Sofia Martinez
Animating small plastic figures can be done in a variety of ways, from simple stop-motion animation to more complex 3D scanning and rendering techniques. For simple stop-motion animation, you can use a camera to capture frames of the figures in different positions and then play them back in sequence to create the illusion of movement. More advanced techniques involve using software to create 2D or 3D animations. For example, you can use programs like Photoshop, Toon Boom Harmony, or Adobe Animate CC to create 2D animations by drawing or using puppet techniques. Alternatively, you can use 3D scanning software to create digital models of your plastic figures and then use programs like iClone or Blender to rig and animate them in a 3D environment. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can bring their small plastic figures to life through animation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Software | Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate CC, Photoshop, Powtoon, iClone 8, Blender, Meshroom, AccuRIG, ActorCore |
| Hardware | Camera, PC, cell phone, silicone rubber mix, urethane plastic mix, wax, individual burner, sculpting tools, super glue, baking soda, heat gun, cardstock, etc. |
| Techniques | 2D animation, 3D animation, stop motion, claymation, cut-out characters, Lego animation, rigging, motion capture |
| Purpose | Advertisement, short movie, video resume, business presentation |
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What You'll Learn
3D scanning and uploading
3D scanning is the process of analysing a real-world object or environment to collect data on its shape and colour to construct a 3D model. This can be done using specific hardware such as a Structure sensor, or with more accessible methods of photogrammetry (like with your smartphone and a free version of 3DF Zephyr).
Once you have 3D scanned your plastic figure, you can upload the file to start the rigging. Tools like AccuRIG are instrumental in this phase, helping to rig right from the hands to the entire body. The process of "rigging" is the process of adding 'bones' to a 3D model. The rig consists of bones with joints and constraints that describe things like how far and in which direction a joint can bend.
After rigging, you can import animations and bring your character to life. Software such as iClone 8 enables you to select from templates, custom packs, or even create from scratch. With a few clicks, your character can be animated and moving seamlessly.
Once you have your model animated, you can select "Download" and then select "FBX". Download this model into its own folder, then go to your meshroomcache (where you got the obj file) and copy any PNG texture files into the FBX folder. FBX files should have the textures embedded, but if not, you can copy the textures into the folder with the FBX, then ZIP those files. This zip file can then be uploaded to a cloud service such as OneDrive.
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Rigging
In the context of animating small plastic figures, rigging is done after the figure has been 3D scanned and the file has been uploaded. Tools like AccuRIG are used to rig the figure, starting from the hands to the entire body. This process is similar to a puppet system, where every joint and control is carefully placed to make the movement look smooth and natural.
The rig acts as an internal structure, mimicking real anatomy to ensure that movements are natural and believable. Animators can then control the model with precision, making every motion fluid and realistic. For example, with a well-built rig, animators can ensure that a character's hands remain fixed on a cylinder during a swing sequence.
One key aspect of rigging is weight assignment, which determines how much influence each bone has on the model's surface. This is important for achieving natural movement and ensuring that the character's limbs influence each other realistically. Facial rigging is another important technique, allowing animators to capture subtle expressions and emotions by fine-tuning details like lip-syncing, eyebrow movement, and slight muscle shifts.
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Sourcing motion capture files
Motion capture files can be sourced in a variety of ways, from DIY setups to professional services and software. Here are some options for sourcing motion capture files to animate small plastic figures:
- DIY Motion Capture: This option is suitable if you want to capture your own movements. The required hardware includes a PC or MAC with Windows installed, a Kinect 2 Camera, Kinect 2 USB Adapters, and a camera tripod. The software needed includes iPi Recorder and iPi Mocap Studio. This setup is relatively affordable and can be used to create DIY motion capture rigs. However, it is limited to using a single RGB/depth sensor camera.
- Move AI: Move AI is a tool that uses machine learning to capture motion. It eliminates the need for motion capture suits, providing a more accessible option for independent game developers. With Move AI, you can record high-fidelity animations with a fast and accurate workflow.
- DeepMotion's Animate 3D: Animate 3D is a free AI motion capture solution that allows you to capture motion using any device. You can track up to eight people in a single video and use custom or default characters. It offers features like Face and Hand Tracking, Physics Simulation, and Motion Smoothing, giving you control over creating high-fidelity 3D animations.
