How To Create Thumbnails for Animation

 

How do you create thumbnail sketches for character animation? Learning how to create thumbnail sketches is a very important skill, even for animators who don't draw well, because thumbnail sketches are an important tool for planning animation.  Even 3D animators who aren't that comfortable with drawing are encouraged to have a go at the thumbnailing process, because it is so valuable for planning character animation.  Watch the video above to see how to create simple but expressive thumbnail sketches for this month's "11 Second Club". 

You Don't Need to Draw Well

Thumbnail sketches planning a dialogue shot

Many students feel anxious about their drawing skills, but it is still important to have a go at basic thumbnail sketches.  Of course, not all animators (especially 3D animators) like to draw, and in this case there may be more reliance on shooting live action reference.  

But, however you choose to do it, you  will need to start with a series of expressive poses that tell a story, long before you start to block out your shot by creating poses in Maya on Stepped Curves.

Thumbnail Sketches for the Video

To see the thumbnail sketches drawn for the video above, take a look at the sketch on the right hand side of this blog and below. 

Resources on Planning Animation

11 Second Club Thumbnails

For more resources on how to plan animation (including how to use thumbnail sketches and live action), follow the links below:

• Why Animators Need Thumbnail Sketches
• Medusa Thumbnails by Milt Kahl
• Why thumbnail sketches need facial expressions
• Thumbnail sketches by Pixar's Victor Navone
• Thumbnailing Mrs Copperbottom from "Robots"
• Thumbnailing "Boog" from "Open Season"
• How to Animate a Dialogue Shot
• How to Plan a Pantomime Shot
• How to Plan a Creature Animation Shot
• How to Use Live Action Reference to Plan Animation
• Body Language for Animators
• Nine Ways to Create a Great Pose in Animation

To find out more about Animation Apprentice, click here for a link to Frequently Asked Questions. To sign up for our next classroom at Animation Apprentice, follow this link.