Smart-Bones🦴 Addon for Blender! - Great for Grease Pencil Workflow!

Sketchy Squirrel
Sketchy Squirrel
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Published 2023-03-25
In this tutorial, I demonstrate how to use my own free Blender addon to simplify the process of using action constraints in order to rig a character's head turn. My addon automates the process of adding action constraints to individual bones, saving time and allowing for a similar efficient workflow as 2D cutout animation software.

This tutorial covers the basics of using the addon, as well as more advanced techniques and a discussion of the problem the addon was designed to solve. I also provide tips on how to achieve better results with the mixed actions and explain the difference between global, local, and custom space.

Smart-Bone Addon: github.com/sketchy-squirrel/smart-bones

If you want to be taken directly to the python file, right click and download this link:
github.com/sketchy-squirrel/smart-bones/raw/main/b…

Let me know if you want to see the full, unedited process of making the character (The girl in the blue dress) seen in this video.


Chapters:

00:00 Intro
00:10 Quick start guide
00:57 Why smart bones?
02:05 Preparation
02:28 Control mechanism
03:15 Installation
03:27 Smart-bone panel
04:09 Finished
04:44 Corrective actions
05:31 Global and local space
06:04 Custom space
06:15 Create corrections
06:58 Custom object
07:34 Custom space smart-bones
08:07 Repeat for other angles
08:46 Finished (really)
09:05 Outro

ToonBoom Harmony demonstrations by Elvis Wairia:    • Juan - Toon Boom Harmony 2D Rig Test   Original character design by Juan Pedro Arroyo Molina.

#blender #b2d #b3d #greasepencil #addon #python #pythonprogramming
All Comments (21)
  • @thegeekclub8810
    The fact that you are releasing this for free is a blessing. You are amazing! Thank you so much!
  • @MattBixler
    I've been starving for someone to make something like this for GP, it's been the biggest missing piece for 2D animation in Blender. Really impressive work!
  • @robfrydryck127
    This is a huge step for 2d animation. Thanks for being a pioneer!
  • @secondtv7292
    This is the biggest improvement in 2D in blender . Very impressive 😮
  • @dio_hoestar_4204
    I don't want to be rude but, YOU'RE MY FUCKING HERO. No more after effects rigging, animating, crashing, melting my computer induced headaches. I guess this means bye bye adobe. I hate having a cluttered PC with so many programs because each is good at one thing. Sure, theoretically they could do other things as well. But is it time consuming, not straightforward and has an unsurprising lack of online answers for that very specific thing that keeps going wrong? Yes lmao.
  • @Wolfnimations
    Thank you for helping bring 2D rigged animation in Blender further to a more mature level. I think that there is a LOT of potential in Blender of 2D rigged animation and having these kinds of scripts and add-ons that help ease the setup process are a huge help for new artists. I've tried head rigs on Toonboom before and this feels like it could be a replacement of the master controller which makes me very exicted. I also think that the smart bones could be used for 3D rigs, where in Maya or Cinema you sometimes get control panels with advanced rigs you could use this to set up those kinds of control panels for 3D rigs in Blender as well.
  • @capturemoments
    thankyou for making this addon this is the best solution for many headache your the best.
  • @Dantti
    Awesome man! Thank you for making this❤
  • @cynabre1327
    Honestly, this is so kind of you to share your knowledge. As an aspiring animation director, I need to understand and practice animation, even though I don't want to be an animator in itself. Free programs like Blender are life-saving, and you sharing solutions for its use is very generous. Like, I understood all of your explanations and for real, because of people like you, I could make it in the future, even though it's hard. Again, thanks. Be proud and satisfied of you at the end of the day <3
  • @KevinCBurke
    Wow! It's incredible that you're offering this add-on and the characters for free. And it's a great tutorial video. I'm extremely grateful! Thank you! 🙏
  • @nkanyisoinnocentkhwane3752
    This is so crazy: I expected to pay like 5 to 15 dollars on Gumroad for this addon. You're an absolute saint
  • @brucerobertson9489
    What a community! Thank you, Mr. Squirrel for your addon. I'll have to learn how to rig a character in Blender first of course. It's easy enough to do in After Effects, but this here Grease Pencil is on the list.
  • @Mika_Mino
    Отлично! Выглядит как 3d и 2d одновременно ❤👍👍