Hi all AE Mail list followers,

 

It’s been very silent on this mail list yesterday and today so I thought I would contribute with a new discussion.

 

I am looking to find alternative, perhaps more efficient was of producing original from scratch made artwork for my animated cartoon style videos (2D or 2.5D).

 

Currently, I have 3 alternative ways (for creating 2D assets):

 

1. Draw required artwork (separated if to use as layers) on paper using pen –> Scan –> Touch up in IL –> Export .PSD to PS –> Color in PS, polish add any textures etc. –> Save .PSD for AE –> Import to AE –> Use as a comp or separate layers –> Animate.

 

2. Draw layers using Path/Shape in PS using Pen Tool and Direct Select Tool –> Import PS into AE. (Question: When I draw it fills the drawn path automatically, how do I draw it all first and then fill after drawn instead?)

 

3. Draw on SketchUp on iPad –> Import into Illustrator –> Export to PS –> Animate in AE.

 

Now, I don’t know which is the fastest, but I don’t think it’s option 3, as it’s a bit limited.

 

I have now shared some of my techniques for creating artwork for my animations, including background artwork, characters and props/objects.

 

Please would you suggest better/easier/more efficient or more fun ways that used in your production (or ways I could improve any of the 3 ways listed above, that you have experience of (I don’t use stock artwork so I am not interested in that option).

 

I would also love to know what you use for storyboarding (even if just sketchy line drawings / stick figure). I have been using pen and paper mainly. What do you or your clients use?

 

P.S. I am looking for more freelance work in 2014 so if you are looking for an animated web video / explainer / demo video of a more illustrative / cartoon style, please do feel free to get in touch to discuss your project. I can do a video from start to finish, or only artwork or animation if you prefer).