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In honor of Episode 3 being released on cable this week (as if I needed a reason), let’s spend some time using Toon Boom Studio to recreate some of the most interesting special effects from the Star Wars saga. Of course, you can’t talk about Star Wars special effects without starting with the lightsaber.
I know what you’re thinking. Why would I want to know how to make an animated gif? Didn’t that stop being cool in 1998? Absolutely. However, when used properly an animated gif can be a useful and entertaining tool in your Toon Boom arsenal. In addition, animated gifs are actually recognized by Google and Yahoo. Links inside SWF files continue to elude the search engines.
This development entry will show the process of creating a scene, and its evolution from sketch into full blown animation. The scene I’m detailing is when Sparky turns quickly to face Meat, and then rushes towards him.
The first step has been shown before, creating the storyboard:
Recently I’ve been approached from a couple of different directions about the difficulty of staying motivated. Peter asked a question about this in the comments for Make Your Own Cartoon.
Creating an animation is not a minor task, as I’m sure you’re aware. There are many steps involved, and finishing any of them is an accomplishment in its own right. The problem is the lack of public acknowledgment. That may be the coolest storyboard ever but in the end, even after the animation is completed, who will see it? Unless you’re a part of a team it’s just you and your great storyboards.