Q&A for How to Make an Anime

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  • Question
    How do I write a script?
    Lucy V. Hay
    Lucy V. Hay
    Professional Writer
    Lucy V. Hay is a Professional Writer based in London, England. With over 20 years of industry experience, Lucy is an author, script editor, and award-winning blogger who helps other writers through writing workshops, courses, and her blog Bang2Write. Lucy is the producer of two British thrillers, and Bang2Write has appeared in the Top 100 round-ups for Writer’s Digest & The Write Life and is a UK Blog Awards Finalist and Feedspot’s #1 Screenwriting blog in the UK. She received a B.A. in Scriptwriting for Film & Television from Bournemouth University.
    Lucy V. Hay
    Professional Writer
    Expert Answer
    To learn this craft, you will need to read a lot of screenplays. In the age of the internet, it's easier than ever to find screenplays through simple searches. Also, join Facebook groups to swap work with other screenwriters and do peer review so you all get better together.
  • Question
    How do you write a good anime?
    Lucy V. Hay
    Lucy V. Hay
    Professional Writer
    Lucy V. Hay is a Professional Writer based in London, England. With over 20 years of industry experience, Lucy is an author, script editor, and award-winning blogger who helps other writers through writing workshops, courses, and her blog Bang2Write. Lucy is the producer of two British thrillers, and Bang2Write has appeared in the Top 100 round-ups for Writer’s Digest & The Write Life and is a UK Blog Awards Finalist and Feedspot’s #1 Screenwriting blog in the UK. She received a B.A. in Scriptwriting for Film & Television from Bournemouth University.
    Lucy V. Hay
    Professional Writer
    Expert Answer
    Watch movies, anime and TV shows to analyze them. Don't just watch them and decide whether you like them or not. Really think about the craft of writing and how that analysis would actually apply to an anime or a TV show that's produced. Think about things like the concept, the structure and plotting of that story, but don't stop there. You also need to analyze the characters as well — what's their role function and their motivation? You will only develop these techniques by practicing and studying.
  • Question
    I'm too shy to ask for help, I'm afraid they will think it's stupid and not want to be a part of it. How do I get more confidence?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Just ask for help. That's the only way you'll get better. If someone makes fun of you, they're not a good friend. Most likely anyone you ask will just say yes or tell you they're not interested. Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone if you really want something. Just give it a try, I bet you'll be glad you did.
  • Question
    Can I be a solo anime producer?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can go solo for almost any job, but for producing it would be almost impossible.
  • Question
    What programs can be used?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    For drawings, you can use a free digital paint software like FireAlpaca, which has an animation feature. For audio, Audacity paired with Levelator works well. For animation, any free movie maker will work when you start out, but you will want to upgrade later on.
  • Question
    Does anime need to be made in Japan?
    Caeiia
    Caeiia
    Top Answerer
    No - take RWBY as an example. It's considered an American anime, and has actually been translated to Japanese! It's just that anime typically is made in Japan, and that's what you see most of the time.
  • Question
    How many episodes should I make per season?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Typically a season has about 20. But it's better to have a shorter season than to include a lot of pointless filler. It's up to you!
  • Question
    What type of software should be used by someone who is totally new to animation?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you're a total beginner, try Flipaclip (available on Android and iOS). It has all the basic tools for animation and it's great for practicing.
  • Question
    Can I make an anime on my own?
    Life attache
    Life attache
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it will be a tedious process. You could consider getting help from other talented people.
  • Question
    How much does it cost to make an anime?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It depends on how many frames you use and which programs and equipment you have rented or bought.
  • Question
    How do I make an anime as a kid with no money?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should (if you have not already) develop your art skills, and then use an animation app to start practicing until you feel like you are ready to start working on a bigger project.
  • Question
    Can you suggest the best computer specifications for creating an anime?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    This very much depends on the software you will use. The sites for the software will tell you what requirements your computer will need to run them. There is no "one size fits all" type of number for this.
  • Question
    If I live in America, can I send my anime to a Japanese company?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    What you want to do is have a small fan base first and bring up hype. Sadly, it's likely to be ignored unless you establish yourself here first.
  • Question
    How can I do this as a high school student with a very limited budget?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You could get a summer job and earn your own money, while you make your own Anime. You can also try putting up your project on a crowdfunding site. If you have friends who are also talented, maybe you can recruit them to help you out.
  • Question
    How long does it take to make an anime?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It depends, but it could take at least several weeks.
  • Question
    How do I make an anime with little to no budget?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    There are many free audio, drawing, and animating program and apps on the market that can be a good starting point for anyone, but it is most times a good idea to upgrade software eventually. Firealpaca is drawing software that also has an animating feature, so that is a good starting point in that respect. Audacity is a good free audio software.
