Animating a prop

[MisterSquidward]

I plan on adding an animated prop of Lyra Heartstrings sitting (http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/203/358/fRjEx.gif?1321847040), and I have the model, but I must know how to actually give her an animation first. The model currently has none, and searching on Google turned up largely irrelevant results. Do any of you know of any good tutorials or know how to do it yourself?

[henke37]

Does the model have a skeleton? You need a skeleton for the animation.

[MisterSquidward]

Does the model have a skeleton? You need a skeleton for the animation.

I believe so, it's a ragdoll.

[Dr. Element]

Thats a start. Now, do you have a 3D modelling program capable of producing animations? (If not, Blender (http://www.blender.org/)is a decent free choice)

[MisterSquidward]

Thats a start. Now, do you have a 3D modelling program capable of producing animations? (If not, Blender (http://www.blender.org/)is a decent free choice)
I've got XSI, but I have some doubts about it, so I was considering 3ds Max.

[stevethepocket]

If you're a student or unemployed, you can legally get 3DS Max for free. I think the Wall Worm plugin supports animation, though I haven't tried using it for that.

[lukeme99]

Thats a start. Now, do you have a 3D modelling program capable of producing animations? (If not, Blender (http://www.blender.org/)is a decent free choice)

In my opinion, with other freeware, you can create a modelling set-up that is more advanced than 3DS. I use Blender + Sketchup + XSI, together with a common file, eg dae, you can create an eviroment that is more advanced than max, and easier to manage.

[lukeme99]

If you're a student or unemployed, you can legally get 3DS Max for free. I think the Wall Worm plugin supports animation, though I haven't tried using it for that.

Can you, I thought if you were a student you could get it for 199? Meh, I will end up with it eventually anyway, paying 199 or less.