Discover how Reallusion's AccuRIG and iClone tools are transforming cartoon animation for 3D artists. In this article, Catur Indra Sukmana shares his experience with these powerful solutions, streamlining the entire rigging and animation process.
Catur Indra Sukmana
Hello everyone, I am Catur Indra Sukmana, a freelance 3D artist based in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. My journey into 3D modeling began when a relative of mine asked me to design a house they were planning to build. At that time, I was an Ocean Engineer, but this request sparked my interest in 3D design. In 2012, I started teaching myself how to draw houses using YouTube tutorials. Although my initial attempts weren't very satisfactory, I found joy in the process. Since then, I've honed my modeling techniques, progressing from low-poly to high-poly models.
My professional career began when I joined one of the largest online marketplaces for freelancers. At that time, I was still offering services for architectural visual design, and over time, the clients that came to me became more diverse with various orders.
Fast & Accurate Auto-rigging with AccuRIG
For years, I manually rigged characters in Blender. Recently I discovered auto-rigging using AccuRIG from Reallusion. AccuRIG is a free software equipped with user-friendly automation features that allow you to focus on model design while achieving superior rigging in just 5 simple steps. Compatible with low to high density and multiple meshes in any A and T poses, this software also supports direct export to all major 3D platforms.
Auto-rig body and hands with AccuRIG.
We can download the free software from ActorCore. The first step in using AccuRIG is to import a 3D file (.obj / .fbx) into the software. Your model doesn't have to be in an A or T pose, but the results will be more optimal if it is. Then, we define the positions of the joints on our model, starting from the arms, knees, fingers, neck, and so on. The rigging results can be checked immediately and corrected if any movements are not quite right. The next step is to export our rigging results to ActorCore.
Retargeting 3500+ 3D Motions in ActorCore
ActorCore is a web-based online store from Reallusion that contains hundreds of characters with thousands of motions in a wide variety of styles. These motions are neatly organized into categories such as “Daily Life”, “Combat”, “Cartoon & Anime”, and more. ActorCore motions come in two styles: mocap or handkey animations. With just one click, we can make our character move smoothly, as these motions were created by professionals.
Uploading rigged 3D characters from AccuRIG to ActoreCore 3D store.
We can preview these motions directly in the 3D viewer window and create a list of the motions we choose. This time, my character will use handkey motions such as “Long Hug”, “Stand Happy Chat”, “Stand Anxious Talk”, and others. All the motions we have downloaded will be stored in the inventory of our account.
Motion preview with over 3500 animations.
Advanced Motion Editing with iClone
iClone is a 3D animation software used by professionals to create and edit animations quickly and easily. iClone simplifies the process of bringing our characters to life by enabling facial animation, motion capture, scene design, and cinematic storytelling.
The motions we have downloaded from ActorCore will automatically synchronize with iClone. We can combine several motions and edit them to create smooth animations. Additionally, we can offset certain parts of the character's body to make the movements align more closely with our preferences. We then export these characters, with the animations we have created, for texturing and rendering.
Combining motions in iClone.
Accurate Interaction Made Easy with iClone
Pairing animations between two digital actors can be a challenge. iClone’s Reach Target lets you adjust the character’s grip and apply offsets to perfectly align interactions. With its ingenious technology, it has never been easier to create interpersonal interactions that are not only naturalistic but also completely convincing.
Reallusion offers a series of mocap animation training materials that can really help users to master their skill on accurate interaction between characters and characters with props.
35+ training videos on mocap animation available online.
Texturing and Rendering inside Blender
We import the combined motion results of our characters from iClone into Blender for texturing and rendering. I often use Blender because it is an open-source software that is regularly updated and, of course, free.
Having perfected my character animations, I usually apply a Subdivision Modifier to smooth them out. In addition, I provide attractive textures that match the theme of the animation I’m creating.
Finalizing process inside Blender
Finally, it’s a Game Changer!
I am very impressed with the innovations that Reallusion has made. The rigging and animation process that used to take days can now be completed in a matter of hours. I highly recommend these tools.
If you are interested in discovering more inspiration about the application of the tools, find out the full article or download AccuRIG and iClone, and see for yourself!
