How should i build up my characters? - help!

[torritorri]

I wanna create animations that are more similar to South park than Family guy and Simpsons. And what i mean by that is that instead of using walking cycles, i'm just gonna make them "jump". I have watched A LOT of tutorials on how to create characters. But now, i'm confused!

When i create the character, should i make the character naked, and then add clothes on top in other layers, incase i wanna make the character, for example, take his/her sweater off?

Should i create the upper arm and lower arm in separate layers, or have them in the same layer?

Should i use smart bones or switch layers for eyelids and pupils?

Where should i start? - with the head, body?

I want my character setup to be good, but not too advanced. Can anyone give me some tips on a good but fairly easy character setup? - or atleast, maybe, answer some of my questions above, pleeease?

[slowtiger]

Where should i start?

On paper. Draw your character first, doesn't have to be clean, a sketch is enough. Draw front and sides and standing and walking and sitting. Draw several characters on one sheet to see how they fit.

It's not worth to start any rigging before you haven't worked out your character in your imagination.

[chucky]

paper

Such fond memories of paper...
Papyrus or chiselled in stone are more reliable have stood the test of time far better.

[slowtiger]

Ts. Have a look at Jessica's website http://bothecreature.wordpress.com/ . Now that's somebody who does her homework.

It's not about the paper. It's about changing media and tools to not get stuck in a corner, to really explore the possibilities of a design. It's about concentrating on the idea and not get lost in the technical details of your toolbox. So a fast sketch on paper (a napkin, the table, the wall, your skin) can solve a problem much faster than hours spent within the program.

[chucky]

Sorry ST I wasn't having a go , just a little fun.

Torrirtorri, slowtiger's suggestions are always well worth listening to, he has a wealth of knowledge and wisdom .


And he isn't old fashioned at all ,
there I go again, spoiling that nice thing I said,
"shut up Chuck you moron."
"But he's got a bowler hat"
"Zipppit!"

"Ignore Chuck, he's an idiot... "
"Who said that?: "

[slowtiger]

No need to apologize, I know you good enough ... *g*

[jessica951]

Ts. Have a look at Jessica's website http://bothecreature.wordpress.com/ . Now that's somebody who does her homework.

It's not about the paper. It's about changing media and tools to not get stuck in a corner, to really explore the possibilities of a design. It's about concentrating on the idea and not get lost in the technical details of your toolbox. So a fast sketch on paper (a napkin, the table, the wall, your skin) can solve a problem much faster than hours spent within the program.

Thank you for mentioning my website
I do usually start with sketches on paper before I use Anime Studio or any other program.
Before you start using the program torritorri, I recommend that you draw chracter thumbnails on a big piece of paper. Then chose ones you like best, and work to improve those. The thumbnails should be very quick, much like gesture drawings. And remember to plan! What kind of characters are you creating? What is their attitude? Ambition? Past? It all matters when you create a character.