Setting up puppet in Photoshop

Report · Oct 08, 2023

Hi, I'm new to Character Animator. I'm trying to use it to create short clips for a music video I'm working on.

I've set up a character in photoshop, and am hoping to get some advice about it before I export it to Character Animator. I only need a little head movement and the eyes to move for this particular clip.

Is this set up correctly? And what issues will I encounter when I start to set up rigging.

Thank you for your time.

Report · Oct 09, 2023

Layer 1 appears to be empty. If it is, delete it since Character Animator will still attempt to process it. Normally, the head background layer is behind the eyes, but I'm assuming you're using the head like a mask for the eyes. If it were me, I'd import the file into CH and see what happens. You might need to tag the eye parts, but CH might figure it out. Only one way to find out.

Report · Oct 09, 2023

Thank you TheOriginalGC! Indeed, it will be a mask type of set up. I really only need a little head movement and eye movement for this clip. I'll delete that layer and see what happens when I load it.

Report · Oct 14, 2023

Hello TheOriginalGC, I loaded the puppet in CH. It tagged the eyes and head by itself, but there is no movement when I'm in record mode.

I noticed when I click on 'head' the entire puppet highlights compared to the other parts of the puppet, when I click on the eye parts, for instance, those parts are highlighted individually. Not sure if that's normal for setting something like this up.

The only thing I did do was pin the jacket down so it stays still.

I just need the head to have a little movement, and I need movement in the eyes to create a very short clip for a music video I'm working on. Any direction is very appreciated.

Report · Oct 16, 2023

If I understand you correctly, the head and body are turning together? There are several things you can try. One is to play with the independence with the head and body layers. This usually results in the head leaving the neck, but if the head movements are kept to a minimum, it actually works. Another possibility is extending the body so that the area that you use the fixed stick on is off the bottom of the stage. Hopefully, this gives the head and body a little more "wiggle room." I'm not seeing the body rigging, so I'm not sure where you're applying the fixed stick or even if you're using the stick. I usually apply it to the root of the layer, though sometimes it gets placed in the same layer as the rigging for the legs.

Report · Oct 16, 2023

I'm actually getting no movement, it stays fixed in place, no reaction at all. I've played with other puppets, so the app and webcam do function like they are supposed to, but not with this project. I'm not sure what I've done wrong.

Report · Oct 16, 2023

I just got some movement in this puppet, I'll try your advice, TheOriginalGC! I appreciate so much your help!

Report · Oct 16, 2023

It worked TheOriginalGC! I applied the stick and it held the puppet in place, and was able to record a short clip of his head tilting a bit and his eyes moving to the side, exactly what I needed. THANK YOU