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This tutorial will guide you through the process of producing an animated film or presentation. The most efficient method for creating digital animation is by utilizing an online animator; however, it's important to note that most online animators require a paid subscription to access all features, which may limit the length, sound, and appearance of your video unless you upgrade. If you prefer traditional animation, you can create a simple one using various techniques ranging from pen-and-paper to GIFs.
Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting Animation with Moovly
Launch Moovly. Visit https://www.moovly.com/ in your web browser.
- Note that Moovly offers a 30-day free trial during which downloading your animation is not possible. For downloadable animations, consider using Animatron.
Locate and press Commence your movie creation now. Look for the red button positioned around the middle of the page. This action will unveil the animator interface along with a pop-up window.
Input your name and email. Insert your first name into the designated box labeled 'First name,' and then type your email into the box marked 'Email.'
- If preferred, opt for signing up using your Facebook, Google, or LinkedIn account, and follow the on-screen instructions accordingly.
Tick the 'I accept' box. This option is positioned beneath the 'Email' input field.
- If interested in reviewing the privacy statement or terms and conditions, select either the Privacy Statement or Terms & Conditions link, respectively, to open the related document in a pop-up window.
Select Confirm. This can be found at the bottom of the pop-up window.
Follow the tutorial steps. Progress through each prompt until you complete the tutorial. Once finished, you can commence your animation journey.
Choose from a variety of templates. Navigate to the Moovly Libraries section located at the top-left corner of the page, then select the template you wish to utilize.
Drop an item onto the canvas. Simply click and drag the desired item onto the central white canvas area of the page, then release it there.
Adjust the size and position of the item. Resize the item by clicking and dragging any of its corners, and relocate it by clicking and dragging it across the canvas.
Insert Incorporate animation. Look for the option located at the bottom of the page. This action will trigger a pop-up menu to appear.
Choose an animation category. Within the pop-up menu, hover over the desired animation type for the selected item. This will unveil a submenu adjacent to the current one.
- For instance, if you wish to animate the character's movement, opt for the Move & Transform category.
Choose an animation. Simply click on the animation that corresponds to your desired effect for the selected item.
- For instance, if you opt for the Move & Transform option, you may click Move left to shift the character leftward.
Adjust the animation's speed. You have the option to modify the animation's pace by dragging the end of the animation's white bar on the timeline. Move it left to accelerate the animation or right to decelerate it.
Integrate additional objects. Drag and drop other objects onto the canvas that you wish to animate. Subsequently, animate them according to your preferences using the Add animation menu.
Incorporate a clip. Once you've assembled sufficient objects into one clip, you can initiate a new clip by selecting Add clip located on the lower-left side of the page. From there, you can continue to include more objects and animations to further develop your narrative.
Verify your email address. After completing your animation, it's essential to confirm your email address in a new tab to save it:
- Open a new tab and access the inbox associated with the email address used to register your Moovly account.
- Locate and open the email titled 'Activate your Moovly account.'
- Click on the activation link provided within the email.
- Set up a password, then proceed by clicking Continue.
Share your animation. Although downloading animations from Moovly requires the premium version, you can still share them via Moovly's servers:
- Access your Moovly dashboard, if not already open.
- Click on Publish.
- Choose Moovly Gallery.
- Agree by clicking OK, I agree.
- Add a title and description, then click Publish.
- If desired, copy the link provided at the bottom of the 'Publishing your project' window to share the animation.
Crafting Animation with Animatron
Access Animatron. Visit https://www.animatron.com/studio using your computer's web browser.
- The free version of Animatron allows creation and download of up to 10 seconds of animated video in standard definition.
Tap on Register. Located at the upper-right corner of the page, triggering a pop-up window to appear.
Provide an email address. Input a valid email address into the 'EMAIL ADDRESS' field.
- You also have the option to sign up using your Facebook, Twitter, or Google credentials.
Tap on CREATE ACCOUNT. Located below the text field.
Confirm your account. Follow these steps:
- Access your email inbox.
- Open the email titled 'Please confirm your account at Animatron.com!'
- Click on the blue ACTIVATE YOUR ACCOUNT button.
Input your account information. Enter your desired username and password into the corresponding fields. Next, click on the 'What do you do?' text box and select an option based on your profession (e.g., Business). Depending on your selection, you might need to fill out an additional form. Once the entire form is completed, click CREATE MY FREE ACCOUNT at the bottom of the page.
Click on START CREATING. This red button is located at the top-right corner of the page.
Skip the introduction section. Follow these steps:
- Double-click CONTINUE.
- Select LITE from the top of the page.
- Click on Cancel in the top-right corner of the tutorial window.
Choose an animated set. Simply click on one of the animated set options available in the left-hand column.
Pick a background. Select the desired background from the options provided at the top of the left-hand column.
- Depending on your chosen set, there may be only one background available.
