You’re looking to create 2D animations. How do you find the right software?

I have been greatly enjoying the #3danimation software #blender lately. It is overall the best software I have encountered for going from thought to creation in one program. I extensively tested that process in late #October while collaborating with my fellow artists @huminahhuminahanimation to create, and direct @Squash-o-lantern , a #shortfilm utilizing the easy to use #facialrigging tools and powerful #simulation tools that Blender offers. I have also extensive experince in #Maya, #ToonboomHarmony, #AdobeAnimate and #CelAction as both a #leadanimator and as a #riggingartist, but my heart will always by with #toonboomanimation #2D-ANIMATION !!! ??????

Animators are typically trying numerous different products at all times to evaluate what will work best for them. Think of a software more as a tool than as a musical instrument. If you can play a piano, you can play any piano. Some are better than others, but in general every piano has same general functionality. For 2D animation there is no silver bullet tool, so animators should be trying them all.

Choosing the right 2D animation software is vital for a smooth creative journey. Prioritize user-friendly interfaces for beginners and feature-rich options for advanced users. Consider your budget, explore essential features, and assess community support. Options like Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate, and OpenToonz offer diverse capabilities. Test trials and read user reviews to find the ideal fit for your animation requirements.

You can use Adobe Animate for making 2D character animations. But if you're into motion graphics, After Effects is your best option. It's all about choosing the right tool!

This is a very subjective topic, software is a tool and we all have our favorite tools that we would recommend, my suggestion would be to understand the popular tools that are out there, do a free trial and start a personal project with them, create something, establish and see if the workflow is comfortable for you, once that is established you will be able to see if the tool is right for you. Sometimes you will find a Gem among the pile of tools that work just for you and it might cost less then the popular tools out there. Its always good to know more tools as you may need them for specific projects, at the end its the results we want to achieve, and they can be done with an expensive tool or a cheap one.

Just get Procreate Dreamz for the iPad. It’s $20. If you don’t have an iPad… Blender (free) with a Wacom (cintiq or tablet) will be good. Then you can learn both 2d and 3d.

I think for me this is what's the most important, because usually we as freelancer start with a tight budget, there are many software that are accessible however i think we need to balance budget and the power of the software. My advice is to start with accessible software and really dig deep in learning the software to see how flexible you are in you style and skills

Evaluate your financial resources. Seek free options like Pencil2D or OpenToonz are budget-friendly for beginners. Adobe Animate and Toon Boom Harmony offer comprehensive features with varying subscription costs. Assess your budget realistically, factoring in potential long-term expenses for more advanced features.

Thank you for sharing this informative paragraph about the budget and the cost of software. I agree that this is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a 2D animation software. I appreciate the examples you gave of the trade-offs between free and paid software, and the hidden costs that might arise

I’ll often change my software I use pending the jobs I freelance on. If the project isn’t paying or isn’t paying highly, then I’ll stick to my basic, low cost programs. But if I am working with bigger clients, I’ll adapt and start looking at the project duration and work out my charges and try use a program like Toon Boom for that period. Many paid programs offer free trials, I recommend always playing with them before jobs to practice your hand at them.

Some software is designed for beginners, while others are more suited for professionals with advanced features. Your personal growth must come out of your comfort zone and upskill no matter how slow the progress initially looks. Start small with more user friendly software that matches your style and then gradually move forward with the flow.

As an animation instructor, for college students I've often found it valuable to guide students in considering their comfort level with learning new software and mastering different techniques when selecting 2D animation software. One memorable instance was when a student sought advice on choosing the right software for their project. I emphasized the importance of assessing their familiarity with animation tools, as well as the availability of tutorials and community support. This approach helps students make informed decisions tailored to their skill level and learning preferences, ultimately enhancing their educational experience and creative growth in animation.

I believe that if you are going to be in animation and want to stay current, you will have to constantly learn. I e told many students that once they graduate, the learning doesn’t stop. Always be hungry and ready to tackle that new technique or software tool. That mentality will help you so much in your career.

Tutorial support for software tools is an important consideration. Gone are the days of tome-like manuals for animation software. Now there are online and subscription tutorials for most of the major software tools. You can consume these at a pace that suits you, and layer your skills from beginner through intermediate to advanced.

Consider your comfort level with learning new software and mastering different techniques when choosing 2D animation software. Opt for user-friendly options with abundant tutorials and community support if you're a beginner. Advanced users may prefer software with more complexity and challenges. Tailor your choice to match your skill level and learning style, ensuring an optimal fit for your animation journey.

Different software caters to diverse artistic styles. Adobe Animate suits those leaning towards a traditional, frame-by-frame approach, while Moho (Anime Studio) is favored for its bone rigging system, ideal for character animations. Choose software that complements your visual preferences and allows you to express your unique artistic style.

