Father christmas Star Wars homage concept

Random idea for Father Christmas comedy skit,

Scene : Unseen man hanging  from a rail. Father Christmas looking down with features of Darth Vader.

Line: Christmas I am your Father.

Not sure why this was in my head, have I subconsciously seen this else where? Just like that Wreck it Ralph idea someone else got too first i.e. "99 problems but a Glitch ain't one".

Online Game Making IDE - using Phaser

Hello,

Been a while since the last post. I've been playing with this a lot! Fairly cool online game editor with reasonable tutorials. I started just using the Phaser JS instead to learn the basic script but Mighty Editor has a lot to offer too.

Phaser:
http://phaser.io/

Mighty Editor:
http://mightyfingers.com/

Basically if you want to make HTML 5 games and don't want to fork out for GameMaker Studio Pro plus the HTML export you should definitely check it out. I found easy to learn (although like everything harder to master).

Let me know what you think.

Black Friday Sale on Anime Studio Pro - $99.99

There is Currently a Black Friday Sale on Anime Studio Pro for $99.99

Anime Studio 2D Animation Software - Sale

This doesn't really benefit me as I would prefer to upgrade from9.5 for cheaper but thought it might be useful knowledge for others.

Simple Avatar Creator - Free Graphics

I Created this simple Avatar generator selecting hair, eyes and mouth I have been working on. There are many more this does not include any female hair or face shapes or alternates mouths noses and facial hair. 

Download link for facial components:

Avatar Graphics Collection

Buttons created in MS PowerPoint (dead easy to do and these were the most basic). Vector art done in Anime studio.

Sorry for the poor record quality, really need to sort out some good screen capture software.

War Mammoth - Basic Rig test

Got the Vector work done for the basic Mammoth (no saddle and armor yet). Still need to sort smart bones and constraints but fairly pleased so far.



Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

War Mammoth Anime Model

The next model I have just started work on is a bit random. I have a  story in development which involves Orc warbands roaming steppe and tundra like plains. So what sort of mounts would Orcs living in such an environment have? Mammoths of course! It does seem to be a concept already conceived in WOW and Warhammer (damn it!). But the idea of large roving bands of Orcs with Mammoths for pack animals/war mounts is fairly scary.
 

Here is the initial sketch and a start to the vector work for the Mammoth without armor and saddle (Those will be added after more detailed sketches).

Next project poll

Can't decide what to do for my next project. I'm really loving high fantasy steam-punk influences at the moment (see comic reviews for my reasons). But really want to produce something that will be of benefit to people.

Movember - Started as a Nomo'Sapien

Growing a moostache for movember. Helping spread the word about testicular cancer and men's health in general. Good cause.

This is my mobro Movember Page

Thanks for any who donate.

Animation Tips - Camera Angles and Story Boarding

Wanted to share this page from Empire regarding camera angles. I found it really informative when thinking up the story board flow for animations.

THE 30 CAMERA SHOTS EVERY FILM FAN NEEDS TO KNOW

I story board in power point of all things. I find you can pull in resources from almost anywhere, add text, add captions etc etc. You can save as PDF which is handy or print with notes which is also good for rehashing or scripts with visual prompts.

I also found it worked really well with my surface pro as I could sketch in the frames with the stylus (super handy!).

With the Story boards I just reference the camera angles from the 30 Basics and add further detail if required. I think there is probably industry standard short hand but I just invented my own (i.e. LS for Long Shot).

Let me know if you have any story boarding tips or techniques.

Game Graphics Collection

Game graphics package intnded for a combination of card game and/or side scroller. I started the game as a golden axe style (faux 3d) which was working rather well. There was then a card matching section to the game like chess.
Orc and Warrior characters with walk, block and 2 attack animations. Menu button and icons and Cards for card matching game. Would be good for a Might and Magic card game style.

Over 20 different Buttons and Card in the following styles:


Collection download available here:

Fantasy Game Graphics Collection

Game Assets - Rapist Glasses

Hello,
Recently been doing a bit of work for this game project.

Prickly Productions - Redwood Creek

Just a few faces and assets which I will be allowed to share (although I'll probably break them up a bit for general purpose use rather than for the specific characters).



Just wanted to post this guy as the first thing I thought of while drawing wasn't ex FBI agent but the Jon Lajoie video for rapist glasses (below). I know that probably speaks volumes about my sense of humor.... oh dear....

