Video Reference
First, I start by acting out the poses and facial expressions myself. This helps me see how I move naturally and helps me identify key poses. (It's also fun to get into character!)
Thumbnails/Storyboard
Once I nail down the video reference, I study it and figure out my key poses and facial expressions. I then draw them out and write a small description for it. If the animation is meant to have dialogue, I also write down the lines of dialogue based on each pose/facial expression.
Animatic
After the thumbnails and storyboard, I take the poses and draw them again on the computer using Storyboard Pro and sync them to an audio clip.
3D Layout
Next, I open the 3D animation software Maya and import my character and audio to get a feel of the what the real animation will look like! I set up a 3D camera that's aimed and ready to shoot my character and scene.
Animated Blocking (Rough)
Once I have my scene set up, I pose my character based on the acting in my video reference. If the animation is meant to have sound or dialogue, I also do a basic lip sync (jaw opening/closing).
Final Animation
Once my blocking (rough) animation is complete, I return to the animation and begin to polish the animation as much as possible! In addition to fixing the poses and adding in more of the principles of animation, I also start animating the facial expressions and eyes. The character and 3D camera may also adjusted