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2D Character Animator | Photoshop, After Effects, Midjourney

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James Cunliffe

4:37:12

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  • 1. Welcome to the Course.mp4
    01:46
  • 2. The Use of AI in This Project.mp4
    06:45
  • 3. Installing Adobe Creative Cloud.mp4
    04:56
  • 1. Character 01 Overview.mp4
    01:25
  • 2.1 01 character 1.zip
  • 2.2 character (1).zip
  • 2. An Introduction to Photoshop.mp4
    03:17
  • 3. Photoshop Basics.html
  • 4.1 02 character 1 separated from background.zip
  • 4. Separating the Character from the Background.mp4
    10:02
  • 5. Photoshop Basics 2.html
  • 6.1 03 character 1 separated foreground.zip
  • 6. Separating the Foreground from the Background.mp4
    07:53
  • 7.1 04 character 1 generative fill background.zip
  • 7. Using Generative Fill to Refill the Background.mp4
    04:48
  • 8.1 05 character 1 tidying up foreground.zip
  • 8. Tidying Up Foreground.mp4
    07:42
  • 9. Photoshop Basics 3.html
  • 10.1 06 breaking the character into layers.zip
  • 10. Breaking the Character Into Layers.mp4
    25:31
  • 11. Photoshop Basics 4.html
  • 12.1 07 creating a depth map.zip
  • 12. Creating a Depth Map of the Background.mp4
    01:23
  • 13.1 08 character 1 animation ready.zip
  • 13. Opening After Effects and Setting the Project Up.mp4
    06:16
  • 14. After Effects Basics.html
  • 15.1 11 character 1 rigging.zip
  • 15. Moving Anchor Points and Rigging the Character.mp4
    07:41
  • 16. After Effects Basics 2.html
  • 17.1 12 animating the core and expressions.zip
  • 17. Animating the Core and Expressions.mp4
    19:36
  • 18. After Effects Basics 3.html
  • 19.1 13 puppet pin and animating eyes.zip
  • 19. Puppet Pin and Animating Eyes.mp4
    07:00
  • 20. After Effects Basics 4.html
  • 21.1 14 cc bend it and wave warp.zip
  • 21. CC Bend It and Wave Warp.mp4
    11:48
  • 22.1 15 volumetric lighting and depth map animation.zip
  • 22. Volumetric Lighting and Depth Map Animation.mp4
    05:16
  • 23.1 16 adding additional elements and colour grading.zip
  • 23.2 Looping Light Leak.mp4
    00:10
  • 23.3 Looping Particles.mp4
    00:10
  • 23.4 Looping Rain.mp4
    00:10
  • 23.5 Looping Smoke.mp4
    00:10
  • 23. Adding Additional Elements, Colour Grading and Exporting.mp4
    04:34
  • 24. Congratulations.mp4
    01:24
  • 1. Character 02 Overview.mp4
    00:47
  • 2.1 02 character 2 select and mask with generative fill.zip
  • 2.2 02 character 2.zip
  • 2.3 character (2).zip
  • 2. Select and Mask With Generative Fill.mp4
    04:37
  • 3.1 03 breaking the character into layers.zip
  • 3. Breaking the Character Into Layers.mp4
    19:32
  • 4.1 04 creating a depth map of the background.zip
  • 4. Creating a Depth Map of the Background.mp4
    01:21
  • 5.1 05 character 2 rigging.zip
  • 5.2 character 2.zip
  • 5. Rigging the Character.mp4
    06:16
  • 6.1 04 creating a depth map of the background with fixes.zip
  • 6.2 06 animating the eyes and fixing errors.zip
  • 6. Animating the Eyes and Fixing Errors.mp4
    02:44
  • 7.1 07 animating the halo with trim paths.zip
  • 7. Animating the Halo With Trim Paths.mp4
    08:27
  • 8.1 08 animating the head and hair.zip
  • 8. Animating the Head and Hair.mp4
    06:53
  • 9.1 09 animating the core with puppet pin.zip
