Animation for Illustration: Creating Layered GIFs with Photoshop & After Effects

Want to take your GIFs to the next level? Combine Photoshop with simple steps in After Effects to create layered animations with a hand-drawn look!

In this comprehensive class, illustrator and animator Abbey Lossing shows you how to bring your Photoshop creations to life by adding a few introductory steps in Adobe After Effects. From sketching and coloring to timing out motion and exporting to share, Abbey will teach you everything you need to know to create show-stopping animations that marry the hand-drawn quality of Photoshop with the cinematic look of After Effects.

With accessible, step-by-step lessons you’ll learn how to:

• Sketch and color a quirky scene with an eye toward motion
• Use video layers in Photoshop to animate your character
• Structure your files to stay organized and easily make changes
• Activate your animation with introductory tools in After Effects

Plus, Abbey shares her favorite tips and tricks for transitioning seamlessly between Photoshop and After Effects.

Whether you’re an illustrator who’s curious about motion or a seasoned GIF-creator looking to make your next project pop, adding After Effects to your process is a natural next step that’s easier than you think. Follow along to unlock your ability to create hand-drawn animations with dynamic, expressive movement! 

Click the "Your Project" tab to share your sketches and final GIF!