Boneless?

[LeeHasPencil]

Anyone not a fan of the bones tool?

I liked it at first, it's what initially attracted me to the software. But after trying to use just switches, I find the end result a lot more pleasing on the eye.

The bone effect has it's place, and I've seen some great uses of it. But personally, I'm not wanting to use the "cut-out" style. I think even when done well, it still produces some unnatural movements.

Anyway, just a thought for discussion...

[Víctor Paredes]

I think it's not a competition between one tool or another. Personally, I love using bones, points, textures, etc. With they all working together you get wonderful fluid results.
There is the idea (and I have read several comments about here on forum) that AS is a fantastic tool designed for cut-out. I don't agree. I mean, AS is a great tool when you are doing cut-out style, but the software has several tools which let you control almost any type of animation. Actually, a good work requires more dedication, as normal.

Don't hope bones do all the work and don't try to do all the work by hand. Tools are for making things easier, you just must be wise to define when use which.

[PARKER]

Combine bones with point motions and you will get more natural movements.
I use point motions and frame by frame animation.

[LeeHasPencil]

Well, I've got a lot to learn.

But most examples I've seen from the bones tool are from users who haven't progressed from the basic use of it.

I'll probably come back to it soon, but at the moment I'm enjoying my way.

[PARKER]

Well, I've got a lot to learn.

But most examples I've seen from the bones tool are from users who haven't progressed from the basic use of it.

I'll probably come back to it soon, but at the moment I'm enjoying my way.

Bones are a great tool, but the quality of the results depends on the animator.
Try frame by frame, its hard but give you great results.

[AmigaMan]

I agree with Selgin. Don't just rig your character and animate it with the bones and think it's finished. You're only half way there.

For example, in my experience, the easiest way to create a walk cycle is with bones. Animate the basic movement then do point animation to animate the body movement such as the chest and hips rotating, the belly bouncing (you can even use a springy bone for that and get great results) and maybe even the feet rotating a bit. The end result will be undistinguishable from traditional animation if done well.