What do you do if your animation plugins are limiting your creativity?

One way to avoid getting stuck with the same plugins is to try out different ones. There are many animation plugins available for various software and platforms, each with its own features and advantages. You might discover new possibilities and techniques by exploring different plugins and seeing how they work. You can also mix and match different plugins to create unique combinations and effects. Don't be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes.

The way to experiment with different animation plugins: 1. Focus. What kind of animation do you want to make? Simple characters, 3D effects, text animation, etc.? This narrows down your choices. 2.Ask Around. Talk to other animators or check online forums for what they recommend for your chosen animation style. 3. Search. Look up "[your animation software] + [your desired effect] + plugins". Example: "After Effects text animation plugins". 4. Try it Out. See if the plugins you find have free trials or demos. Test them with a small project. 5. Like it? Keep it! If a plugin clicks with you and helps make your work better, go for it!

Experimentation with plugins should be your default behaviour since they were made to provide additional features. The machine, the software thus the plugins themself are all manmade so why limit yourself and your usage just to the predefined parameters? After all, plugins were your 1st step outside the given ones, right? Sometimes it's not even necessary to reach for another plugin but just change how you apply the one(s) you already have.

Another way to overcome the limitations of your plugins is to customize them to suit your needs and preferences. Many plugins allow you to adjust their settings and parameters, giving you more control and flexibility over your animation. You can tweak the speed, intensity, timing, color, shape, and other aspects of your plugins to create different outcomes and styles. You can also create your own presets and save them for future use. Customizing your plugins can help you express your vision and personality more effectively.

the way to customize your animation plugins: Find your controls: Look for settings, options, or a configuration menu within your plugin. Things to change: Adjust things like: Speed (how fast it goes) Size and shape Colors How strong the effect is Play around! The best way to learn is to try things out. Make a simple animation and see what happens when you change the settings. Save what you like: If you find a cool look by changing settings, save it! That way, you can use the effect again later.

This should be a logical next step, once you perceive the plugins as modules or modulators. Most of them were made for a predefined purpose/s and presumed or assumed factors but that should not stop you from further testing and exploring how they work in different situations/conditions. If there are no available options to customize, changing the input or output from the plugin could produce something new to develop further. Some plugins could produce an excellent base for a completely different result (from the intended one) when combined with another plugin.

A third way to deal with the restrictions of your plugins is to use them as a starting point, not as an end result. Plugins can help you create basic animations quickly and easily, but they don't have to be the final product. You can use plugins to generate ideas, sketches, or rough drafts, and then refine them further with your own skills and creativity. You can add, modify, or delete elements, apply filters, effects, or transitions, or use other tools and techniques to enhance your animation. Using plugins as a starting point can help you save time and energy, but also challenge you to improve your animation.

Ways to get more out of your animation plugins: Try new stuff: Experiment with different plugins! There are tons out there, each with its own style. Customize: Change your plugin's settings. This lets you adjust the look and feel of the animation. Use as a base: Start with a simple plugin animation, then add your own creative touches and effects for a unique result.

I'd go this way only if I'm that familiar with plugins and certain of the outcome - I'd still use this as a provisional approach. There is an estimation for a common ratio between Preparation and Production, in animation, and it goes 70/30. Once I thought it was too much but you can check it up for yourself. Plugins would certainly shape your workflow but that's just a portion of the whole process, of planning it properly. However, plugins are excellent guides for setting the limitations or boundaries for your workflow. This way, along the path, you'd already know if something can or can't be done within the given structure, shaped by plugins.

A fourth way to cope with the challenges of your plugins is to learn the principles of animation. These are the fundamental concepts and rules that govern how animation works and how it creates the illusion of movement, life, and emotion. By understanding the principles of animation, you can improve your skills and knowledge, and apply them to any plugin or tool you use. You can also use the principles of animation to critique and evaluate your own work, and identify areas for improvement. Learning the principles of animation can help you become a better animator, regardless of your plugins.

way to overcome plugin limitations: The Basics Plugins are tools: They help, but good animation is about your skill. Learn how animation works: Things like timing, how objects move, and making characters feel alive are key. Use plugins as a starting point: Then add your own creativity on top! How to Get Started: Look for tutorials: Search for "[animation principle]" + "tutorial" online (Example: "animation timing tutorial") Practice with simple shapes: Don't worry about plugins yet, just learn how to make a ball bounce in a way that looks natural.

Now that you have your machine customized and fine-tuned - now it's time for a test ride. The principles of animation would introduce challenges for your settings and if you pass - you're ready for a race. If not, back to the garage and further fine-tune. Mind you that there is a pole position in every race but there were some excellent races where the lower starting positioned racers won. Whroom, whroom...whroooom

It's Advanced...But Possible! This takes effort: Making plugins means learning some coding skills. It's not for beginners, but there are ways to start. Look online: Search for things like "build animation plugins [name of your animation software]." This will point you to tutorials. Start small: Don't aim to make a huge complex plugin at first! Try making one that changes colors or adds a simple effect. Why it's worth considering: Ultimate control: Make your animations work exactly how YOU want.

A fifth and final way to overcome the limitations of your plugins is to create your own plugins. This might sound daunting, but it is not impossible. There are many resources and tutorials online that can teach you how to create your own animation plugins, using various languages and platforms. You can also use existing plugins as a reference or inspiration, and modify them to create your own versions. By creating your own plugins, you can have full control and freedom over your animation, and also share your work with other animators.

Some of the racers are not just excellent drivers but quite good mechanics as well. Dip down into the grease and cogs to find out how much it takes to set things the way you prefer. It really does not have to be that difficult - just be sure you know what you're aiming for.