2D animation tools in my experience differ drastically from 3D software, which usually have equivalent capabilities in all areas. The type of 2D animation you're working with determines the app you use. Rigged animation from my experience is easiest in industry-standard software like ToonBoom Harmony. Hand-drawn animation can be done in Photoshop, which I have some experience doing in my own projects, but I have also utilized user-friendly apps like Procreate for rough animations that I can then import into Photoshop. The choice of app greatly effects the style and vice versa.

Consider your desired animation style when selecting 2D animation software. Determine whether you aim for realism, stylization, or abstraction, and choose software that aligns with your vision. Assess whether you prefer vector graphics, raster graphics, or pixel art, as well as your animation technique preferences. For example, realistic animations may require software with robust shading and lighting capabilities, while stylized animations benefit from tools for curves, shapes, and colors. Select software that complements your artistic style and enhances your ability to bring your creative vision to life effectively.

In all likelihood your style will evolve over time but the programs you choose to learn will effect that process in huge ways. You will develop in areas that are accommodated by the software you use, and stagnate in areas it doesn't readily support. I lean towards a fake hand-made illustration style in After Effects. AE is very adaptable, you work in block shapes but can create texture in a wide variety of ways. If I had learned ToonBoom then I almost certainly would have gravitated towards clear linework vector style characters that could be easily rigged for the program. TV Paint is closer to ink and pen traditional drawing styles, variable width outlines, nice texture brush effects.

I really like your paragraph about how to find the right 2D animation software. You have given some useful advice and resources for anyone who wants to start or improve their 2D animation skills. I agree that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and that it is important to find the software that suits your needs and preferences

When comparing 2D animation software, start by researching reviews and ratings from users and experts. Watch demos and tutorials to understand the animation style each software supports. Utilize free trials or demos to test features and functions firsthand. Compare pricing plans to ensure the best value for your budget. Remember, finding the right software may require trying out multiple options. Above all, enjoy the creative process of crafting your 2D animation!

Je n’irai pas faire un survol rapide de tous les logiciels possibles. Je n’expliquerai que ceux que j’ai pratiqué. Depuis longtemps je pratique l’animation 2D sur Moho anciennement animation Pro puis a nouveau Moho. Qui sert à créer des personnages à partir, soit de morceaux d’image créé sur cette Photoshop ( ou autre), soit directement à partir de dessin vectoriel sur le logiciel. Ils sont animés à la manière de pantins mais plus évolué. On peut y trouver des possibilités multiples de style réaliste ou moins réaliste Grace A des préférences à appliquer au calque dans lequel se trouve chaque élément du personnage.

Research software features, considering drawing tools, animation capabilities, and export options. Read user reviews to gauge community satisfaction and support. Test trial versions to experience the software firsthand. Look for active user communities and online tutorials for ongoing learning and problem-solving.

I would really recommend diving deep into the world of animated shorts and TV series and exploring what programs were used for the ones that really sing to you in terms of visual style. I've found that almost all the time people are using TV Paint, Photoshop, Animate or ToonBoom. The type of work that people actually create is the best argument for that program. Don't compare the layout, you can change that a LOT in every program. Don't read reviews, people are idiots, and every idiot has an opinion. DO Compare the range and quality of tutorials available free on YouTube. Also consider paying for A serious online course. Domestika and Skillshare are quite good value, but course quality varies a lot.

One additional consideration worth mentioning is the importance of software updates and ongoing support. When choosing a 2D animation software, it's beneficial to opt for a platform that receives regular updates and provides reliable customer support. Updates often bring new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements, enhancing the overall user experience and keeping your workflow efficient and up-to-date. Furthermore, responsive customer support can be invaluable when encountering technical issues or needing assistance with the software. Prioritizing software that offers both frequent updates and robust support can contribute to a smoother and more productive animation process in the long run.

Don't sweat about it too much. Think about it this way: would Michelangelo have been a lesser artist if he only had a crayon instead of a Sistine Chapel ceiling? Of course not! His vision, skill, and passion would have shone through regardless. The same goes for animation. It doesn't really matter if you use Cinema4d or Blender to do your work, it's all about your passion and a strong concept.

Stay updated on software trends, as new tools and features continually emerge. Prioritize software with regular updates, ensuring access to the latest improvements. Flexibility is key, select software adaptable to different project scales and complexities. Regularly explore forums and online communities for valuable insights and potential troubleshooting assistance.

Conduct some research on the top 2D animation software that is currently available. Although there is a large selection to choose from, it's often best to select one and become proficient with it over time, rather than constantly switching between different options. In many cases, the most effective software is the brain.

No matter the tool, the principles remain the same: keyframes, spacing, timing. It's just a matter of where the tools are stored. However, there are 2 things that can influence the choice of software: Can I afford it? Most softwares have free trial or student price. And if I'm working with a team, what software does the team use?