Explore: GIF making for illustration

About this course

Participants develop hand-drawn illustrations for animation, simplify them into suitable style frames and experiment with basic animation principles, including line boil and simple looping movement. They scan their drawings, sequence and animate the images in Adobe Photoshop, then export the result as a GIF. Teaching combines technique demonstrations with practical tasks, tutor and peer feedback, and reflection on developing work.

What you'll learn

• Create illustrations suitable for simple animation
• Animate a simple looping movement, including a line boil
• Use Adobe Photoshop to sequence and animate hand-drawn images
• Export a finished animated GIF

Is this course right for you?

The course is labelled Beginner (A1), but basic Photoshop knowledge is required. It is intended for learners developing animation skills from their own illustrations. Participation includes practical tasks, demonstrations, feedback, group discussions and reflection on work, with English-language competency needed to follow instructions and demonstrations.

• Basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop is required
• Learners may be given extension activities to complete outside class
• The course involves tutor and peer feedback on developing work

Before you go

• Macs, scanners, drawing tablets, printers, Adobe software, and drawing and painting materials are available as part of the course.
• Learners are advised to bring an A5 or A4 sketchbook for recording ideas.
• Any additional materials needed will be discussed during the course.