I actually do sketch them out first generally.
With the Russian Scientist I had some old story boards from several years back that I basically ignored when I did up the latest version of the character I posted elsewhere on this forum. I purposefully didn't want to look at the sketches just to see what might transpire when I re-drew the character in AS. I do like the new version better than my previous sketches in my storyboard.
The superhero was sketched in pencil on paper first. I will upload that when I get my scanner up and running again soon for comparison.
I don't scan and retrace the characters generally...I simply use the sketch for reference when I re-draw the characters in AS...kind of working on the notion that there may be a happy accident or two that may improve the character. I don;t mind a little luck in the creative process in the interests of experimentation.
I must say, I do find the drawing tools in AS a bit of a challenge compared to other programs like Freehand or Illustrator. I find that it is sometimes difficult to maintain a good line that is additionally functional as an animated object. Nothing that can't be overcome with patience - but kind of seems unnecessary in many ways, simply because these types of drawing tools have been around for many years, and should have been a little better in their implementation within the software that is now Anime Studio. There was certainly no lack of precedence with regards to the drawing tools.
I will also upload the storyboards for the Russian Scientist thing as well, just for interests sake.
The Scientist character will actually not be very active as an animated character. So his design is very much appropriate in the sense that he will not be required to do anything too extreme. The hands in particular will be changed, however. He has to hold a clipboard and pen in the final animation. The hands in the sample I presented here were basically placeholders.
The Hero character will be undergoing some additional changes, and will be adjusted according to the storyboards. Keeping in mind these are one-off characters, I am trying to go lean on what I need to have in the design...basically not worrying about what I feel I can do without.
You can expect to see a bit of minimal movement/Hanna Barbara-style animation from me generally. It's what I prefer to do as an animator, largely out of sheer laziness.
I am all about taking shortcuts whenever possible.
Keep the comments coming. I love this community and the overall feeling of dealing with a group of people interested in helping each other grow better at character design and animation.
