Doug the DJ

[3deeguy]

I just posted what I hope will be a likeable character. I like the result so far but it only makes sense to build a better rig if other people like the character. This character cannot do head turns but I will work on it if the response from viewers is positive.

http://youtu.be/HRlN2TDwLSg

[Gav]

Hey dude,

Like the concept. Personally I would like a bit more stylized character, design seems a little flat. But from the short clip I did quite like it, might be worth treating your audio a little there was a little noise on the recording.

[3deeguy]

Thanks Gav. Good ear. I made the audio using an mp3 recorder in my bathroom. I will remove noise from now on. I agree it looks flat. The character needs more 'life' in my view. I have to study other animators to get some ideas. I will be trying to add head nods for "yes" and "no".

[3deeguy]

I just finished the Lead-in clip that I will use for each episode. I've posted it as "unlisted" at this point because I'm still working on the first episode.
http://youtu.be/FcUjHcCpDak

[jezjones29]

I think he's really good. I do think he needs a little more animation in his eyes (blinking) and eyebrows though.

[3deeguy]

jezjones29, I've studied your work since I started. I'll make the changes. Thanks for the feedback.
(People who know me personally, non-animators, have made suggestions like "You could have people and cars moving looking through the window." I have to tell them "No, I'm not going to do that")

[neeters_guy]

This is a good looking characters. The design is clean, well drawn and the rig seems to articulate well (like how the shoulders move).

Even though this is a realistic character, I think you could exaggerate the movements even more, especially with the catchy beat. You could add anticipation, eg. have him lean a bit further to the right just before before he moves from right to left.

Anyway, it's coming together nicely.

[3deeguy]

neeters_guy, You catch the details. It needs fine tuning. It was an eye opener when you pointed out that I didn't scale a car properly in one of my early animations. It made me realize that I couldn't assume people wouldn't notice details.
The character's sweater has five layers; torso(1), stripes(2) and arms(3). The chest layer(4) and the second set of
stripes(5) are in a masking group. I drew the second set of stripes up to the height of the character's ear to allow for movement in his left shoulder.
The detail is that if I moved his right shoulder any more than I did I would have to change the shape of the right chest muscle. I'll correct it.
I like Stan Lee's drawing style. I like Mikedog's animation style so I want to add 'squash and stretch' to an audio speaker when I play music clips in the episodes. I think the contrast should be interesting.

[3deeguy]

I posted a video that will serve as an introduction to my character. It is unlisted so it can be reviewed by different eyes first. The last part where he looks to his left will be cut out since it serves no purpose. I put a 'squash and stretch' speaker in to add some interest to the look of the character. I'm hoping somebody will tell me something that will help me get better. (How do you embed a video?)
http://youtu.be/dVxfi7KdgiI

[kphgraphics]

Looking good, keep up the good work.