Are you preparing to launch your career as a computer animation expert? Have you decided to start your own business from home and give yourself total control over your career destiny? The good news is that thanks to technology, computer animation can easily be done from your home office provided you have the right gear and tools. So let’s examine what some of the must-have tech tools are for an at-home computer animation specialist.
The Desktop Computer Is the Most Important Tool
Before you even start thinking about accessories and software, you first need to purchase the ideal desktop. As a computer animator, your needs will be very different from that of an average desktop user. Because you’ll be relying on your computer for everything, it’s well worth investing in a high-quality model that can meet your immediate and future needs. You don’t want to have to replace it a year from now because you didn’t get something powerful enough.
Lenovo desktops for animation can be a solid option since you have so many different tower and monitor sizes to choose from. A desktop computer gives you the ability to mix and match, customizing the final package. Look for something with excellent processing capability and high speeds so that there is no lagging.
What Animation Software Will You Pick?
It’s not so much a question of whether or not to purchase animation software, as that is a necessity; rather, it is choosing which software to use. If you were just dabbling in animation as a hobby you could probably get by with one of the free options that don’t have as many bells and whistles, but because this is your career and business, it’s worth investing in the best of the best. That doesn’t mean it’s the most expensive, it just means it offers the right features and tools.
Some of the more popular animation software options include:
- CelAction2D
- Cartoon Animator 4
- Autodesk Maya
- Clip Studio Paint
- Adobe Animate
- Adobe Character Animator
Animate On-the-Go with a Graphics Tablet and Stylus Pen
As a computer animator, you understand how important creativity is. It is necessary to generate unique and spectacular ideas and concepts that will help your business to succeed. The problem with creativity is that it’s not something you can usually turn on and off, meaning it can hit any time.
You may find it beneficial to invest in a graphics tablet and stylus pen so that you can sketch out ideas whenever they hit. For many animators, this is part of the process and their drawing tablet is just as vital as their desktop computer. Just make sure it is compatible with your desktop and software. Depending on the model you get, you’ll be able to see all your drawings appear on your desktop in real-time.
The stylus pen is a must with these graphic tablets and feels just like a traditional pen in your hand.
Setting Your Business Up for Early Success
Each of these tech tools will be a necessity as you set your at-home computer animation business up for success.