Today, on World Animation Day, a seasoned animator offers invaluable advice for beginners if they wish to learn a new skill, and explore a magical world of creative artistry
The idea that technology is a starting point for animators is a misconception. representation pic/istock
October 28th (today) marks the occasion of World Animation Day. Those who aspire to hone their skills in this craft often have the same quintessential queries — the fastest way to learn animation; the best software, or online tools to practise; the channels to follow, among numerous others. But all these do not address the fundamentals that make an animator. We reached out to senior animator and filmmaker, Kireet Khurana, to suggest tips and lessons for enthusiasts and serious beginners alike.
A still from the painted animation film, Loving Vincent
Yes to art, not computers
Many have the misconception that software determines animation skills. But regardless of how technically proficient you are, digital tools are of no help if you don’t know how to use them to create the final creative result. Khurana says, “The number one thing that any expert in the field will tell you, is to study art, not technology. Run away from computers and software as much as possible, at least initially.
A still from the animated film, Chicken for Linda!, using one colour for each character. Pics courtesy/Salvo did it and gkids films on Youtube
There’s nothing you can achieve by learning [2D, 3D, and paint] sofware programmes if you don’t know how to draw and paint.” While the technicals may be learnt through consistent practice over a few months, an art foundation takes at least a few years to build. “That is where the focus should be,” Khurana emphasises.
Life-drawing and anatomy
A still from Waltz with Bashir. Pic courtesy/Docplay on Youtube
Animation is the art of infusing movement into artistic images that are otherwise still. Learning life-drawing and anatomy is crucial, Khurana says. “If you don’t know anatomy, you can’t be a great modeller, rigger, or texturing artist. If you don’t know gesture drawing, you can’t be a good animator, as [animation] depends mostly on locomotion, muscles, and bones of characters,” he explains.
Books over videos
A still from Boy and the World. Pic courtesy/Diff on youtube
While a beginner may believe that watching professionals may be a faster way to learn animation, Khurana strongly advises reading a host of books, which are a continuous source of knowledge. He adds, “Animation is a domain where techniques, tools, and designs are constantly evolving. The stronger the fundamentals, the better it is in the long run.”
Choose suitable software
Kireet Khurana. File pic
Eventually software does enter the picture. It is not randomly chosen, but instead based on the assessment of a person’s individual style, work, and creative requirements. “Once [a person] has done an exhaustive Fine Arts programme, they must [focus on] brushing up their software skills,” the animation veteran tells us. “A few examples of ideal software are the 3D tools Autodesk Maya and Blender, Da Vinci Resolve, and software from the Adobe Creative Cloud, like Animate and Photoshop.”
No shortcuts
Animation is very much an art that needs to be given a dedicated amount of time and effort. “So many ask me about quick ways to learn, but there are no shortcuts. Whether you’re going to be a matte painter, texture artist, lighting artist, modeller, animator, compositor, VFX artist, or director, it will, and should take a few years before you get good,” Khurana signs off.
The beginners’ guidebook
Book recommendations
A still from the hand-drawn film, The Breadwinner. pics courtesy/StudiocanalUK and screen international on youtube
>> Animation: From Script to Screen (1990) (St. Martin’s Griffin) by Shamus Culhane
>> The Animator’s Survival Kit (2009) (Faber) by Richard Williams
>> Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life (1995) (Disney Editions) by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston
>> Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain (2012) (Tarcher) by Betty Edwards
>> Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist (1982) (OUP USA) by Stephen Rogers Peck
Film recommendations
A still from The Swallows of Kabul
>> Boy and the World (2013)
>> Loving Vincent (2017)
>> The Breadwinner (2017)
>> Waltz with Bashir (2008)
>> The Swallows of Kabul (2019)
>> Chicken for Linda! (2023)
Information courtesy: Kireet Khurana
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