Creature

While 3D animations have the advantage that they include scenes that are far more bound to reality, 2D is considerably simpler and hence, is quicker and more cost effective to produce. In the eventuality that you are involved in a project that entails following a tight budget, then 2D is your best option.

Creature is an application that enables you to create stunning 2D animations with fully fluid motions and that can be seamlessly integrated into your digital content.

Following a quick setup, you are welcomed by a user-friendly interface that is well-structured and easy to navigate, so it is unlikely that you can encounter real issues getting started. The application includes three main modes that are representative of the type of functions they are performing, namely Mesh, Rig and Animate.

You should know that in the meshing mode you can import images you have been working within other projects. While these images can serve as body parts for your character, unfortunately, the app only supports the PNG file format.

Before you can animate your character, you can tweak the pictures used in meshing, as it sculpt, grow, subdivision, cut or resize, for instance. Once you obtain well-defined meshes, you are ready to switch to the Rigging mode and connect them to the bones to create the sketch of your character. Moreover, you can apply auto weighting effects to bones and paint them with the preferred colors.

As you probably hinted, the Animation mode is where you bring your character to life by installing bones, deformations and other motors, depending on the motions that you want it to perform. Once you are happy with the results, you can export the animation into various file formats that are suitable for graphic programs and other game engines.

Irrespective of whether you are getting started with game development, web designing or digital art and you need to include animations into your project quick and without breaking the banks, then perhaps Creature might be worth a try.