Start with a blank template character and replace the artwork with your own custom design.
Customize the various parts of the character, such as the mouth, eyebrows, and eyes, to create a unique look.
Use the provided premade mouth shapes to easily create realistic mouth movements.
Add additional layers and artwork to enhance the character's expressiveness and animation capabilities.
Experiment with different shapes, colors, and styles to personalize your character and make it stand out.
Can I start from scratch and create a completely original character?
—Yes, you can start from scratch, but it may be more time-consuming and challenging to ensure all the elements are properly named and organized. Using a template character as a starting point can save time and help you understand the required structure.
Is it possible to use my own artwork instead of the provided templates?
—Absolutely! The purpose of using Adobe Illustrator is to allow you to replace the provided artwork with your own custom designs. This gives you full creative freedom to create a character that matches your vision.
Can I animate the character using other software?
—While Character Animator is specifically designed for animating characters, you can export your puppet from Character Animator to other software, such as After Effects, to create more complex animations and visual effects.
What are some tips for making the character's movements more natural?
—To make the character's movements more natural, pay attention to the timing and spacing of keyframes. Use the Face and Arm behaviors available in Character Animator to add additional movements and gestures. Experiment with different facial expressions and body poses to make the movements feel more lifelike.
What are the best practices for organizing the layers in Character Animator?
—It is important to properly name and organize the layers in Character Animator to ensure smooth animation and ease of editing. Use descriptive names for each layer and group related elements together. Consider creating separate groups for different body parts, such as head, body, limbs, etc.
00:00Introduction to creating a Character Animator puppet using Adobe Illustrator.
02:11Starting with a blank template character in Character Animator.
05:58Switching between record mode and rig mode in Character Animator.
11:32Customizing the eyebrows of the character.
14:33Creating and customizing the eyes of the character.
27:56Adding additional layers and artwork to enhance the character's expressiveness.
33:45Tips for organizing the layers in Character Animator to ensure smooth animation and ease of editing.
