101 Days of Animation is now on Substack as
ANIMATION FIELD NOTES
ADVICE FROM 35 YEARS OF DIRECTING, SUPERVISING, & NURTURING ANIMATORS
IMAGINE HAVING AN ANIMATION DIRECTOR MENTOR & MOTIVATE YOU TWICE A WEEK FOR A FULL YEAR
Sandro Cleuzo
Character Animator
Klaus, Mary Poppins Returns, The Princess and the Frog, Enchanted, The Emperor's New Groove, Fantasia 2000
"This is just a fantastic idea!
I wish I had something like this when I started, advice on how to approach a piece of animation and useful tips on how to make it better, especially coming from an artist that truly understands the art form!"
I WANT YOU TO EXPERIENCE TRANSFORMATIVE MOMENTS IN YOUR GROWTH AS AN ANIMATOR
Hi, my name is Todd Shaffer.
I spent years teaching myself how to animate. I worked hard, but my growth was slow.
An old animator told me my art skills weren't good enough to survive the animation industry.
That was almost 35 years ago.
Not only did I become an animator, I directed over 100 animated projects, including the 2D animation for Disney's Disenchanted, Warner Bros. The Day The Earth Blew Up, and 4 of my own animated features. I supervised animation for Space Jam 2, The Bob's Burgers Movie, Animaniacs, Green Eggs and Ham, and many Looney Tunes shorts for HBO Max.
What skyrocketed my growth was having good mentors.
Their guidance gave me transformative moments that set me on course for next level animation.
I want you to have those same experiences.
That's why I created Animation Field Notes.
BEGINNERS & PROFESSIONALS BENEFIT FROM THIS SERIES
JUST A FEW OF THE THINGS YOU'LL LEARN
THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT POSES IN YOUR SCENE
HOW TO MAKE YOUR DIALOG KILLER
WHY YOUR FIRST ACTING INSTINCT IS KILLING YOUR WORK
OVERCOME YOUR CREATIVE BLOCKS
DON'T MAKE THE MISTAKES ALMOST EVERYONE MAKES
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PASSING POSE
LEVEL UP BY AVOIDING FORMAL ORDERED DEFAULT
THE POWER OF THE HERO TRIANGLE
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST OUT OF BAD IDEAS
THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT REELS
THE INFERNAL PROBLEM WITH TAKES
...and much, much more
WHAT ANIMATORS ARE SAYING
"a must-read for anyone in the field"
If you want an unfiltered, honest perspective on what it takes to navigate this industry, pay close attention...Highly recommended
James Vanderkeyl
Character Animator & instructor
The Iron GIant, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Bob's Burgers the Movie, iAnimate, VDK Animation
Marc Valls Pla
Character Animator
Klaus, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Disenchanted, Green Eggs & Ham
"It really feels like having a virtual mentor..."
...who advises and guides you each day so you don’t lose your way....looking forward to that moment of the day when you receive the email, opening it like a gift, not knowing what’s inside, just knowing it’s something good and helpful."
"I am loving it.
A brilliant idea. Daily bites of knowledge that are amusing, inspiring, and full of useful tips."
Adrian Hurtado
Character Animator
The Day the Earth Blew Up, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Carman Sandiego, Night at the Museum
Chris Wieme
Character Animator
The Day the Earth Blew Up, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Disenchanted, Green Eggs & Ham
"Thank you for doing this.
It really helps keep me motivated"
"I have had the pleasure of working with Todd on many projects.... he always has a clear vision for the needs of a scene while leaving room for animators to innovate. His understanding of the animation art form is extensive and seeing this knowledge gathered in 101 Days of Animation is
very insightful and a joy to read!"
Pierre Vanderweerd
Character Animator
The Day the Earth Blew Up, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Disenchanted, Green Eggs & Ham
TWICE WEEKLY TRANSFORMATIONAL GUIDANCE FOR BEGINNERS & PROS
This isn't about bouncing balls or the 12 Principles of Animation
It goes far beyond these things
Whether you're a newcomer starting from the ground up or a seasoned professional seeking to sharpen your skills, Animation Field Notes is crafted to inspire growth at any stage.
LEVEL UP YOUR ANIMATION GAME.
YOUR CAREER IS WORTH IT!