Importance of Drawing Skills in Animation
A lot of people wonder if drawing is really important for animation. Well, it is. Before you embark on your animation journey, it’s important to master your drawing skills. Animation is nothing but visual art. Drawings, models and computer technology are used to create moving images and tell a cohesive story. It is surely an essential part of entertainment and advertising. There is a common misconception that animation is all about using expensive tools and software. However, to be a successful animator, it’s important to start with the basics. Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been animating for years, you need to keep sharpening your drawing skills. This is a major reason that when you join an animation and multimedia college, the first thing they focus on is honing your drawing skills.
Why is it Important to Keep Drawing as an Animator?
Drawing helps animators create visuals for their animations. If you’re someone who isn’t good at drawing but aspires to become an animator, it’s important to start with the basics. Here are a few things to note:
Start Sketching
If you’ve embarked on animation as a career, you’re likely to be a creative individual. The best way to express your creativity is by drawing or sketching. It’s de-stressing too. Also, if you’re not good at it, practice will only make you better. Make it a part of your daily routine and you will slowly notice progress. Even 15 minutes of drawing each day can improve your skills. You could draw on a sketchbook or tablet (if you prefer digital drawing). It’s also a good idea to date your work. This also helps you monitor your progress and you know where you stand in your journey.
Identify your Art Style or Seek References
If you’re pursuing a visual art and design course, it’s important to find your style. This will help you perfect your craft in the long run. Every animator has his/her own unique style. By identifying your niche, you will be able to create drawings that have a personal touch. This way, you can also stand out from the crowd. Professional and seasoned animators often draw from their imagination. They are able to do so since they have been practicing for years. They have the ability to translate the abstract into something tangible. We all have an imagination. However, interpreting things through drawings is an art. When you experiment with different techniques and materials, you will emerge as a successful animator.
If you can’t draw from your imagination, you can even sketch the things around you including still life and nature. Drawing people as a beginner may be difficult. However, it is an important skill you need to master as an animator. You can even enrol yourself in a drawing class.
Go Digital
A lot of new-age animators hate using a pencil. Well, there’s nothing wrong with that. You don’t just need to draw in a traditional sense. As an aspiring animator, you need to have an open mind. You can experiment with a wide range of styles to improve your skills. Painting and drawing involve collecting a lot of material. It may not be for everyone. You can even start sketching on your iPad. The best part is that it is easy to transport. You can even work out of a café. If you plan to hone your digital drawing skills, use Procreate. Besides this, there are several other digital drawing apps and software that offer a variety of features that make it easier for animators to create artwork that truly stands out.
Experiment & Try New Things
Building a career in animation is all about experimenting. Only when you take risks will you be able to learn new things and develop creativity. Even if the outcome is not what you expected it to be, the process itself will teach you valuable lessons. If you want to engage in drawing every day, find a subject and start. Look for inspiration around you and you will be able to create wonders.
Conclusion
As an animator, you need to keep practicing and improving your drawing skills. It’s a great way to express yourself creatively and create a story which people will remember. A good place to start is by pursuing an animation diploma programme. Drawing is a key subject of the curriculum. Students can go on to pursue a career as a texture artist, compositor, art director, comics illustrator, modelling artist, CG artist or product designer.