Halo - Anime Studio and Inkscape Download Master Collection

It's Finally done!

The master collection of the last couple of weeks is ready for download.

This was a fun project to work on and I learned a lot. As always Your feedback is very much appreciated. If you take a look at the models and/or vectors let me know if there's anything I can do to improve my techniques.

Or on the flip side if you want to know how I achieved something just let me know and I'll be happy to share!

Link for the Download is here (also listed on the Anime Files download page):

Halo - Anime Studio and Inkscape (master collection)

Many thanks for following and remember to share if you like what you've found.

Thanks to everyone for their kind words with this one, hopefully there is much more to come.

Halo Project - Plasma Sword and Outdoor Background

Yet another Weapon and Background....

Not 100% sure myself why I keep making Backgrounds but I found a really good tutorial for vector rocks so thought I'd have a go. The tutorial is for Inkscape but the principals for the vector work apply to Anime Studio just as easily. Building in background would be best faded and shaded as a reference to a Halo'ish outdoors scene.

I had a play with creating the Plasma sword as It's sort of iconic for Halo. Maybe someone will get him dual wielding them?

The Weekends coming up so hopefully I can get the package all rounded off for the next post.

Here's hoping!

Halo project - Background update

Ohhhhh... sliding doors and flashing lights how magical!

So thought it'd be nice to have an animated background while messing with master chief (or I guess as a background for a sci-fi scene in something else). The Sliding doors are on separate bones. The dust cloud is a simple particle on/of layer (also connected to door bones so it moves too). The lights are a switch layer (couldn't figure bone control for gradient?? thought it had that ability am i wrong?).

Will upload when master chief is finished as part of a package zip.

Halo - Rocket Launcher (Jack Hammer) and Background

Just  a quick update, haven't  had much time to work in things with Anime but thought I'd post what I've done so far in way of a simple background and Jack Hammer Rocket Launcher (drawn in Inkscape But I will port to Anime Studio to Sort out Shading depth etc).
 

 

Crates are as a separate SVG/PNG file. In the Anime File I will have operable sliding doors and lights (red/green/blue/off bone controlled?). Possible use of particle effects could be used for the doors?

I tried to import this to Anime Studio last night but the angles went weird and I didn't have a chance to sort it yet. Might also do a different image for "HOLD LIKE THIS" as I'm sure there is a crass sexual innuendo in there some where.

I'll post up the PNG's and SVG's soon for further fiddling and suggestions.

Rich

Master Chief Anime Studio character in progress

I have mentioned in a previous posts that I have a rigged Master Chief character that I will be posting.

To be honest I got a bit bored with it and distracted by creating other characters (Big daddy) and doing smaller models for background stuff. But I have started back up on this character today, so hopefully will get something posted soon.

Any ways I built the model a while ago and there are things I would change if I were to do it now but its still a fun model to have a play with. My plan is to sort it to a reasonable state for others to use (I had not left it in the best of states for ease of use). There were also no weapons for him so will add these too.  The rig was a modified character wizard creation so comes with the standard walk, kick jump actions. It is also the standard bone groups of Front, back, side and back 3/4 in an overall switch layer. Will get more posted hopefully before the end of next week as I tidy up the mess.

This is what I have so far:

Please let me know if you have  any thoughts or suggestions for the character and I'll see if I can shoe-horn them in to the build.

Cheers ears!

BiggyRich

Background objects for Mine/Chamber Scene

After playing more with Inkscape and importation to Anime Studio I've added load of new Vectors and Background images for download. These might help if you want to add quick background features to your scene.

 All elements in the scene below are available as both SVG vectors and PNG files:

I have not converted to Anime Studio files as I will only be using the PNG elements for my scenes. Let me know if you want these converted and re-coloured (the SVG files may import as plain white objects because colour gradients have been used).

Inkscape SVG import in to Anime Studio Comparison and Review

Hello,

I have been playing a bit with Inkscape imports to Anime studio. I have added a comparison of an Axe model below. The Axe was drawn in Inkscape a free open source vector drawing program and imported directly as SVG into Anime Studio.

Inkscape Vector Axe	Anime Studio Imported Vector Axe

The purpose of the trial was that Inkscape being opensource can be put onto a flash drive so I can run off any computer at any time to work on vector models (i.e. in my lunch break at work). I found working with Inkscape reasonably simple to get used to. Many of the tools are intuitive and I liked the line shading and intersect stuff you could use on the paths.