- Adobe Character Animator: Adobe's motion capture technology allows you to create a virtual avatar that mimics your facial expressions and movements in real-time. It turns people into cartoons by applying human motion to puppets, including walking, running, and dancing. You can also integrate it with other Creative Cloud apps like Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Online Platforms: Websites like MoCap Online offer 3D character animation assets and free demo packs that you can experiment with. They provide animations from various packs, such as Mobility, Rifle, Ninja, Zombie, and LIFE ArchViz. These files can be used to test the quality of the motion capture offerings and work with different file formats and pipelines.
- ActorCore and iClone 8: ActorCore provides high-quality motion capture files compatible with iClone 8 software. iClone 8 allows you to select from templates, custom packs, or create animations from scratch. It offers a motion blending function for smooth transitions between movements, ensuring natural-looking character animations. You can also import and blend animations from different sources, such as Mixamo.
These options provide various approaches to sourcing motion capture files, ranging from DIY setups to professional software solutions, depending on your specific needs and requirements.
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Importing animations
IClone 8 offers a streamlined workflow, enabling users to import animations from platforms like Mixamo and blend them seamlessly with existing animations. This software ensures smooth transitions between motions, making the character's movements appear natural. For instance, the Edit Reach Target tool helps in perfecting movements, such as keeping Spider-Man's hands fixed on a cylinder during a swing sequence.
To import animations into iClone 8, follow these steps:
- Start by 3D scanning your small plastic figure to create a digital model.
- Upload the scanned file into iClone 8 to begin the rigging process. Tools like AccuRIG will assist in rigging the hands and the entire body.
- Import animations from platforms like Mixamo.
- Retarget and blend the imported animations with your existing animation.
- Refine your animation to ensure accuracy in details like hand positions.
- Once satisfied, export the animation in FBX format for final touches in Blender.
Additionally, free software like Meshroom can be used to import 3D models and view them in augmented reality. This software allows users to output their models to a phone or tablet, creating an immersive experience as if the figures are in the real world.
For those seeking a more user-friendly approach, MyEdit's Image to Video tool offers a simple process. Users can import their action figure images, describe the desired animation, and let the AI generate the final product. This method simplifies the animation process, making it accessible to beginners.
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Perfecting movements
Perfecting the movements of your small plastic figures is an important step in the animation process. This step is especially crucial if you're aiming for a seamless and natural look for your animation. Here are some tips to help you perfect the movements:
Firstly, choose the right software for your needs. There are many options available, such as iClone 8, which offers a range of features, including the ability to merge animations from different sources. This software also allows you to refine your animation, ensuring that details like hand positions remain accurate. The Edit Reach Target tool within iClone 8 is perfect for this purpose, as it can keep a character's hands fixed on an object during a specific sequence.
Additionally, consider using motion capture files to create high-quality and natural movements. ActorCore is a great source for these files, offering a wide range of motions that can be easily imported into your animation software.
If you're working with 3D models, texturing is an important step to create realistic lighting effects. This involves assigning different materials to the various parts of your model, simulating substances like metal, plastic, skin, and hair.
For 2D animations, you can use programs like Toon Boom Harmony and Adobe Animate CC to mix and match hand-drawn animation with 2D puppet techniques. This allows for a combination of posed and hand-animated sections, giving you greater control over the movements of your characters.
Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different techniques. Stop motion, for example, involves manipulating real-world objects and photographing them frame by frame to create the illusion of movement. This can be done with regular figurines and objects, allowing for a more hands-on approach to perfecting movements.
Remember, the key to perfecting movements is to pay attention to the small details, ensure seamless transitions, and always keep the "life" in your animations.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to 3D scan your plastic figure.
There are many software options available for animating your figure, such as iClone 8, Blender, Photoshop, Powtoon, and Adobe Animate CC.
You can use motion capture files compatible with your software to animate your figure.
You can use a compositing program like Nuke or After Effects to add texture and lighting to your shots, creating a realistic look.
You can create your own plastic figures by making a mold with silicone rubber and a muffin tray, then pouring in a urethane plastic mix.
