Probably depends on the scene : My character is going to do exaggerated actions or actions not humanly possible.

Hmmm... I was considering closing my eyes, visualising the action and putting a stopwatch on it (or counting 1-hippopotamus-2-hippopotamus).
I think I might have read this in an Animation Book... perhaps.

For image backgrounds has anybody looked at using World Creator ? Their website is not the best to understand what it is but it can be used to create Cartoon like and objects in different perspectives including 2D Platform, 2D Overhead, Isometric, (iso 3D),Pseudo3D . I've had it for a while and tink...

Hmmm.. they're all vector layers from what I can see. Maybe I need to check some optimisation settings but most of the examples are OK including the startup file. Oddly loading Winsor or Aya directly causes performance issues. I apperciate they contain image layers but not sure why there would be a ...

Thanks Dale and good advice. I've checked a few but also thought I'd do the same with some professionally rigged characters. I bought Wyatt from Cartoon Solutions and the rigging is quite easy to understand and seems tidy. It's causes quite a bit of slowdown though on a below average spec PC.

thanks Mike. I'll keep an eye on your site. I'm doing this for fun with no real aim other than simple stuff to make my kids laugh. Draw style will be very simple (retro-cartoon-ish and simpler). Animation style will also be quite simple - very cartoony and VERY minimal. The idea for the example was ...

What would you recommend above the available tutorials as good character rigging examples : Rose Agent? Maybe a cartoon solutions character? The vtc tutorials are a bit out of my current price range.
Thanks for any advice.