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Sony Releases Free Zombie Character Rig from ‘Hotel Transylvania’
In a nice bit of Halloween-themed marketing savvy, Sony has released a free character rig of a zombie bellhop from “Hotel Transylvania.”
Educational
The Evolution of TV Cartoon Characters
To the average cartoon viewer, SpongeBob is SpongeBob and Bart Simpson is Bart Simpson, but cartoon connoisseurs recognize that characters evolve over the years, not just personality-wise but graphically.
Learn How Satoshi Kon Edited Space and Time
In his four features and one TV series, the late anime director Satoshi Kon developed a unique style of cutting and editing, says Tony Zhou in a new video essay.
Earn Big Money At Last! Learn Animation!
If you can draw a circle, we can teach you animated cartooning.
Know Your Feature Animation Cliches: The Dead Mother
On a couple occasions throughout the years, people have asked me, Why do so many animated films have dead mothers in them?
This Week on Cartoon Brew-ED
Cartoon Brew-ED is our new educational initiative that is edited by veteran animator and teacher Colin Giles. This new forum offers helpful animation tips, links to learning resources, and original educational content.
The Best Thing You’ll Ever Read About Pitching Animation Ideas
Mark Mayerson, a TV show creator, animator, and teacher, has written what may be the single best thing I’ve ever read about the contemporary animation pitching process.
A Lesson on Character Design by ‘SpongeBob’ Artist Robertryan Cory
Robert Ryan Cory, a veteran character designer on “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Secret Mountain Fort Awesome,” has posted a helpful set of notes from a character design lecture he presented recently to CalArts animation students.
The Use of the Dolly Zoom in “Ratatouille”
Todd Vaziri, a compositing supervisor at ILM, has written an enlightening piece about the subtle use of the dolly zoom in a shot during Pixar’s “Ratatouille.”
Everything You’ve Learned in Animation School (In Song Form)
This song gives a pretty good description of everything you’ll know (or think you know) when you graduate from animation school.
Eric Goldberg Interviews Eric Goldberg
If you missed the CTN Animation Expo last November in Los Angeles, don’t fret. This one-hour lecture features director/animator extraordinaire Eric Goldberg (supervisor of Genie in “Aladdin,” head of animation on “Get a Horse!”) interviewing himself about his personal history. Lots of clips and lots of fun to watch—all from the comfort of your own home.
Know Your Feature Animation Cliches: “This is Me” Opening Narration
“This is me,” say lots of today’s animated characters. But who are they talking to?
Book Review: “The Noble Approach: Maurice Noble and the Zen of Animation Design”
“The Noble Approach: Maurice Noble and the Zen of Animation Design” ranks among the most unique and delightful animation books in recent memory.
“John Carter” Animator Shares An Insightful Reel of Work
I still haven’t seen Andrew Stanton’s John Carter, but that didn’t lessen (and perhaps enhanced) my enjoyment of this nifty character …
Watch 9 Famous Animation Directors Talk About Their Careers
If you were unable to attend the SIGGRAPH Keynote panel on Monday, featuring nine distinguished animation directors, you’re in luck …
Fred Moore and the Moving Silhouette
Among the most important things an animator must keep in mind when animating is making sure that drawings read clearly to the viewer. By …
Why Is It So Difficult to Make Cute Cartoon Characters?
Audiences can instantly recognize a cute cartoon character when they see one, but why are memorable cute characters so difficult to create?
Joe Pitt Shares the Artwork That Inspires Him
Industry artist Joe Pitt has started a new Tumblr called Straights Against Curves to share “a collection of animation related art, …
Richard Williams Releases “Animator’s Survival Kit” iPad App
The Richard Williams Animator’s Survival Kit iPad app that we announced a couple months ago is out today. It’s available for $34.99 on …
The Milt Kahl Head Swaggle
Like a signature, each animator has their own little quirks or trademarks that distinguish their animation from others. Some draw …
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