You're navigating a new animation software platform. How do you ensure your productivity stays on track?

Navigating a new animation software platform can be challenging, but I stay productive by dedicating time to learn its features, using tutorials, and practicing regularly. I also set specific goals to apply my new skills to ongoing projects, ensuring that I stay efficient and continue to produce high-quality work.

Learning the UI and main tools required to complete a project would be the best first approach to learn any software and stay productive. This method will ensure shallow learning curve and clear roadmap to achieve project objectives first than explore other things a software has to offer.

Whenever learning a new program or platform, you always want to set real, reachable goals for the learning portion but also set goals for certain executions to reach so you have concrete attainables. There are so many tools like this these days, you need to remain dedicated, diligent, and committed....all while keeping your end goals in mind as to why you're doing what you're doing. :)

Entrar a un nuevo mundo, un nuevo software es un reto, pero tomo en cuenta lo importante que es innovar y crear nuevas habilidades en tu portafolio. Crear nuevas metas para el uso de un nuevo software también es una meta que puede ayudarte a futuro.

Hay diferentes tipos de animación. Todos funcionan bajo la mayoría de fundamentos y los softwares tienen herramientas parecidas. hay mucha Publicidad que provoca la idea de “animación rápida”. que no demanda más que el uso de una interfaz como de edición de assets. y transiciones sencillas. Las animaciones mas elaboradas, demandan más bien, cierto tipo de utilidades, por ejemplo para hacer rigging. Donde se aplica una lógica (lo complejo). Dentro del software elegido. los programas que sirven como estándares de comparación son Toonboom y Adobe Animate, After effects o Nuke. Blender o Maya… donde se pueden hacer muchas cosas en 2D o 3D. Es cuestión de saber las bases. los botones de adoptan con practica y tutoriales

I disagree with this. Different software has different workflows, and their interfaces weren't just created yesterday. They've received tons of feedback, tweaks, fixes, and testing to develop their default workspaces. When you start using new software, explore the default workspaces, as they usually meet your needs. Customizing your workspace is only efficient if you've been using the software for years and have discovered your own workflow with it. I've used default workspaces across different softwares, allowing me to switch machines or jobs anytime and start immediately.

Si bien es cierto que tener un Workflow, acorde a tus comodidades y necesidades, es beneficioso por lo ya mencionado (reducción de distracciones, reducción de tiempo de búsqueda de herramientas, etc.) hay veces en los que tocará trabajar en un Workflow tal cual como este en el software por lo que también recomiendo no sentir esa necesidad de personalizar todo

Customizing your workspace can greatly enhance your efficiency. Arrange the tools and panels in a way that suits your workflow. Most animation software allows you to save workspace layouts, so take advantage of this feature. A well-organized workspace minimizes distractions and allows you to access frequently used tools quickly, boosting your productivity.

It can be useful to customize your own workflow on each software or app, however, I truly believe that the developers thought about every nook and cranny to make it unique and user friendly. For example, you won't find the same interface of Toon Boom in Clio Studio, and people won't try to change it to look like one or the other. I think it's more about learning the tool and familiarizing yourself with it than trying to change it. When a developer truly listens to the upgrades the artists need, there is no need for us to move the interface in any way.

Efficiency is, of course, always crucial for business. However, each software from different providers is unique, reflecting the developers' vision. I've been using Photoshop since 1998, and the changes in this program alone have been dramatic. For example, their own 3D feature was very complicated and user-unfriendly. Until it was discontinued, I thought I was the only one struggling with it.

Es importante saber que cada recurso descargado, cada tutoría, es una prueba más de aprendizaje que te ayuda a no solo crear tu arte y encontrar una solución, sino también, enamorarte de la animación y que cada día aprendes más y exploras un mundo de posibilidades.

Utilize online resources to accelerate your learning curve. Many animation software platforms offer official tutorials, forums, and documentation. Additionally, platforms like YouTube, Udemy, and Coursera provide comprehensive courses and user-generated tutorials. Investing time in these resources can help you grasp new techniques and troubleshoot issues more effectively.

