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Animation blog
Welcome to the Animation Blog section!
Find information about animation, work, careers, software, interviews, tips and tricks!
Articles are available in both English and French!
Is there a topic you'd like to see or an article you'd like to share? Let me know!


3D Animation Courses: The 5 Mistakes I Correct in 90% of My Students
As a mentor for 8 years, I see 90% of students struggle with the exact same issues. And it's not Maya or Blender's fault! Discover the 5 methodology mistakes that ruin your shots, and how to adopt true studio reflexes.
animstarter
2 days ago3 min read


Picoprod: The Perfect Production Management Software for 3D Animation
Tired of spreadsheets and pricey subscriptions? Discover Picoprod, the free production tracker designed for 3D animators and independent studios.
animstarter
Mar 244 min read


Center of gravity - Keep your character in balance!
Why do some animations feel perfectly natural while others seem to "float" or lack weight? The answer often comes down to three letters: COG (Center of Gravity). Mastering the center of gravity is the key to balance, inertia, and weight transfer. It’s a fundamental that is far too often forgotten, yet it’s exactly what separates an amateur animation from a credible movement that feels truly bound by the laws of physics.
animstarter
Feb 13 min read


3D Animation and VFX Pipeline
Ever wondered how dinosaurs or superheroes come to life on screen? Dive into the magic of the 3D Animation and VFX pipeline. We break down every stage of production, from the initial storyboard to the final render, explaining the differences between full CGI and live-action VFX workflows.
animstarter
Feb 17 min read


7 Best 3D Animation Software in 2026 (Free & Paid)
Looking for the perfect tool to bring your ideas to life? Explore our curated list of the 5 best 3D animation software available today, including free and premium options for every skill level.
animstarter
Jan 319 min read


Import Video Reference in Maya in 1 Click (AS_ImageRef Script)
Stop calculating frame offsets! Discover AS_ImageRef, the ultimate Maya script to import video references and image sequences perfectly synced to your timeline.
animstarter
Jan 252 min read


The 5 Best Animation Books Every Animator Must Own (2026 Guide)
Stop guessing which books to buy. From "The Illusion of Life" to specific acting guides, here are the 5 essential books used by Disney & Pixar pros to master animation.
animstarter
Jan 253 min read


Mastering the Camera: The Exposure Triangle Explained Simply
Photography 101: The Ultimate Exposure Guide for Animators & Beginners (2025)
animstarter
Jan 254 min read


QuickSelect: The Ultimate Maya Script to Manage Selection Sets & Create an Instant Picker
Discover QuickSelect, the essential tool for Autodesk Maya. Create custom Selection Sets, generate an instant Maya Picker, and speed up your animation workflow with this powerful script.
animstarter
Jan 242 min read


Animation Jobs
Are you looking for a job in Animation?
I’ve put together a list of the best platforms to find animation job offers.
animstarter
Jan 242 min read


Top 3: Production tracking software
Whether you're freelancing solo or part of a big team, you will need a production tracking software at some point.
animstarter
Jan 223 min read


Do You Need to Know How to Draw to Be a 3D Animator? (The End of the Myth)
Think you can't be a 3D animator because you can't draw realistic portraits? Think again. Discover why "Gesture Drawing" is the only skill you actually need.
animstarter
Jan 183 min read


3D Animation: Everything You Need to Know
Do you want to become a 3D animator? Or are you just interested in this field?
Let me guide you on this exciting adventure.
animstarter
Jan 113 min read


Get ready for your animation training
You want to join an animation course or school soon, and you wonder how you can take advantage of your free time and get ahead? That's great! This time will be very valuable! Here is a list of things you can start doing before joining an animation school and get ready for your animation training!
animstarter
Jan 43 min read


How to become an animator
How to become an animator? Where to start? Do you need to learn how to draw?
animstarter
Jan 46 min read


Animation Industry Databases: Salaries, Studio Lists & Jobs
Access the essential community spreadsheets for the animation industry. Compare animator salaries, find studio lists, check reviews, and discover job openings worldwide.
animstarter
Dec 14, 20251 min read


The Ultimate Gift Guide for Digital Artists & Animators
Besoin d'idées cadeaux en rapport avec l'animation?
animstarter
Oct 31, 20253 min read


Lead Animator
What does a Lead Animator really do in a 3D production? Discover their tasks, from the big-picture vision to team support, and why this role is crucial for the film’s consistency and quality.
animstarter
Oct 31, 20253 min read


Star Wars 212 : The explosive fanfilm from Hoplite Studio
Hoplite is a new VFX and 3D animation studio making a strong entrance right from its launch with a Star Wars fan film!
animstarter
Feb 27, 20255 min read


Dojo créatif - An alternative training in 3D animation.
For several years now, Jérémy Trilles has been making his mark in 3D animation education. At his own pace, without rushing, he continues...
animstarter
Feb 21, 20256 min read
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