Minor Update, Software, and Q&A!

What's this post for?

After a particularly reasonable idea given by my boy Jeremy .L, I realized I never went over what sorts of resources I'm using to animate. The purpose of this post is to note this information down for anybody who would want to try animating on their own, as well as give a general idea of where I'm going to be going next in my media-ventures and answer maybe a few questions anybody has for me. If you want to get a question answered, just post a comment down below and I'll get back to you with an answer.

Equipment

Considering that I am not a part of a major animation studio, but more of a basement dweller trying to learn a hobby, the only item that I had to buy was a Wacom tablet in order to draw better. The main program that I am using, Macromedia Flash 8 Professional (Shortened to Macromedia from this point on), had its plugged pulled by Adobe as they improved on their program. Because Macromedia is no longer being supported, you can easily find a free download online, though make sure to avoid malicious sites.

In order to export flash files into Mp4's, I use a program called Swivel created by my good friends at Newgrounds meant specifically to simplify the process. It's just a Mp4 converter which gets the job done quick and easy. Download it here. (Note that it might be blocked by school filters)

• Macromedia Flash 8 Professional
• A Computer*
• Wacom Intuos S**
• Swivel

*Ideally one that can run Crysis on maximum settings

**Note that getting a more expensive drawing tablet is NOT a good idea. Most of the time, the extra features will be useless, as many bundled programs are meant for professional work and are meant for niche areas of animation.

What's Next?

At the time of posting this, the next principle of animation I have go over is staging. Though I might animate a separate clip illustrating the principles I learn, I acknowledge that I also really need to learn how to blend them together and create a coherent film to show my improvement. To do this, I will probably need to spend a lot of time animating outside of just the clips in my posts, but my main problem now is that I need an idea for something to make.

I've thought of a lot of generic plots for a miniature film, but none of them seem very good. I've gone around in my head searching every drawer I can find, but I keep coming up with trash like "'The Matrix, but with stickfigures" or, "Lord of the Rings, but with stickfigures".

I think I have a problem with not being able to draw anything other than stickfigures.

But regardless, any idea would help right now. Even though I shouldn't be asking other people for help since this is MY project, I've come up with nothing. Even the smallest plot could inspire me to animate something, but now the question is what will that plot be? Please post below if you have any ideas, even the most generic or weird ones, since I don't want to look lonely and depressing if this doesn't end up getting any comments.