I agree with this, I know the best way to learn about something is to try it yourself, however, there are tons of free and paid media out there to help you become a master of any software you may need. Who on this platform hasn't searched for a really specific tutorial on YT or online and just one with maybe 30 views from a country or a language you may not expect? This shows that around the world, there are people with the same hunger for knowledge as you... So, why not keep contributing by commenting, discussing, proposing and even making your own tutorial? I believe it's thanks to all the people that use the software and explain to others how to do so to take advantage of the tool, that a software becomes popular and useful.

When I first navigated a new animation software platform, I ensured productivity by practicing regularly. I dedicated time each day to learn and experiment with the software’s features. By creating small, manageable projects, I quickly became proficient. For instance, working on short, simple animations daily helped me master the tool. This consistent practice maintained my productivity and confidence, enabling me to handle larger projects efficiently.

This one is obvious of course. Simply put, we could never get used to anything if we dont experience it often dont we? So in term of skill, practicing regularly is no doubt the answer.

Consistent practice is key to mastering any new software. Dedicate time each day to work on small projects or exercises that build your skills incrementally. Regular practice helps reinforce what you’ve learned and makes you more comfortable with the software’s interface and tools, leading to increased productivity over time.

Yes, this is the best way to master any software. Practice. Start with easy tasks, familiarize with the software, learn it's capabilities. Maybe you'll start by drawing something simple, learning how the brushes or colors work on that specific interface, then move toward the animation tools, start with the animation principles, and so on. The goal is to maintain that pace and don't stop practicing, even if it's just for a little while each day, you'll eventually reach your goal.

It's not just the software but also the hardware. I've been working with Wacom tablets since 2007 and on Cintiq monitors since 2016. This has significantly impacted my workflow.

When navigating a new animation software platform, I ensured productivity by seeking feedback. During a project transition to Blender, I joined online forums and attended webinars to learn best practices. I regularly shared my work with peers for critiques. Their insights helped me quickly overcome hurdles and improve my techniques. This collaborative approach accelerated my learning curve, keeping my productivity on track.

Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from peers or mentors. Sharing your work with others can provide valuable insights and identify areas for improvement. Constructive criticism helps you refine your skills and ensures you’re using the software to its fullest potential. Engaging with a community of fellow animators can also provide support and inspiration.

When exploring new software, always keep the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle and Occam's Razor in mind. The simplest solutions are often the best. You might not even need the new software in the first place. New features often introduce new bugs, and you probably don't use them much (or at all). If it ain't broken, don't fix it. Stay updated regardless, and toy around with the new features. However, don't implement them right away in mission-critical tasks. That's why R&D is important.

Sí. Definitivamente es importante estar actualizado hoy en día, la IA es una herramienta muy fuerte para muchos creativos que nos ayuda a salir de tareas fáciles en tiempo récord, al final estar actualizado al día con software nuevos, pluggins, etc. es un beneficio a tu trabajo.

Animation software is continually evolving, with updates and new features released regularly. Stay informed about these updates by following the software’s official blog or social media channels. Keeping up with the latest developments ensures you’re always using the most efficient tools and techniques, maintaining your productivity as the software evolves.

Keeping up with the software updates is key to us as artists, cause you may never know when a tool that you desperately needed will come out, something that will make your animation process easier. For example, when onion paper was first introduced to me online I was super excited, now I don't need to backtrack every time to know what's next. And something as simple as that changed the way animation was done digitally.

To ensure productivity while navigating a new animation software platform, set clear goals, follow a learning schedule, use tutorials, practice regularly, stay organized, and seek feedback.

It always depends on what you want to achieve in the world of animation. With AI, we're currently experiencing a significant shift. In the past, everything was specialized work, and everyone had their own focus—whether it was particles in Houdini or rigging and bones in Maya. The field of animation is vast. Even deciding between 2D or 3D is a major step, and it’s not just about character animation. For a one-person operation, compositing has been the most effective and economically advantageous solution. Everything else is often very specialized and a matter of personal preference.