  • 9. Animating the Core with Puppet Pin.mp4
    10:34
  • 10.1 10 animating wings and fixing the cape.zip
  • 10. Animating Wings and Fixing the Cape.mp4
    05:57
  • 11.1 11 hand animating with shape tool and paths.zip
  • 11. Hand Animating With Shape Tool and Paths.mp4
    08:40
  • 12.1 12 depth map and additional elements.zip
  • 12. Depth Map and Additional Elements.mp4
    03:09
  • 13.1 13 tritone effect, colour grading and exporting.zip
  • 13. Tritone Effect, Colour Grading and Exporting.mp4
    03:01
  • 14. Congratulations.mp4
    01:18
  • 1. Character 03 Overview.mp4
    01:04
  • 2.1 04-02 separating the character from the background.zip
  • 2.2 character (3).zip
  • 2.3 character 03.zip
  • 2. Separating the Character From the Background.mp4
    05:23
  • 3.1 04-03 cutting out the foreground.zip
  • 3. Cutting Out the Foreground.mp4
    09:04
  • 4.1 04-04 breaking the character into layers.zip
  • 4. Breaking the Character Into Layers.mp4
    07:16
  • 5.1 05 rigging the character.zip
  • 5. Rigging the Character.mp4
    03:56
  • 6.1 06 animating the sword and the graph editor.zip
  • 6. Animating the Sword and the Graph Editor.mp4
    08:44
  • 7.1 07 animating the character.zip
  • 7. Animating the Character.mp4
    09:42
  • 8. Congratulations.mp4
    02:41
  • 1.1 showreel character (1).zip
  • 1.2 showreel character (10).zip
  • 1.3 showreel character (11).zip
  • 1.4 showreel character (12).zip
  • 1.5 showreel character (13).zip
  • 1.6 showreel character (14).zip
  • 1.7 showreel character (15).zip
  • 1.8 showreel character (16).zip
  • 1.9 showreel character (17).zip
  • 1.10 showreel character (18).zip
  • 1.11 showreel character (19).zip
  • 1.12 showreel character (2).zip
  • 1.13 showreel character (20).zip
  • 1.14 showreel character (21).zip
  • 1.15 showreel character (22).zip
  • 1.16 showreel character (23).zip
  • 1.17 showreel character (24).zip
  • 1.18 showreel character (25).zip
  • 1.19 showreel character (26).zip
  • 1.20 showreel character (27).zip
  • 1.21 showreel character (28).zip
  • 1.22 showreel character (29).zip
  • 1.23 showreel character (3).zip
  • 1.24 showreel character (30).zip
  • 1.25 showreel character (31).zip
  • 1.26 showreel character (32).zip
  • 1.27 showreel character (33).zip
  • 1.28 showreel character (34).zip
  • 1.29 showreel character (35).zip
  • 1.30 showreel character (36).zip
  • 1.31 showreel character (37).zip
  • 1.32 showreel character (38).zip
  • 1.33 showreel character (39).zip
  • 1.34 showreel character (4).zip
  • 1.35 showreel character (40).zip
  • 1.36 showreel character (41).zip
  • 1.37 showreel character (42).zip
  • 1.38 showreel character (43).zip
  • 1.39 showreel character (44).zip
  • 1.40 showreel character (45).zip
  • 1.41 showreel character (46).zip
  • 1.42 showreel character (47).zip
  • 1.43 showreel character (48).zip
  • 1.44 showreel character (49).zip
  • 1.45 showreel character (5).zip
  • 1.46 showreel character (50).zip
  • 1.47 showreel character (6).zip
  • 1.48 showreel character (7).zip
  • 1.49 showreel character (8).zip
  • 1.50 showreel character (9).zip
  • 1. Download the Additional Assets.mp4
    00:28
  • 2. Creating Your Own Assets With Midjourney.mp4
    03:50
  • 3. Free Image Upscaling With Upscayl.mp4
    00:44
  • 4. Thank You.mp4
    01:21
  • Description


