2D Character Animator | Photoshop, After Effects, Midjourney

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

Created by: James Cunliffe
Creative Professional | Multimedia Artist

What Will I 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

Requirements

• 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

Target audience

• 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