Obviously the Inkscape Axe looks a bit sharper as I think the resolution is a bit higher on the raster image. I also haven't exactly matched the colour schemes as it was just a quick test. As an experiment it works well. After importation there were a fair number of points that required altering and tweaking but it is miles better than raster to vector.

For my purposes I think only low fidelity objects are practical for importation but let me know if you have had better luck or if I'm going about this all wrong. If anyone has heard if Anime Studio is portable let me know as it would be a big help and would avoid the whole importation process entirely!!

Upload wise I have ideas in mind so will post the progress soon. (oh also I guess if you want the Axe I can post up SVG and Anime file? let me know.)

Futuristic Cruiser Ship - Download Available

Hello all, Its been a little while but I've managed to get the time to complete this little project for background battle element or short screen short tank maybe.



Basically its a futuristic tank with engine and gun nothing super fancy.

Really been getting into steam punk stuff lately so next upload is likely to be along those lines. DarkHorse comics has got me into Baltimore Volume 1: The Plague Ships and Witchfinder: In the Service of Angels (both by the Hellboy Author Mike Mignola) I certainly suggest checking them out.

Anyways let me know if you have any comments regarding the cruiser.

much love Rich

Anime Studio Webinar - Victor Paredes

Just got a message regarding an Anime Studio webinar details are as follows:

Webinar Presented By: Victor Paredes, Award-Winning 2D Animator
Date:  Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Time:  11:00AM PDT
Duration:  1 Hour
Software:  Anime Studio

link for free registration:

Anime Studio Webinar Free registration

Anime Studio 10 & Upgrade Discounted Sale

Just thought I would do a quick post to spread the word, there is a five day sale currently on for Anime Studio Pro 10.

The offer ends on the 21st of September 2014.



The new version to buy (digital only) is $99.99 or £61.00

Here:

Buy new Anime Studio Pro version 10

Upgrade from any previous version (digital only) is $69.99 or £43.00

Here:

Upgrade for from any previous version

Big Daddy - Bioshock Anime File available for download

Finally finished!

Big Daddy is here finally. I did end up doing smart bone action for the hand rather than switch layer. Drill action is linked to smart bone and a switch layer for the head lights. I have included a walk cycle which I think works well. Background is not included in the main file but I will add as a separate download if requested.



 Let me know how you get on with it.

As always feedback is welcome.

On to the next project!

New Static Sprites Page

Hi,
Wanted to do a quick post to highlight that I have added a new static sprites page for background assets. Most of these will be PNG files made in Manga Studio because I like the painted style for background props. I will also be creating animated background assets in the future but nothing sketched up at the moment.

Also wanted to share a post I found of someone using Anime Studio and Unity.

Unity Forum Anime Studio Post

I like using it in conjunction with Game Maker Studio so if there's anyone else out there using Anime Studio for game sprites let me know!

Bioshock - Big Daddy vector work nearly finished

Hello,

The vector work is nearly done and ready to start on the rigging soon. This model should be much better than the previous uploads as it was not created for a specific animation shot but rather generic use. 

I really want to get this finished soon so I can demonstrate the use of characters as sprites in a games using either Game maker studio, Pygame or  Java (the tutorial will probably be with game maker studio as this is what I am most familiar with).

Model made in Anime Studio version 9.5

Styles added to Bioshock - Big Daddy

Started work on the vectors for the helmet (needs a lot more work), mainly trying to sort the colours for the styles. 

Leg Bones working well too.

BioShock - Big Daddy progress update

Okay, So far I've got the legs looking fairly good (see screen grab).

















I did suffer a small set back of animating on the mainline rather than in a smart bone action, idiot. Not sure if there is any way to copy across? If anyone knows please comment and share.

The Vector work is going well though, hopefully he'll be finished and rigged with styles, Smartbone actions, labelled bones, bone constraints, etc, etc within the next few days (or that's the plan).

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated, I am using vector layers within groups within the overall bone group which will probably affect reverse compatibility (is this good practice?). I am still using Anime Studio 9.5

Bioshock - Big Daddy Started

Its been a while since the last post but much work has been done. The Deviant Art group is growing really well and members are starting to post their channels and resources so give that a look if you get the chance.

http://animestudio-welcome.deviantart.com/

My next Anime upload project is a bit of a curve ball as I just fancied creating the model. The All famous Bioshock Big daddy (probably to be followed by a little sister). Thought this would be a fun one to have a play with and include in animations.

