Animation : What's in your Tool Box? by Michelle Eisley

Ok so here's a break from critiques or random solicitations. What do you use to animate with? Are there other tools or skills you'd like to learn? Let's get to know each other and talk a little shop eh? I like for 2D animation to stick to my tried and true After Effects. I like use the puppet tool, but also don't mind doing simple hand keyframe, and mesh/corner pining when I need to. I also like AE for my 2.5D workflow when doing matte paintings or set extensions. As always I know in this profession you can never stop learning, but I'd like to start playing with Toon Boom, when I can make the time. Has anyone here had a chance to get their mits on some Toon Boom action? 3D isn't really my jam if I have to animate, but I can do it...poorly. I'm better at lighting animations and compositing them, than animation. For 3D I use a bit of a combo, I know Maya and Mudbox (for texturing), but I'm learning Houdini, zBrush, Mari and Vue a little bit at a time on the side. My skill sets again are more towards comp and lighting, but as a freelancer you have to know just a little of everything to survive. I'm getting better though.