# Animator Artist Life > Free Tutorials for Animators Artists Motion designers ## Posts - [Best Ergonomic Drafting Chair for Artists and Animators: Top Picks for Comfort and Ergonomics](https://animatorartistlife.com/equipment/best-ergonomic-drafting-chair-for-artists-animators/): Sitting for long hours is common for artists and animators who tend to spend a lot of their time working on detailed projects. A comfortable, supportive studio ergonomic drafting chair can make a big difference in maintaining focus and reducing strain. Studio chairs designed for this purpose aim to provide comfort, flexibility, and support, allowing for smoother workflow and prolonged periods of creativity without discomfort. When considering the purchase of an ergonomic drafting office chair, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. Adjustability is crucial because it allows the chair to cater to different body shapes and… - [Diversifying Income Streams for Animators and Motion Designers: Unlocking New Opportunities](https://animatorartistlife.com/freelancing/diversifying-income-streams-for-animators-motion-designers/): Animators and motion designers face a rapidly changing industry. New tech and shifting audience habits create both risks and chances to grow. To stay afloat and thrive, you need more than one way to make money and Diversifying Revenue Streams is a must for any freelance animator to make extra income. By diversifying your income streams, you can boost your earnings and create a more stable career. This means looking beyond just client work. You can sell digital assets, teach others your skills, or even create your own products. The key is to find what works for you and build… - [Best Drawing Tablets for Animators and Artists in 2025](https://animatorartistlife.com/equipment/best-drawing-tablets-for-animators-artists-2025/): Choosing the right drawing tablet is one of the most exciting steps in an animator or digital artist’s journey, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get caught up in the technical jargon or second-guess what features you really need. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect drawing tablet for your creative needs—whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your current setup. Drawing tablets are more than just tools—they’re the foundation of your creative process. A great tablet can help you… - [Motion Graphics for Social Media: Best Practices and Trends](https://animatorartistlife.com/learning/motion-graphics-for-social-media-best-practices-and-trends/): Hey keyframe enthusiasts! 👋 Ready to make your social media feeds rain visual fire?   Because we’re about to run through the wild world of motion graphics for social media! In case you’ve been living under a rock (or, let’s face it, buried in render queues), motion graphics have become the secret sauce in the social media marketing kitchen. Why, you ask? Well, imagine scrolling through your feed and seeing: Which one would make you stop and say, “Holy shit, I need to see this dog win the takedown? That’s the power of motion graphics. They grab your attention fast! But… - [Intro to BiFrost in Maya - For Complete Beginners](https://animatorartistlife.com/learning/intro-to-bifrost-in-maya-for-complete-beginners/): If you’re curious about the world of visual effects and 3D animation, you’ll want to read this. Today, we’re going to explore BiFrost in Autodesk Maya, a tool that’s revolutionising the way we create and think about visual effects and particle simulations. Whether you’re just starting out in the field or you’re an experienced artist looking to broaden your skill set, this article is tailored to help you understand and master BiFrost. BiFrost isn’t just another feature in Maya; it’s a robust, versatile environment that empowers artists to create stunning, complex simulations with relative ease. From captivating magical auras to… - [Character Animators Guide To Human Anatomy for Artists: Boost Believability](https://animatorartistlife.com/learning/character-animators-guide-to-human-anatomy-for-artists/): Character Animators – let’s dive cranium first into the wonders of human anatomy for animators together! Understanding the human form is like unlocking a secret power to breathe life into your characters. With human anatomy as your trusty sidekick, you’ll be ready to infuse your animations with energy, appeal, and authenticity. Human anatomy provides the foundation for bringing any bipedal character animation to life through motion. The coordinated symphony of bones, muscles, and tendons gives us a reference for the fundamentals of how these beings can walk, run, jump, dance, and everything in between. We’ll explore those complex biological systems… - [How to Land Your Dream Animation Job at Sony PlayStation](https://animatorartistlife.com/interviews/land-your-dream-animation-job-at-sony-playstation/): Imagine working as a character animator on massive, blockbuster video game franchises like God of War. For many aspiring 3D animators, that’s the ultimate dream job. But how do you actually get your foot in the door at elite animation studios like Sony Playstation? In this post, we’ll share insider tips on achieving your dream animation role at a top studio. I recently interviewed my friend and animator Cody, who landed his dream animation job as a cinematic animator at Sony Playstation, working on the famous God of War Ragnarok.” new title We discussed his background, how he got the Sony… - [Revolutionize Your Character Animation using AI-assisted Cascadeur for Maya](https://animatorartistlife.com/software/revolutionize-your-character-animation-using-ai-assisted-cascadeur-for-maya/): In the bustling world of 3D character animation, a new star has emerged – Cascadeur. It’s not just another tool, but a game-changer set to revolutionise how we animate. With its ground breaking blend of physics simulations and AI-assisted technology, Cascadeur for Maya opens up an