  • Question
    What is the best free program to create anime with?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I found Flipaclip quite useful. Although it is the only one I’ve tried I highly recommend it. You can download it for Android and IOS.
  • Question
    As a young aspiring animator, I have created sketches, a plot, and a name for my anime, but I lack funds and animation knowledge. Should I continue with my project?
    Emilia
    Emilia
    Community Answer
    Do not give up. You can save money by taking on odd jobs like mowing lawns, babysitting, or raking leaves. In the meantime, you should post your art on social media to share your work and gain exposure.
  • Question
    Where can I post my anime?
    seowon
    seowon
    Community Answer
    You can try contacting studios or streaming platforms like Crunchyroll. If you need voice actors, consider posting on a community site where individuals might be willing to assist for free.
  • Question
    How much money can I earn from making anime movies, and is it possible for a grade 8 student like me to create anime and make money?
    Emilia
    Emilia
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can certainly earn money from making anime, even as a young creator. Collaborating with others on your projects can be very beneficial. For context, in the United States, the average annual salary for a professional anime artist is around $75,733. In contrast, entry-level 'in-between' animators in Japan often earn $8,000 to $15,000 per year.
  • Question
    Where can I find voice actors or animators for my anime project?
    Mahmoud
    Mahmoud
    Community Answer
    You can find voice actors and animators through social media platforms or by using websites designed for hiring talented professionals.
  • Question
    What apps can I use to make anime?
    K-pop_lover123
    Top Answerer
    You might find these apps helpful for making anime: FlipaClip, Clip Studio Paint, Canva (Animeify), AniFlow, Animaker, and VRoid Studio.
  • Question
    How can I find affordable voice actors for my anime project?
    K-pop_lover123
    Top Answerer
    You can find affordable voice actors by utilizing freelance platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, or Voquent, which often allow you to set budget-friendly rates and discover emerging talent. Additionally, consider posting on social media (e.g., X, LinkedIn) or seeking out newcomers who are building their portfolios, as this can significantly reduce costs. For rapid, budget-friendly audio, exploring AI voice generators like Murf AI is another viable option.
  • Question
    I have a story idea but lack the drawing skills to create anime-quality characters, although I can describe them in detail. What options do I have to bring my characters to life visually?
    K-pop_lover123
    Top Answerer
    Since you can describe your characters in detail, you have several excellent options for bringing them to life visually without needing to draw them yourself.
  • Question
    I have completed the script, sketches, and character designs for my anime. What websites or apps should I use to create the animation?
    K-pop_lover123
    Top Answerer
    Since you have completed your script, sketches, and character designs, you are ready for the production phase. The most suitable software will depend on your preferred animation style, such as frame-by-frame (drawing every frame), rigged (puppet-style), or AI-assisted animation.
  • Question
    How can I describe a 2D anime-style action scene, inspired by Spy × Family, featuring Yor Forger (with long black hair) wearing an elegant white long frock/dress with a slit, mid-spin while attacking?
    K-pop_lover123
    Top Answerer
    You could title the scene 'The White Thorn's Waltz'. For the style, consider 2D anime reminiscent of WIT Studio or CloverWorks, with high-contrast lighting and fluid animation. The setting could be a luxurious, dimly lit hotel ballroom at night, featuring shattered chandeliers, rising smoke, and torn red velvet curtains.
  • Question
    I am good at writing stories, but I don't have the tools needed for animating, such as a credit card to subscribe to Adobe Audition.
    K-pop_lover123
    Top Answerer
    You do not need a credit card or a paid Adobe subscription to start animating, especially if your strength is in storytelling. Several professional-grade, free, and open-source tools are available for creating 2D/3D animation, recording voiceovers, and editing videos without subscriptions.
  • Question
    Can you recommend any websites or tools for storyboarding, and is formal study necessary to create effective storyboards for animation?
    K-pop_lover123
    Top Answerer
    Yes, various websites and tools are available for storyboarding, from professional software to simpler options that don't require drawing. While formal study isn't strictly necessary for storyboarding animation, you should learn the fundamentals of visual storytelling, such as camera angles, pacing, and composition, to create effective storyboards.
  • Question
    I want to draw characters for my own anime, but they don't quite look like anime. What are the key characteristics I should focus on to achieve an authentic anime style?
    K-pop_lover123
    Top Answerer
    To make your characters look more authentically anime, focus on the specific proportions and line work that define the style. Anime is a stylized version of reality, often employing a 'less is more' principle for the face while using a 'more is more' approach for hair and eyes.
  • Question
    Can I make an anime TV show even if I can't draw, and if so, how would I go about that?
    K-pop_lover123
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you can absolutely create an anime show even if you can't draw. Many professional creators are writers or directors who partner with artists to bring their vision to life.
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