The EMotion FX Character Animation System recently released v3.6. EMotion FX is a cross platform animation SDK for game developers that has been designed for next-gen hardware. For context, Mystic Game Development is behind the system, with clients including big name companies like Ubisoft, Electronic Arts’ Mythic Entertainment, and Sony Online Entertainment.

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Know Your Tools

After you’ve decided your primary art career focus (see Career Paths from last week)—or at least your initial focus—it’s time to start learning the software. 3-D and 2-D art packages have zilch to do with normal office software like word processors or spreadsheets programs. Although learning on the job is a possibility for some aspiring artists, it may not be a practical training solution for many. And you can’t fake your way through this stuff. As a staff artist candidate, you must know the tools of the trade to be successful.

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Hello all animators with a piece of art or animated short sitting around gathering dust! Don’t just let it hang out by itself because it’s student work or you can’t figure out how to get it streamed smoothly on YouTube with the audio working. Admit it, it’s okay, it happens to other people too.

The Center for Graphics Research at Western Connecticut State University is seeking submissions for their Animation Theater, Student Computer Animation Competition, and Art Exhibit to take place during AniFest08. That gives you three different possible avenues to get a shiny award. Animations can’t be longer than five minutes (other than compilations) and artwork should be pre-mounted and ready for display at the event.

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