Testing out Flipbook 6.7 here with an old Jason Ryan Ramp Up tutorial. I like some of the new features of the software. It works well with the cintiq. Can't get AVIs to load up though. I'll have to contact Kent over at Digicel and see what I'm doing wrong. This is a fantastic little program for 2D animation that you can get pretty darn cheap. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in getting into animation.

Random Frame

Pinocchio has some of the most brilliant animation I've ever seen. The motion, poses and acting choices are exquisitely rendered on each and every frame. Here is my meager recreation of a random frame from the film. The line of action, silhouette, and expression of the original cel is perfect. Anyone viewing this single frame could extrapolate the intent and emotion of both characters. Pinocchio's fingers are in a relaxed but firm position indicating he is in control of the situation, meanwhile Jiminy Cricket is clearly on a mission and doesn't seem to care who or what gets in his way. Drawing frames like this really helps you get inside the head of the original animator and grants you a whole new appreciation for something that lasts a mere 1/24th of a second. Cool Stuff.


Images Property of Walt Disney Animation.

Kick-Butt Song

The technical skill, rhythm changes, and catchy lyrics makes this one of my new favorite songs. This is "4 Words (to choke upon)by Bullet For My Valentine. Turn it up...

Ianimate Consideration

reel from Brian Nichols on Vimeo.

After reviewing the work, Jason got back with me and suggested I dive into Semester 2. He was mentioning some of the material Semester 1 was going to get into and after some consideration, I decided to just start from the beginning with Semester 1 and make sure I really know what I know. I'm confident Jason has created a top notch learning facility with Ianimate and he's adamant about graduating only those students who's work is of feature quality, so needless to say I'm looking forward to starting up in January.

I grew up listening to Metallica so it's only right that the first Riff of the Day be dedicated to them with the intro to Enter Sandman

1=e 2=b 3=g 4=D 5=A 6=E

Play this 12 times
|-----------------------------|

1-----------------------------
2-----------------------------
3-----------------------------
4--------5--------------------
5-----7-----------7-----------
6--0--------6--5--------------

Rest of the song

Speaking of Animation has a new blog post up that outlines the formation of Ianimate.net, a new animation school created by Jason Ryan(currently a supervising animator at Dreamworks). Jason's dedication to sharing his knowledge and passion for animation seen in his online tutorials and webinars can now be found in his newly formed school. Anyone who is interested in learning Animation taught by industry professionals should check this place out.