innovative world of animation possibilities that harmonize artistic vision and human movement. Get ready to delve into my journey with Cascadeur, from an initially curious exploration to a realization of its sheer power, enhancing my creative process to the extent that made it an indispensable part of my toolset. Whether you’re a seasoned animator… - [Over 150+ Character Animation Exercises To Boost Your Skills](https://animatorartistlife.com/resources/over-150-character-animation-exercises-to-boost-your-skills/): Welcome to our mammoth, ever-growing library of Character Animation Exercises. No matter how many books you’ve read or videos you’ve seen, it’s practice that truly helps you become a better animator. Understanding the “12 principles of animation” is key to making your character and creature animations feel real and believable. Our collection of 2D and 3D character animation exercises is ready for you to jump in at any time. What’s more, is together we can keep adding new ones! I’ve sorted these exercises into five easy-to-follow color–coded levels. Simply click on any level to start or use the table of… - [Blending the Virtual and Real Worlds with VR Animation Tech](https://animatorartistlife.com/vr/blending-virtual-and-real-worlds-with-vr-animation-tech/): Explore the enchantment of combining the virtual and actual worlds with VR animation technology! Virtual Reality (VR) develops lifelike worlds that allow users to fluidly engage with digital landscapes through immersive experiences. VR has altered the way we see the world, from its roots in science fiction literature to its present uses in gaming, medical training, and more. The actual power of this revolutionary technology is in the brilliant animators who create interactive 3D environments in a variety of visual styles, bridging the gap between the virtual and the real and opening up a universe of infinite possibilities. Explore the… - [The Art of Color Theory: Guide for Animators, Designers & Artists](https://animatorartistlife.com/learning/the-art-of-color-theory-guide-for-animators-designers-artists/): Hello artists, designers, and animators! Are you weary of feeling constrained by your color choices? Do you wish to produce aesthetically appealing works that capture your audience? Mastering color theory for beginners is the key to unleashing your creative potential and pushing your designs to the next level. In this article, we’ll paint our way into the intriguing field of color theory for designers and animators. We’ll look at the science of color, how various colors may trigger different feelings and moods, and how to employ color combinations to create visually appealing images. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just… - [Animating Your Brand: Have You Used Animation in Marketing Yet?](https://animatorartistlife.com/marketing/animating-your-brand-have-you-used-animation-in-marketing-yet/): If you’re looking to boost your branding strategy, there’s one crucial aspect you can’t overlook: emotional connection. And what better way to create that connection than through animation in marketing, sound, and movement? Brand animation is a form of animated content that brings your brand to life, making it more relatable and conveying your values. Don’t worry if it sounds complicated – we’re here to break it down and show you how animating your brand can take your marketing to the next level. Keep reading to find out more. - [SEO Friendly Animation. Help OR Harm Your Ranking?](https://animatorartistlife.com/online/seo-friendly-animation-help-or-harm-your-ranking/): If you’re looking for animation’s place in the world of SEO friendly animation then you’ve come to the right place! Knowledge of SEO for artists and animators is an awesome pool of expertise to tap into when it comes to implementing and using animation on the web. If you are looking for your own projects, or designing for others, an acknowledgement of SEO considerations can only be to your benefit. Without further ado, let’s dive into some of these benefits and the key considerations when animation and search engine optimisation are explored together. - [What is Lottie Animation? & What is a Lottie File?](https://animatorartistlife.com/online/what-is-lottie-animation/): What The Heck Are Lottie Animations? If you’re a web designer or animator and haven’t experienced Lottie animation files yet then you are missing out! Lottie Files are an incredible animation file format that runs purely off text based code. (That sounds Geeky I know but…) Due to this, the code and file size is incredibly small; Lottie themselves compare it to that of a small puppy compared to the dinosaur-esque size file of existing GIFs and PNG files we animators are used to. Lottie Files are causing a BIG buzz in the animator’s community due to their super-optimised size… - [HOW TO Animate a Bouncing Ball in Maya [or ANY Software]](https://animatorartistlife.com/learning/how-to-animate-a-bouncing-ball/): If you are new to animating especially 3D character animation, you may be wondering where the hell to start.  What do I animate, and how do I animate?  … How do I get started in animation? I’ll be honest, it’s not easy, but with some guidance and understanding of a few core animation principles, you will get it.  It can be fun and rewarding, and it may even lead to a career as a freelance animator and earning some cash doing something you enjoy. You can jump-scroll down to the two video tutorials on how to animate a bouncing ball,… - [Remote VS Onsite working Ultimate Guide for Animators and Artists](https://animatorartistlife.com/freelancing/remote-vs-onsite-working-for-animators-artists/): Remote working from the comfort of your own home can be appealing to many freelance animators and artists, and it is becoming more popular with animation studios.  