    Beginner 2D character animation using Photoshop, After Effects, and Midjourney AI - Perfect for 2D splash screen art!

    What You'll Learn?


    • Using Photoshop tools like the pen tool, lasso tool, and generative fill to cut characters out of backgrounds
    • Separating character assets into layers in Photoshop for animation in After Effects
    • Animating characters in After Effects by rigging, adding keyframes, using effects, and refining movement
    • Creating depth maps in Photoshop for parallax background animation in After Effects
    • Adding lighting effects, stock elements, and color grading to enhance animation compositions
    • Using the graph editor in After Effects for precise control over animation easing
    • Animating shape layers and masks for unique motion effects
    • Setting up projects systematically to stay organized when animating complex characters
    • Troubleshooting common animation problems and fixing assets in Photoshop
    • Creating eye blink animations for characters using multiple layers
    • Using AI tools like Midjourney to generate original character art assets
    • Techniques for creating unique character splash screen animations from start to finish
    • Building a portfolio of high-quality character animation work

    Who is this for?


  • Beginner animators or aspiring animators with an interest in 2D character animation but no prior experience
  • Digital artists, illustrators, or graphic designers looking to expand their skills into animation
  • Game developers or indie game creators wanting to learn how to animate characters for their games
  • Students studying art, design, animation, or game development in need of beginner skills
  • Hobbyists with creative software like Photoshop/After Effects who want to explore animation
  • Anyone motivated to start animating characters as a new creative pursuit or side hobby
  • Those interested in utilizing AI tools like Midjourney to generate original character art
  • Artists/creators wanting to build an animation portfolio or showreel
  • People passionate about bringing their 2D art or characters to life through motion
  • What You Need to Know?


  • Experience Required: None, the course is aimed at complete beginners
  • Software Required: Adobe Photoshop, After Effects & Media Encoder
  • Subscriptions Needed For Bonus Content: Midjourney (50 Additional characters already supplied)
  • Patience and Persistence: Animation can be time consuming and challenging at first
  • More details


    Description

    Are you ready to create jaw-dropping 2D character animations that will wow your audience? In this complete guide for beginners, you'll master 2D character animation using Photoshop, After Effects, and AI tools like Midjourney.

    Step-by-step, you'll learn how to separate characters from backgrounds, break them into animatable layers, create eye-catching animations, and add professional lighting and effects. By the end, you'll have the skills to bring your own 2D art and characters to life through animation and build an impressive portfolio.

    Join me as we journey through rigging, animating layers, fixing common problems, developing lively motions, and polishing off scenes with color grading and additional assets. With fun practice assets and detailed explanations, you'll gain confidence in this sought-after skill and experience the satisfaction of seeing your static art fluidly move.

    The future of animation awaits - enroll now to master 2D character animation, enhance your skills as an artist, and breathe life into your creative visions!

    Want more details? 
    On completion of this course, you will have harnessed these skills:

    1. Mastering Photoshop Tools for Character Isolation

    Learn to deftly maneuver through Photoshop’s pen, lasso, and generative fill tools to seamlessly extract characters from their backgrounds. We’ll delve into practical exercises that refine your precision and speed, ensuring crisp, clean character isolation every time.

    • Hands-on practice with the pen and lasso tools

    • Explore the generative fill’s efficiency

    • Perfect your character cut-out techniques

    2. Layering Characters for After Effects Animation

    Uncover the secrets to organizing and separating character assets into layers effectively in Photoshop. You'll become adept at preparing assets that are animation-ready for a seamless transition into After Effects.

    • Layer separation techniques

    • Preparing assets for animation

    • Importing Photoshop files into After Effects

    3. Character Animation Essentials in After Effects

    Step into the world of animation by learning rigging, keyframing, and effect application to breathe life into your characters. We refine each movement, ensuring fluid, realistic animation that captivates and engages.

    • Rigging characters for animation

    • Mastering keyframes and effects

    • Refining and perfecting character movement

    4. Depth Maps & Parallax Background Animation

    Harness the power of depth maps in Photoshop for intricate parallax animations in After Effects. Learn to create depth, dimension, and dynamic backgrounds that elevate the visual storytelling experience.

    • Crafting depth maps in Photoshop

    • Parallax animation techniques

    • Enhancing visual depth and dimension

    5. Lighting and Color Grading Mastery

    Illuminate your animations with advanced lighting effects, stock elements, and color grading techniques that enhance mood, atmosphere, and visual appeal, making each piece a visual masterpiece.