No pictures to upload yet but hopefully I will get the Vector layers finished off within the next few days. The initial plan is for a side view only (could be fun for adding to a platform game). Which leads me to mention I love GameMaker Studio and have used anime studio for the character animations. I have found some reasonable tutorials for this but was going to start uploading some of my own project work for learning, use and review.

As always let me know if you have any suggestions or requests.

Vimeo Profile

Sorry for the lack of posts recently for some reason I've decided to start learning Python for Django on a Linux system (all relatively new). Anyway finally got round to setting up a Vimeo profile. Finding it a bit difficult trying to find the community on there though.

Let me know if your out there!

https://vimeo.com/biggyrich

Genestealer - Anime Studio Free Download

Genestealer character posted and available on Mediafire. Walk actions have been included but they are not the best. Hopefully I will have time to add more and update the model. I will post when this is the case.

Find the Link to the file below (Created in Anime Studio Pro 9.5):

File Download

As always please let me know if you have any suggestions or requests I'm open to making further amendments.

DeviantArt Group Created

Hi All,

Just a quick one. Due to the lack of a place to collectively share your anime studio Artwork, Tutorials and Resources on DeviantArt I have created a group. I know lost marble is already established and is brilliant and most work is published on YouTube or Vimeo as its animation. But hopefully the group will add/compliment this as DeviantArt is such a great site with an amazing community.


The group can be found here:

http://animestudio-welcome.deviantart.com/

There were already groups for Poser and Manga Studio so felt a bit left out.

Genestealer Walk Cylce

Rigging and Styles completed. Smart bones partly done, I do want to add smart bone rotation animation for the hands. I have completed work on a walk cycle but may need tweaking and want to add sprint and stalk. I am held back by the problem of too many limbs!!!!

Have resolved this by trying to keep the claws forward at all times. I think this would make sense as they are always ready to attack.

Starting work on the Genestealer

Sticking with characters from the same short its the Genestealer next.

I'm now in the process of completing rigging and naming bones. Then need to sort styles and finish with adding some stock actions. Hopefully I'll get time to add in some smoother/more complex smartbone movements so its less like a layers puppet.

Space Marine Anime Studio File For Free Download

Finally complete

Last tweaks completed and I think it's fairly rounded.

Find the Link to the file below (Created in Anime Studio Pro 9.5):

Space Marine Anime File Download

If you have any suggestions or requests I'm open to making further amendments. Until then Enjoy while I get onto the next little projects details to follow...

Space marine upload nearly ready

As well as fully naming the rig and adding bone constraints (I am usually lazy when its just for me) there will be the some other additions like gun firing linked to smart bone action. All the colours (colors for Americans) are named in the styles so full suit colour change can be done in seconds if you want marine from a different chapter. I also added some chapter badges for the shoulder in a switch layer for ease of changing (only Ultramarine, Blood Angel and Dark Angel but will upload with more).

I will Hopefully finished in the next day or so.

Warhammer 40k - Genestealer vs Space marines

As well as the Master Chief which looking at the file now needs significant overhaul I will be uploading the character and resource files from this Warhammer 40k Short.

The artwork is a bit better developed than some of my earlier stuff so hopefully I can get them uploaded quicker.

As always please let me know if you have any comments, suggestions or requests.

Master Chief (Halo) Character post

I am currently in the process of finishing off my Master Chief from Halo character for download in the next couple of days. I have had requests from YouTube Viewers on the examples I posted so am now making it available (See example below).

Please note the download will be for educational purposes only, any tips on amendments I could make to the character would be appreciated.

Red Deer Anime File

Its a Red Deer!

 First up a quick upload of a character I used for a Red Bull competition.

Red Deer Anime Studio File

In the Beginning...

This Blog will be part of my Anime Studio collection. I will provide links to my Anime Studio characters and resources to allow free download.

I only have a few requests for using these resources in your projects. These are please link to the Blog if possible when posting videos or provide reference.

For those who are not aware of it Anime Studio is a fantastic animation software for 2D vector cartoons. It also has some 3D capability. See the link below for more information on the software.

http://anime.smithmicro.com/

Thanks all who use and enjoy. Any requests, tips, hints and/or suggestions are most welcome!