Shading.

[Honacloi]

Now I know that there is a shading option that can be applied for each layer, however the results - while good - do not allow for the level of intricate control I am looking for.

Thus I am calling for any and all ideas/methods and techniques that anybody can suggest.

Here is my idea - so far untested: Once the animation is complete in full, duplicate every layer.

Change each duplicate layer black (or whatever colour) and offset the dupe layers by a certain amount depending what angle the imagined light source is beaming from.

Reduce the opacity (obviously so the original layer can be seen through it) by a certain amount depending on how harsh or soft the imagined light source is.

Then cut holes in the layers the shape of which can be animated - for example a hole spreading from the eye socket area as the head turns exposing more of the face to the light.

Finally - and this is the most doubtful part - mask out the overlap on the opposite side of the light source so the duplicate (shadow layer) does not appear beyond the limits of the original layer.

This is only a theory for a technique which I thought I would post here before trying since you guys may be able to point out any pitfalls or advise me if I am needlessly complicating things.

Let me know what you think. Is there a better method? Will this method even work? Oh and can two skeletons be added to one group layer so that masking options can be applied?

Thanks.

[lwaxana]

Here is a method that I've tried on background objects, but I haven't tried animating it yet:

http://www.kelleytown.com/forum/animato ... PIC_ID=316

It's nice because you can choose a shading color to match each main color. But the shading covers your lines, so you'd need to duplicate your line art. And with lots of intricate moving shadows it could be quite tedious. :D