TUTORIAL:ANIMATED GIFS
completed: 3/27/11
getting started
making an animated gif in photoshop
opening animated gifs in photoshop
background transparency in gifs
enlarging pixel images
GETTING STARTED
I can only comment on my own (limited) experience, but for all you who are starting at zero, I'll try to give you what I can.
creating any animation is merely the act of linking a series of static images together to achieve the illusion of motion.
The major question once you understand the principles is getting used to the tools.
How do I animate awesomely?
The purpose of this tutorial is NOT to teach the basic techniques of animating, but simply to teach how to use the
tools needed for animation. however, below are some suggestions to get you started:
•observe (or at least be aware of) Disney's 12 basic principles: while many styles of animation nowadays veer from these principles, there's a reason why these rules
are popularly quoted. adherence to them will generally yield fluid and expressive animations.
•learn by example: see an awesome animation sequence in a video, or in a gif? pop it open in photoshop (see tutorial) or another software,
check out how it's achieved, frame by frame. Get a feel for how much changes from one frame to the next to produce convincing movement.
Checking out gifs of sprites is always a great reference:
http://www.metalslugsprites.net/
http://www.fightersgeneration.com/
What software do I use?
Tons of programs are available, many of them free. Some free options:
•Easytoon
http://www.superfundungeonrun.com/easytoon/
tutorial:
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=52221
•Plastic Animation Paper
http://www.plasticanimationpaper.dk/
tutorial:
http://www.plasticanimationpaper.dk/tuts/Tutorials.html
regardless of what tool you use, it's useful to be aware that photoshop (in conjuntion with imageready in earlier versions,
in photoshop alone in CS2 and later) has the capability to create and edit animated gifs. While not specifically designed to
create sprites, photoshop's versatility permits editing and manipulation beyond the capabilities of many other programs.