What is Clean up Animation?
Introduction
Have you ever wondered how rough animation sketches transform into those smooth, vibrant frames that take your breath away? That’s the work of clean-up artists! In this article, we’ll dive into the process of clean-up animation, explore how this profession brings characters to life, and share insights from a true master of the craft – Christian Maymó.
Christian is a 2D clean-up artist whose career began with working on the film Klaus in 2017 at SPA Studios. Since then, he has continued to grow, contributing to major international projects like Space Jam: A New Legacy, Disney’s Disenchanted, Animaniacs, Looney Tunes Cartoons, Coyote vs Acme, and many more.
Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
- Who are clean-up artists?
- Why is clean-up animation so important?
- What do you need to be a clean-up artist?
- How to become a clean-up animation master?
- Secrets from the pros
- Resources for learning and growth
- Video masterclass with Christian Maymó
- How do you start your career in clean-up animation?
Transform how you think about Animation Clean-up with Christian Maymo’s HANDS-ON workshop starting this February 2025
Who are Clean-up artists, and what do they do?
Imagine this: in front of you is a rough animation where the characters are barely outlined with light lines. A clean-up artist takes this foundation and transforms it into the final frames that make their way into the film or series. Every line has to be perfect yet alive, capturing the movement and emotions of the character.
Christian Maymó began his career as an intern on the Klaus project. He quickly found his place, became the lead clean-up artist, and later transitioned to training new artists. His approach and experience in clean-up animation have been an inspiration for many aspiring professionals.
Why is Clean-up animation more than just neat lines?
Clean-up animation is the final step before the scenes are finalized. This is where the fate of how the characters will be perceived by the audience is decided. Every frame requires attention to timing, proportions, and smoothness. It’s not just about drawing pretty lines; it’s an art form where everything matters – from the character’s movement to the tiniest details that bring the frames to life.
Christian says the work of a clean-up artist is like meditation with a million little decisions. Sounds intimidating? But it’s incredibly rewarding when you see the final result on the big screen!
What do you need to be a Clean-up artist?
To do this job, you need several important tools. With a good graphic tablet and powerful software like Toon Boom, Clip Studio Paint, or TVPaint, you can do the job. These tools help you accurately draw every line and use features like «flipping» to check symmetry and movement.
As for skills, attention to detail is key. Being a clean-up artist means being ready to consider everything at any moment – from proportions to how the character should move. It’s essential to feel the rhythm of the animation so that the frames don’t look flat or mechanical.
How to become a Clean-up animation master?
To master this craft, it’s essential to practice every day. Start by tracing model sheets, then try drawing on your own while keeping proportions and character dynamics in mind. This will help build your confidence and improve your line-work skills.
It’s also helpful to copy scenes from animated films. This is like learning from other people’s mistakes but with benefits: you’ll understand better how animation is built and how timing and movement work. And, of course, don’t forget the tricky moments. Working with hands, faces, or expressions – this is where true professionals hone their skills.
Secrets from the pros
Clean-up artists are often asked: how do you preserve the liveliness of rough animation when you’re working on clean lines? The answer is simple – always keep references in mind and remember that you’re not just cleaning up a frame but continuing the animator’s work. It’s crucial to maintain the original ideas that were put into the rough animation.
Another common question is how long it takes to work on a single frame. It all depends on the complexity of the scene. Sometimes, it can be done in a day, and other times, it takes weeks—it all depends on the level of detail. The key is to find a balance between quality and deadlines so that neither is sacrificed for the other.
Where to learn?
If you want to hone your skills, you can start with courses like those offered by Animation Club School, which are perfect for beginners and professionals. Also, don’t forget about books like Animator’s Survival Kit by Richard Williams – it’s an absolute must-have for any animator. And, of course, mastering programs like Clip Studio Paint and TVPaint will be invaluable tools on your path to perfection.
Video masterclass with Christian Maymó
To learn more about clean-up animation from Christian Maymó himself, check out his video masterclass. In it, he shares his experience working on major projects and reveals the nuances of the profession.
Watch the masterclass with Christian Maymó on YouTube:
Conclusion: animation in your hands
Clean-up animation is an art that requires skill and patience. It’s a journey where technical knowledge is as important as the sincere desire to create something unique. Pick up your tablet, seek inspiration, and keep developing. Every line can bring an entire world to life!
If you want to become a true master of clean-up animation and improve your skills, don’t miss our upcoming course, Traditional 2D Animation. Clean Up Workshop! This is a unique opportunity to learn all the nuances of being a clean-up artist and speed up your animation learning process.
The course starts in February 2025, but you must submit your portfolio for evaluation in advance. Time is running out, so don’t miss your chance to become part of this fantastic world of animation!
