Animating is super hard, but rewarding.

[RoseNoire]

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Hi everyone, I hope you are doing good. ^^

So, three weeks ago, I felt like making a cute animation. It's not a deep story or anything, it's more to get the hang of this whole animating process, my software, the tools, the motion etc..., because all of my previous animation attempts were very short. I decided I wanted to step up a bit. ^^ I hope the end result will look nice.

The downside is that my drawing tablet broke a long time ago, so I do everything using my mouse. It's extremely tedious and a bit limiting, but I manage.

Its size is 1280x720 and runs at 6 frames per second.

Here's what I made so far over the course of three weeks.

First off, the animatic ! It roughly shows every main elements of the full animation, so you can get an idea of what it's about and I can keep track of my progress.

Storyboard

For the full view (1280x720), click here : https://i.imgur.com/fu83g2f.gif
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Second is where I'm at so far with the lineart and color of the body and eyes. The pony still lacks his mane and wings. The rest of the animation is still in the storyboard phase.

First step

For the full view (1280x720), click here : https://i.imgur.com/xdlvSIM.gif
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And with that, here's where I'm currently at, drawing his mane. And when I'll be done, I'll be drawing his wings. And when it's complete, I'll be moving on to the rest of the project, following the same steps.
At the very end, I will add a bit of shading and a better lighting overall + the finishing touches.

Adding mane and tail

For the full view (1280x720), click here : https://i.imgur.com/KzMoMcH.gif
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I hope you like it. I'm quite proud of it, even if it's not perfect. I will get better eventually, step by step. ^^

Have a nice day, take care. =)

Rose.

[Ponybookworm]

I like the frog in the second one. Hope he comes back in the third...

[Mewtwofan1]

For a first attempt, this seems pretty good. As an animator (aspiring, just need that post secondary degree) with some experience, I say this is good. But I think you could do better when it comes to drag and follow through. The mane has some volume to it. And it is moving behind, following the main object (the head and neck). But when the head stop moving, the hair just slumps. Follow through works with acceleration and deceleration. When the body stops, the hair has some momentum left. This means it will continue to move a short distance before settling into a rest position. This video here can probably explain it better than I can: https://youtu.be/4OxphYV8W3E
But I advise watching his whole series on the 12 principles of animation. Seriously, it’s good stuff to know.
Overall, very lovely for an early shot at animation. It is difficult, and one of the best ways to improve is to study and draw, get feedback and repeat. And if you ever have any animation questions, I’d be happy to answer them. I’m all for more learning the ways to do it, as the end result can be exhilarating. Good luck!

[Minty_Magic]

You did this all with a mouse!!??! It looks amazing, I would have never guessed! I love the extra movement you gave his tail, I tried animating like, once and immediately decided I was going to be lazy and only animate what’s necessary, so I appreciate those extra flourishes! I know they take that much longer but they do add so much more life to the piece! I can not wait to see the finished product!

[RoseNoire]

Thanks a lot for the feedback, I'm happy you like it !
Mewtofan : Ohh, neat, I've stumbled upon this video before. I had this drag and follow-though thing in mind, but I realize I have to accentuate a bit more. That will improve on my drawing. Thank you !

I try do stay on my learning curve so I can have a finished product. One of my flaws is that I usually am too ambitious compared on my own abilities, so that leaves me with low confidence because I never finish anything. I'm working on it. ^^

Thanks again. I will improve on the hair so it looks lighter.

Have a nice day !

[Griffin]

That's very impressive, especially if you only have a mouse to work with! Keep up the good work, I'm sure with some practice you'll soon make the movements look even smoother and more natural.

Love the little frog!

[RoseNoire]

Hehe, I'm glad you like the frog. It was fun to make. ^^

Here's where I'm at so far and I've improved on the mane. I'm happy about my progress, it seems good enough so far. ^^

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[Ponybookworm]

FROGGY!!!!
Looking great!!!

[IceCrystal02]

Wow, this looks great, and the frog is so cute! 

Can't wait to see the further progress you're making!

[ColdRuru]

That's fun, you've got a lot of patience to do this!

[Mewtwofan1]

Looking good! Just keep the principles of animation in mind, and you’ll be right as rain.

[lovesbabysquirmy]

YAY great job! 

Keep memorizing the 12 Principles and it will all come together   You are creating the Illusion of Life!  (which is my favorite animation "textbook" by Frank and Ollie, LOL)
The Youtube series that Mewtwofan1 linked to is great - it visualizes the ideas quite well.

[Koudoawaia]

Oh man my favorite part so far is the motion of the mane because of how perfect that looks. You are doing a fantastic job in general so far on this.

[RoseNoire]

Thank you so much for your support. I'm happy you like it ! I will keep in mind those 12 principles and get them as right as I can.
I did not make a lot of progress yet, I have more important stuff to keep focused on but this project is always in the corner of my eye. I don't forget about it. I want to complete it someday and hopefully make more.
I will keep you updated whenever I can.

Have a nice day everyone, take care. =)