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Animator Insights

With 17 years in top studios like ILM, DreamWorks, Illumination, and Blue Sky, I’ll share insights on character animation, creative techniques, and industry tips. Whether you’re new or experienced, each issue will boost your skills and understanding of what brings characters to life. Sign up to start your journey!

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What Big Hero 6 Can Teach You About Character Performance 🎭

🎉 Happy New Year! I hope 2025 is off to an amazing start for you. With fresh beginnings comes fresh inspiration, and I’ve got a special newsletter for you today to kick off the year with some animation magic. Have you ever watched a scene and thought, “Only that character would do it that way”? That’s the magic of specificity in animation acting—and it’s what separates good characters from unforgettable ones. This week, I’m diving into a standout animation test from Big Hero 6, where the...

What Should We Cover Next? Let’s Decide Together!Hey Animators! This newsletter has been a joy to create—and I hope it’s been just as helpful for you! To make Animator Insights even better, I want your input. 🎯 What animation topics light you up? What challenges are you facing? I’ve put together a quick poll with ideas to choose from. Your vote will help shape the direction of future issues! Cast Your Vote Here: 👇 https://forms.gle/mJVx5NhKDfGmzcN88 Thanks for helping shape Animator...

Hey Animators! Ever felt stuck trying to bring a character to life? What if I told you there's a secret weapon that top animators use to spark creativity and unlock storytelling magic? 🔮 🌟 Introducing: TV Tropes – Your Creative Breakthrough Tool Let's be real – sometimes inspiration is hard to come by. We've all been there – staring at a shot, knowing something feels familiar but can't quite put our finger on it. That's where TV Tropes becomes your new best friend. It's not just a website;...

Hey Animators! 👋 Welcome to this week’s edition of Animator Insights! Remember our insight into Ross Geller’s comedy last week? Well, I’ve got something even better – a deep dive video breakdown that brings those principles to life! 🎥 New Video Breakdown Alert! I’ve put together a detailed video analysis that goes beyond just talking about animation – it’s a visual journey into Ross’s comedic genius. Think of it as your backstage pass to understanding how brilliant comedy is crafted, frame by...

Hey Animators, Welcome to this edition of Animator Insights! Today, I’m diving into one of TV’s most iconic comedic characters—Ross Geller from Friends, played by David Schwimmer. If you want to create believable and engaging characters, Ross’s memorable moments are a goldmine of inspiration! Let’s break down a classic scene where Ross tackles multiple obstacles, revealing how characters can remain both genuine and comedic under pressure. Click below to watch! 👇 1. Motivated Actions: What...

Hi there! It looks like there was an issue with the link for the free check list I originally shared in my last email, and I wanted to make sure you can access it!. I've updated the link and you can now find the document here: Free Checklist Sorry for the confusion, and thank you for your understanding! Best regards,Justin

*Sorry everyone! Made a mistake on my first time sending the newsletter out* Hey there, fellow animator! Ever filmed yourself acting out a scene and thought “This feels… off”? Trust me, I’ve been there. If you’ve seen my work on social media, you can tell I’m a big fan of reference. Justin Weg @JustinWeg Here is another reference comparison from Trolls: Band Together. Such fun characters to animate! #Trolls #animation @DW_Animators 9:30 AM • Dec 20, 2023 1709 Retweets 12188 Likes Read 41...