Principles of Animation /Project Dev - Image Sequences in Adobe Photoshop

Last weekly update I discussed my experiments into animation production regarding my current project studying at university. In that last post I discussed pacing and frame relationship as well as methods of how I can create study responses to develop as an animator in understanding and practice.

This week I completed a workshop session with my class about how I can take advantage of programs such as Adobe Photoshop to animate with their range of tools and techniques within the software. What this included was a series of demo experiments in response to the current experimentation study’s that I am completing throughout my project in response to personal growth as an animator.


Image sequence one
The first image sequence that I created was a combined response to Image sequencing in Photoshop with minimalism style artwork. In its essence It is a series of moving geometric shapes along a short 5 frame animation loop as an exercise to grow and learn. This animation loop also demonstrates the illusion of motion and complexity due to the different layers been build up and combined within the software.

 

This animation served as the initial demonstration into what was possible within the software as well as provoked different concepts that I could portray within Photoshop with ease rather than hand drawing them by contrast resulting in longer production time but less results over time.

When reflecting on this experiment I identified that each frame could be present within the Photoshop interface but be different in each frame in the motion timeline. This enables me the opportunity to push animation within Photoshop to a greater potential due to the requirement of not needing to redraw each frame as it is needed. Moving onto my next experiment I have a bigger sense of how I could intend to use the program.

Image sequence two

The second Image sequence that I created within Adobe Photoshop shop was created based on the intention to build onto the skills I began developing in the last test. This test I had a clear vision for due to the consideration and inspiration I had produced during and since the last test

I intended for this test to convey a minimal graphic effect in an animation loop that conveyed an impression and expression that felt weird, organic, and cosmic. To do this I would combine gentle movement of shapes and elements to greater an organic and full of life appeal whist switching in photographs of the stars and space to give a reference to the grand cosmos.

Reviewing this second experiments production and final project I feel the need to express that there is an essence of life that I have captured within this experiment that really resonates with me. This essence of life or the illusion of it is something that really pushes the potential that animation has when it comes portray an idea for the effect of an emotional reaction from viewers

If I was to attempt to deconstruct and explain why there is an essence of life to my illustration I would argue that all the shapes and motions are reminiscent to that of bodily functions such as the beating of a heart mixed in with the pulsing of veins and other processes. This is something that I feel is the height of what is considered 'organic' in nature. 

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The time I spent developing image sequences with in Adobe Photoshop has provided me with the opportunity to gain insight and experience into understanding digital animation techniques and approach. I am confident that I have gain significant growth as an animator interested in consistently improving and preparing for a successful career in the industry. The next weekly update that I create regarding my animation experiments with cover experimenting with ink and nibs to explore how I can portray the motion of liquid.