Even more so after the pandemic, but is it right for you? It’s good to experience both, but it depends deeply on your experience, location, and various situations. Let’s go through some of the remote vs onsite working pros and cons of both and what you could gain. Also, check out “How to win your first freelance animator gig” for a guide on getting that first freelance animator job. - [10 Must-know animation showreel tips to win employment](https://animatorartistlife.com/freelancing/10-must-know-animation-showreel-tips/): So, you now have an animation showreel and itching to get it to studios for freelance animation work. This article will cover must-know animation showreel tips to ensure your demo reel isn’t ignored and wins you that paying job! Also, check out “How to win your first freelance animator job” for a guide on getting that first freelance animator job. - [How To Win Your First Freelance Animation Job](https://animatorartistlife.com/freelancing/how-to-win-your-first-freelance-animation-job/): So, you’ve had some animation training, completed a course, or been to art college and now it’s time to get paid! Whether you are a 2D motion designer, 3D animator, 3D modeller, Character animator, VFX artist or Generalist like me, landing your first paid freelance animators project can be difficult and daunting. Here is a guide that will help you save time and stress and better prepare you for your first freelance animation job and a successful freelancer’s life. - [FREE Ball Animation Rig](https://animatorartistlife.com/freebies/ball-animation-rig/): FREE ball animation rig for Maya When first learning animation and specifically character animation we need to learn the basic principles of timing, weight, squash and stretch etc. One of the best ways is to animate a bouncing ball. So I have created a versatile ball animation rig for using in Autodesk Maya. This ball rig has all the controls you need to make a believable animation including squash and stretch controls that you can move and rotate the pivot. Also, you can choose between a variety of different ball types, from a soccer ball, basketball, beach ball and more.… ## Pages - [Body Mechanics Rigs](https://animatorartistlife.com/body-mechanics-rigs/): Body Mechanics Character Animation Rigs Welcome to the file archive for all supports of work.  If you are in Tier 2 you will only have access to a small range of rigs.  Tier 3 has unlimited access to the whole collection, which will continue to grow! When you click download you will be asked for a password, once entered your download will automatically start.  Your Tier 2 or 3 passwords are given in Patreon and will change every month. TERMS:  These rigs are solely for my supporters and for non-commercial use only. Standard Male ⚠️  For Tier’s 2 & 3current… - [Rewards](https://animatorartistlife.com/rewards/): Member rewards If you a Patreon supporter you can download your growing resource of rewards here.  Find quick access to all the body mechanics rigs, project files from my tutorials and supporter only videos, thank you for being a supporter and fan of all my hard work! TUTORIAL PROJECT FILES Download various project files from my tutorials. BODY MECHANICS RIGS Access the growing range of fast body mechanics rigs for learning animation. CLIENT PROJECT WALKTHOUGHS See behind the scenes videos of the processes on my real client projects - [Sitemap](https://animatorartistlife.com/sitemap/) - [About](https://animatorartistlife.com/about/): Welcome to Animator Artist Life.  I’m David, I’m an animator, 3d artist and 2d motion designer that has worked in the industry for over 12 years.  I’ve worked for a range of clients in different countries and run my own small animation studio in the UK. As a break from client work I started a YouTube channel to offer free tutorials to anyone who is interested in getting into the industry.  I work as a generalist with a specialism in character animation.  As a generalist and studio owner I have to be able to take a project from storyboard to… - [Blog](https://animatorartistlife.com/blog/): Welcome to the blog, a growing resource for freelance animators, artists, motion designers, 3d artists and all creatives.  I’m writing articles on many subjects from the animation industry, tutorials and techniques, showreel advice, and how to get into the industry with advice on freelancing. All All Freebies Freelancing Interviews Learning Marketing Online Resources Software VR Motion Graphics for Social Media: Best Practices and Trends 28 September 2024 Hey keyframe enthusiasts! 👋 Ready to make your social media feeds rain visual fire?   Because we’re about to run through the wild world of motion graphics for social media! In case you’ve been… - [Freebies](https://animatorartistlife.com/freebies/): Freebies for all members As a thank you to everyone who helps build this community I will be giving away some free digital assets for animation and motion design usage, check this page for any free assets. FREE Ball Animation Rig By animatorartistlife | 6 November 2021 FREE ball animation rig for Maya When first learning animation and specifically character animation we need to learn the basic principles of timing, weight, squash and stretch etc. One of the best ways is to animate a bouncing ball. So I have created a versatile ball animation rig for using in Autodesk Maya.… - [Home](https://animatorartistlife.com/): Welcome to Animator Artist Life.  free lessons, resources, advice and a community for freelance animators, 2d & 3D artists, illustrators and creatives.   What’s it all about? After 15 years in the industry as an Animator, 3D Artist, and Motion Designer, I decided to start a YouTube channel-a creative outlet away from client work-to share free tutorials with anyone dreaming of breaking into the animation industry. I specialize in character animation but work as a generalist, which means taking projects from storyboard to final delivery. As a studio owner, I’ve honed a wide range of skills, including graphic design, 2D… [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)