Position the playhead where you want to add a character. Drag the vertical bar on the timeline to the desired point where you intend to insert your initial animated character.
Include a character. Click on one of the animated characters listed in the left-hand column.
Adjust the character's placement. Click and drag the character to the desired location on the screen.
- You can also resize the character by clicking and dragging one of the corners of the selection box surrounding the character.
Access the 'Appear' menu. Simply click on the white box with overlapping circles located to the left of the timeline.
- This menu becomes visible only when a character is selected.
Choose an appearance animation. Click on one of the appearance animation options (e.g., POP IN) available in the menu situated at the bottom of the page.
- You can also navigate to the MOVE tab on the left side of the timeline to explore movement animations.
Click on APPLY. It's located below the selected appearance option.
Integrate additional characters and appearance animations. Expand your animation by positioning the playhead to the desired section, selecting a character, and applying animations to that character via the 'Appear' menu.
Save your animation. Save your animation as a 10-second standard definition video by following these steps:
- Click on DOWNLOAD situated at the upper-right corner of the page.
- Choose Video... from the drop-down menu.
- Proceed by clicking CONTINUE, then select CONTINUE WITH RESTRICTIONS.
- Click on RENDER.
- Once the download link appears, click on Download.
Exploring Traditional Animation Fundamentals
Explore various animation principles. There are numerous micro-elements of animation to delve into, which are extensively covered in online forums, courses, guides, and resources available at your local library. Key concepts to delve into include:
- Color — Understanding color combinations enhances your animation's visual appeal.
- Composition — Effective screen utilization enhances the overall aesthetics of your animation.
- Perspective — Demonstrating dimensional depth enriches your animation.
- Anatomy — Comprehensive understanding of anatomy ensures accurate and believable animations.
Script your animation. Start by outlining every aspect you intend to include, encompassing dialogue, actions, and facial expressions. Clear planning is essential before commencing the animation process.
Craft storyboards. Storyboards serve as visual narratives, depicting key actions and scenes throughout your animation akin to a comic book format.
Develop character sheets or models. Establishing the appearance of your characters is pivotal for your animation project. Creating reference materials ensures consistency and realism across different poses and expressions. Explore various angles and attire changes for thorough character depiction.
Create your animation sketch. This involves a single drawing illustrating the major stages of movement on a single piece of paper. Although it may resemble conjoined quintuplets, it ensures alignment of key frames and natural-looking motions.
Experiment with squash and stretch. Exaggerating motions aids in perceiving them as realistic. For instance, envisioning a ball squishing slightly upon landing adds interest compared to a static sphere, allowing viewers to experience the motion visually.
Refine facial expressions. Emotional connection with characters enhances animation quality. Creating authentic facial expressions rather than static ones fosters viewer engagement. Practice depicting a range of emotions dynamically, incorporating subtle facial and body language cues.
- Subtle facial expressions, eyebrow movements, mouth twitching, and pupil shifts, combined with body language, effectively convey character emotions.
- For instance, transitioning from surprise to anger may involve initial wide-eyed astonishment and culminate in narrowed eyes and a frown.
Sketch the key frames. Key frames depict pivotal moments of character movement. For example, in animating a left-to-right turn, key frames would illustrate the character facing left, then front, and finally right.
Ensure fluidity. Review the key frames sequentially to assess motion flow.
- Regularly checking for flow after each document modification is advisable.
Generate the in-between frames. These frames depict the incremental movements between key animations. Begin by drawing the image positioned directly between two key frames, then proceed to create the image situated between the key frame and the initial in-between. Repeat this process until the desired number of frames is achieved to convey the motion effectively, adjusting as needed based on the animation's purpose.
- Reviewing for smooth flow is essential at this stage.
Refine the drawings. Eliminate any extraneous sketch lines and stray marks that detract from the character's movement. Depending on your intentions for the artwork, you might opt to finalize the animation frames by inking them.
Compile the animation. Utilize software such as Photoshop, GIMP, or Pixlr to assemble and sequence the images, culminating in the creation of the finished video.
Explore diverse animation formats. Traditional animation extends beyond pen-and-paper methods. Alternative approaches accessible to creators include:
- Flipbooks
- Stop-motion
- GIF
- Machinima (animation based on video games)
Pointers
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If you're using Microsoft PowerPoint, you can craft animated presentations without any cost.
The guidance provided here reflects insights shared by Mytour readers like yourself. If you have a valuable tip to contribute, please share it with us below.
- Establish a consistent set of physics laws for your characters, whether they exhibit elasticity, rigidity, or erratic movements.
- If you're an Android user, consider utilizing apps like Drawing cartoons 2 Pro, Flipaclip, PicsArt Animator, or Pixel Studio.
- Outline the key elements of your animation and seek feedback from others for a fresh perspective.
Cautions
- Before investing in animation software, take advantage of free trials offered by platforms like Adobe CC. Many software packages offer a month-long trial period before requiring purchase.
