#ani-info
Steven,
I have the same problem of 3D to 2D translations.
What I do is create a plasticine model of the character and bend it, turn
it or otherwise study it to get the modelling. I also use pipecleaners,
bent into stick figures to study the movement (plasticine breaks if you
manhandle it too much.) These techniques could also be used in 3D
animation (in fact, I got the idea from watching a show on CG in
TerminatorII — they had scale replicas.)
It helps to have a decent mouse too. I use a pen mouse which doubles (or
more) my speed (although a Wacom tablet would be ideal.)
Andrew