    • Implementing lighting effects

    • Utilizing stock elements

    • Mastering color grading techniques

    6. Precision Control with After Effects’ Graph Editor

    Achieve absolute control over animation easing, ensuring smooth, natural movements that are visually pleasing and professionally crafted, taking your animation skills to the next level.

    • Animating with precision

    • Discovering the graph editor

    • Enhancing animation smoothness

    7. Shape Layers and Masks for Motion Effects

    Discover the art of animating shape layers and masks, unlocking a world of unique motion effects that add a creative touch to every project, ensuring you stand out in the animation arena.

    • Animating shape layers and masks

    • Creating unique motion effects

    • Enhancing creative animation techniques

    8. Systematic Project Set-Up for Complex Animations

    Implement structured project setups that streamline the animation process, ensuring efficiency and organization when working with complex characters, saving time and enhancing workflow quality.

    • Organizing animation projects

    • Handling complex characters

    • Enhancing workflow efficiency

    9. Troubleshooting & Asset Refinement

    Arm yourself with troubleshooting skills to tackle common animation challenges head-on, and master asset refinement in Photoshop, ensuring each animation project is polished and professional.

    • Fixing common animation issues

    • Refining assets in Photoshop

    • Perfecting animation projects

    10. Eye Blink Animation Techniques

    Learn the intricate process of animating eye blinks using multiple layers, adding that soul and character personality, enhancing the connection between your characters and the audience.

    • Animating eye blinks

    • Using multiple layers effectively

    • Enhancing character emotiveness

    11. Midjourney AI for Character Art Creation

    Venture into the world of AI with Midjourney to generate unique, captivating character art assets. Discover techniques to optimize this powerful tool, personalizing each creation to fit your specific project needs.

    • Generating art with Midjourney AI

    • Customizing character assets

    • Optimizing AI tools for art creation

    12. Complete Character Splash Screen Animations

    Master the journey from concept to completion, creating captivating character splash screen animations that are visually stunning and professionally crafted, ready to showcase in your portfolio.

    • Concept to completion workflow

    • Creating unique splash screens

    • Polishing animations for showcase

    13. Building a Stellar Animation Portfolio

    Compile a portfolio showcasing your high-quality character animation works. Learn the strategies to present your skills effectively, ensuring you capture attention and opportunities in the animation industry.

    • Over 50 character designs included

    • Showcase your animation skills

    • Capture industry attention and opportunities

    My biggest hope for you:

    My aim is to provide you with the skills needed to kickstart your animation journey!

    Who this course is for:

    • Beginner animators or aspiring animators with an interest in 2D character animation but no prior experience
    • Digital artists, illustrators, or graphic designers looking to expand their skills into animation
    • Game developers or indie game creators wanting to learn how to animate characters for their games
    • Students studying art, design, animation, or game development in need of beginner skills
    • Hobbyists with creative software like Photoshop/After Effects who want to explore animation
    • Anyone motivated to start animating characters as a new creative pursuit or side hobby
    • Those interested in utilizing AI tools like Midjourney to generate original character art
    • Artists/creators wanting to build an animation portfolio or showreel
    • People passionate about bringing their 2D art or characters to life through motion

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    Focused display
    James Cunliffe
    James Cunliffe
    Instructor's Courses
    I'm a full time creative sharing the journey.Previously an animation technician for a subsidiary of Epic Games. As well as a video producer, designer and multimedia specialist for several award winning agencies.I’ve helped create and deliver content for some of the worlds biggest names in tech and gaming including; Ubisoft, Lenovo, Wizards of the Coast, Cloud Imperium, LG, Konami, Samsung, Siemens, AMD, Tencent, Krafton just to name a few.I've also built a free app 'The Creative Archetypes' with the intention of helping creative workers understand their strengths and weaknesses. As well as giving suggestions for potential creative pursuits/ career paths.Now my time is split between freelance, creating educational content and exploring game development.
    Students take courses primarily to improve job-related skills.Some courses generate credit toward technical certification. Udemy has made a special effort to attract corporate trainers seeking to create coursework for employees of their company.
    • language english
    • Training sessions 49
    • duration 4:37:12
    • Release Date 2024/04/23