer system. Various software programs are used to color the drawings and simulate camera movement and effects. The final animated piece is output to one of several delivery mediums, including traditional 35 mm film and newer media such as digital video. The "look" of traditional cel animation is still preserved, and the character animators' work has remained essentially the same over the past 70 years. Some animation producers have used the term "tradigital" to describe cel animation which makes extensive use of computer technology.
History of Animation Technolgy
Animation is the rapid display of a sequence of images of 2-D or 3-D artwork or model positions in order to create an illusion of movement. It is an optical illusion of motion due to the phenomenon of persistence of vision, and can be created and demonstrated in a number of ways. The most common method of presenting animation is as a motion picture or video program, although several other forms of presenting animation also exist.
Early examples of attempts to capture the phenomenon of motion drawing can be found in Paleolithic cave paintings, where animals are depicted with multiple legs in superimposed positions, clearly attempting to convey the perception of motion. A 5,200 year old earthen bowl found in Iran in Shari Sophia has five images of a goat painted along the sides. This has been claimed to be an example of early animation. However, since no equipment existed to show the images in motion, such a series of images cannot be called animation in a true sense of the word.
The phenakistoscope, praxinoscope, as well as the common flip book were early popular animation devices invented during the 1800s, while a Chinese zoetrope-type device was invented already in 180 AD.These devices produced movement from sequential drawings using technological means, but animation did not really develop much further until the advent of cinematography.
There is no single person who can be considered the "creator" of the art of film animation, as there were several people doing several projects which could be considered various types of animation all around the same time. Georges Melees was a creator of special-effect films; he was generally one of the first people to use animation with his technique. He discovered a technique by accident which was to stop the camera rolling to change something in the scene, and then continue rolling the film. This idea was later known as stop-motion animation. Méliès discovered this technique accidentally when his camera broke down while shooting a bus driving by. When he had fixed the camera, a hearse happened to be passing by just as Méliès restarted rolling the film, his end result was that he had managed to make a bus transform into a hearse. This was just one of the great contributors to animation in the early years.
The earliest surviving stop-motion advertising film was an English short by Arthur Melbourne-Cooper called Matches: An Appeal (1899). Developed for the Bryant and May Matchsticks company, it involved stop-motion animation of wired-together matches writing a patriotic call to action on a blackboard.
J. Stuart Black ton was possibly the first American filmmaker to use the techniques of stop-motion and hand-drawn animation. Introduced to film making by Edison, he pioneered these concepts at the turn of the 20th century, with his first copyrighted work dated 1900. Several of his films, among them The Enchanted Drawing (1900) and Humorous Phases of Funny Faces (1906) were film versions of Blacktop's "lightning artist" routine, and utilized modified versions of stop-motion techniques to make a series of blackboard drawings appear to move and reshape themselves. 'Humorous Phases of Funny Faces' is regularly cited as the first true animated film, and Black ton is considered the first true animator.
Early examples of attempts to capture the phenomenon of motion drawing can be found in Paleolithic cave paintings, where animals are depicted with multiple legs in superimposed positions, clearly attempting to convey the perception of motion. A 5,200 year old earthen bowl found in Iran in Shari Sophia has five images of a goat painted along the sides. This has been claimed to be an example of early animation. However, since no equipment existed to show the images in motion, such a series of images cannot be called animation in a true sense of the word.
The phenakistoscope, praxinoscope, as well as the common flip book were early popular animation devices invented during the 1800s, while a Chinese zoetrope-type device was invented already in 180 AD.These devices produced movement from sequential drawings using technological means, but animation did not really develop much further until the advent of cinematography.
There is no single person who can be considered the "creator" of the art of film animation, as there were several people doing several projects which could be considered various types of animation all around the same time. Georges Melees was a creator of special-effect films; he was generally one of the first people to use animation with his technique. He discovered a technique by accident which was to stop the camera rolling to change something in the scene, and then continue rolling the film. This idea was later known as stop-motion animation. Méliès discovered this technique accidentally when his camera broke down while shooting a bus driving by. When he had fixed the camera, a hearse happened to be passing by just as Méliès restarted rolling the film, his end result was that he had managed to make a bus transform into a hearse. This was just one of the great contributors to animation in the early years.
The earliest surviving stop-motion advertising film was an English short by Arthur Melbourne-Cooper called Matches: An Appeal (1899). Developed for the Bryant and May Matchsticks company, it involved stop-motion animation of wired-together matches writing a patriotic call to action on a blackboard.
J. Stuart Black ton was possibly the first American filmmaker to use the techniques of stop-motion and hand-drawn animation. Introduced to film making by Edison, he pioneered these concepts at the turn of the 20th century, with his first copyrighted work dated 1900. Several of his films, among them The Enchanted Drawing (1900) and Humorous Phases of Funny Faces (1906) were film versions of Blacktop's "lightning artist" routine, and utilized modified versions of stop-motion techniques to make a series of blackboard drawings appear to move and reshape themselves. 'Humorous Phases of Funny Faces' is regularly cited as the first true animated film, and Black ton is considered the first true animator.
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