Intro to Rigging (Adobe Character Animator)
Character Animator offers a wide range of pre-made characters that you can use
for your projects. However, if you prefer to create your own puppets from scratch,
this tutorial is for you. In this video, we will cover everything you need to know
about rigging, including artwork creation, organizing elements, and animating your
puppet.
Artwork Creation
Before we start, it's important to note that you don't create the artwork in Character
Animator itself. You'll need to use programs like Adobe Photoshop or Adobe
Illustrator to create layered files (PSD or AI) that Character Animator can interpret.
While Photoshop and Illustrator are the most popular choices, you can use other
programs like Adobe Fresco on an iPad Pro. The choice of program depends on
your personal preference and the style you want to achieve.
Setting up the Document
In this tutorial, we'll be using Adobe Illustrator. To start, open a new file and set
the document size to around 1500x1500 pixels. This provides enough space for a
high-definition character without losing image quality. Make sure the color mode
is set to RGB color for screen-based projects. If you're using Photoshop, the
settings are similar.
Organizing Layers
Once your document is set up, it's time to organize your layers. In Illustrator, create
a new layer called "plus puppet" (or any name you prefer) and two more layers
called "head" and "body". Drag both the head and body layers into the "plus
puppet" layer. In Photoshop, create three groups with the same names and drag
them into the "puppet" group.
Character Animator Rigging
Now that your artwork is organized, you're ready to start rigging in Character
Animator. Open Character Animator and enter rig mode. Here, you can add
handles, tags, and behaviors to bring your puppet to life. Experiment with different
settings and techniques to achieve the desired animation effects.
Example Project
1
, To help you get started, we've provided a free download project with 15 different
common body types and features in Character Animator. This project includes
simple characters, characters with head and body turns, and even full body
tracking. Feel free to explore and learn from this example.
With these steps, you're now equipped to create your own characters from scratch
in Character Animator. Remember to experiment and have fun with the rigging
process. Happy animating!
Creating Character Artwork in Photoshop and Illustrator
When creating character artwork in Photoshop and Illustrator, there are some
differences in how you create groups. In Photoshop, you use a folder icon to create
a group, while in Illustrator, you drag layers into other layers.
Creating the Head
To create the head of your character, create a new layer and drag it inside the head.
Then, use the ellipse tool to create a rounded head shape by clicking and dragging
at the top of the canvas. You can customize the color and stroke of the head using
the fill and stroke options.
Manipulating the Head
Use the selection tool to reposition and resize the head as needed.
Adding the Body
Create a new layer and drag it inside the body. Use the rectangle tool to create a
rectangle for the torso. Adjust the size and position of the body as desired.
Adding Limbs
Create a new layer inside the body group to add an arm. Use the rectangle tool to
create a simple rectangle shape for the arm. You can adjust the shape by selecting
it and dragging the circles that appear. To create the other arm, copy and paste the
first arm and move it to the other side.
Setting the Pose
In Character Animator, it's recommended to have your character in an "A -pose"
instead of a "T-pose" for more flexibility in arm movements. To achieve this, rotate
the arms at a 45-degree angle and overlap them with the character. You can choose
whether the arms appear in front of or behind the torso.
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Character Animator offers a wide range of pre-made characters that you can use
for your projects. However, if you prefer to create your own puppets from scratch,
this tutorial is for you. In this video, we will cover everything you need to know
about rigging, including artwork creation, organizing elements, and animating your
puppet.
Artwork Creation
Before we start, it's important to note that you don't create the artwork in Character
Animator itself. You'll need to use programs like Adobe Photoshop or Adobe
Illustrator to create layered files (PSD or AI) that Character Animator can interpret.
While Photoshop and Illustrator are the most popular choices, you can use other
programs like Adobe Fresco on an iPad Pro. The choice of program depends on
your personal preference and the style you want to achieve.
Setting up the Document
In this tutorial, we'll be using Adobe Illustrator. To start, open a new file and set
the document size to around 1500x1500 pixels. This provides enough space for a
high-definition character without losing image quality. Make sure the color mode
is set to RGB color for screen-based projects. If you're using Photoshop, the
settings are similar.
Organizing Layers
Once your document is set up, it's time to organize your layers. In Illustrator, create
a new layer called "plus puppet" (or any name you prefer) and two more layers
called "head" and "body". Drag both the head and body layers into the "plus
puppet" layer. In Photoshop, create three groups with the same names and drag
them into the "puppet" group.
Character Animator Rigging
Now that your artwork is organized, you're ready to start rigging in Character
Animator. Open Character Animator and enter rig mode. Here, you can add
handles, tags, and behaviors to bring your puppet to life. Experiment with different
settings and techniques to achieve the desired animation effects.
Example Project
1
, To help you get started, we've provided a free download project with 15 different
common body types and features in Character Animator. This project includes
simple characters, characters with head and body turns, and even full body
tracking. Feel free to explore and learn from this example.
With these steps, you're now equipped to create your own characters from scratch
in Character Animator. Remember to experiment and have fun with the rigging
process. Happy animating!
Creating Character Artwork in Photoshop and Illustrator
When creating character artwork in Photoshop and Illustrator, there are some
differences in how you create groups. In Photoshop, you use a folder icon to create
a group, while in Illustrator, you drag layers into other layers.
Creating the Head
To create the head of your character, create a new layer and drag it inside the head.
Then, use the ellipse tool to create a rounded head shape by clicking and dragging
at the top of the canvas. You can customize the color and stroke of the head using
the fill and stroke options.
Manipulating the Head
Use the selection tool to reposition and resize the head as needed.
Adding the Body
Create a new layer and drag it inside the body. Use the rectangle tool to create a
rectangle for the torso. Adjust the size and position of the body as desired.
Adding Limbs
Create a new layer inside the body group to add an arm. Use the rectangle tool to
create a simple rectangle shape for the arm. You can adjust the shape by selecting
it and dragging the circles that appear. To create the other arm, copy and paste the
first arm and move it to the other side.
Setting the Pose
In Character Animator, it's recommended to have your character in an "A -pose"
instead of a "T-pose" for more flexibility in arm movements. To achieve this, rotate
the arms at a 45-degree angle and overlap them with the character. You can choose
whether the arms appear in front of or behind the torso.
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