creating believable animation starts here
Pose by Pose
Autodesk Maya Scripts
Handy scripts for the animator.
Scripts are designed to help you work more efficiently, however make sure you know how to achieve the same result manually. You don't want to be reliant on a script to be able to accomplish your work, when working as a professional you never know what scripts you will or won't have access to.
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Great tool that creates an 3D outline of a pose(s). Handy in helping you see arcs and identifying problems.
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Creates a ghost of the meshes you select to quickly visualize the path of action, silhouette, poses, etc.
Character Rigs
The rigs below are excellent quality. I rigorously tested the majority of them. I was not paid to test these rigs and was not asked to promote them, this is my honest opinion.
Amazing rigs by Josh Sobel. Excellent studio quality rigs, reasonable prices. Paid.
Nice Character rig, very expressive face. Paid.
Have not personally tested this rig yet, but looks good, expressive face. Paid.
Gabriel Salas Rigs
Good quality rigs, the eyes/eyelids set up can be a bit restrictive. Paid.
Arc the Dragon
Great creature rig by Josh Sobel. Can change look of dragon, great facial. Paid.
Have not personally tested this rig yet but setup looks good. Paid.
Lou Rig
Solid rig for character performance. Free.
Large list of links to free and paid rigs. The majority are good, make sure to do your research!
Caroline and Henry are good solid rigs.
Solid rig pack, body rig only. Spine setup can be tricky, Some proportions require the limbs to be stretched. Paid.
Anim Matt, has several well made character rigs for reasonable prices, as well as free model sets. Paid.
Additional Resources
Check out the links below to resources that I find helpful.
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Animation blog by Angie Jones :"where animators can inspire, share, and study."
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Sycnsketch, excellent tool for your workflow designed for sharing, evaluating and receiving animation feedback.
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Animation World Network. All the latest Animation and Visual Effects news, events, and job postings.
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Offers courses in feature, game and creature animation taught by experienced professionals in the industry. Courses and instructors are excellent, great for those new or experience in animation to up their skills.