Adobe Photoshop (Animation)

If you are brand new to the program, the Adobe Website has many resources to help you learn  Photoshop. The tutorials on this page will introduce you to the basics of the program, how to open and save images, select areas of the canvas and work with layers. Be sure to download the sample files they provide so you can try out these techniques yourself.

Images can be scanned directly into Photoshop on any machine with a compatible scanner connected. When scanning for animation, it is imperative to make sure images are scanned at an appropriate resolution for your intended output format. In Intro to Animation, this is a QuickTime movie with dimensions of 1920×1080.

The tutorial below demonstrates both how to scan an image, and a technique for setting the correct scanning resolution for your intended output.

This material is also covered below on this page in part one of the Cleaning up, isolating and coloring Hand Drawn Animation tutorial below, though in a much older version of Photoshop.

Another option for scanning is to use OSX’s built-in app, Image Capture. This video Tutorial demonstrates how to use Image Capture and Photoshop to scan and prep storyboard panels to edit an animatic.

Part 1: Cleaning up your scans, isolating animation

Part 2: Coloring your animation drawings, including connecting to after effects

Part 3: Using actions to speed up your animation workflow

For complete training in Photoshop Actions, including batch processing, check out Deke McClelland’s section on Actions in Photoshop CC 2018 One-on-One: Mastery on LinkedIn Learning.

Important: Remember to log into the NYU Home Page using your net ID first. Then enter LinkedIn Learning via the tile on the Work tab. By logging in via the NYU portal you have access to all tutorials and files on LinkedIn Learning, which normally require a subscription.

This  Photoshop Animation Techniques tutorial, from Alex Griggs provides a comprehensive and clear introduction to animation in Photoshop

Important tip: Always set your frame rate (usually 24 fps) before you start to animate in Photoshop. Photoshop defaults to 30fps and if you begin to animate at the wrong frame rate it can be quite a headache to correct later. So get in the habit of remembering the first 2 steps:

1. Create Video Timeline

2. Set Timeline Frame Rate 

These fantastic tutorials by concept artist Matt Kohr demonstrate the basics of painting in photoshop. It's important to remember that there is no ONE way to do anything in Photoshop, and Matt's suggested painting workflow is one of many. He is however very clear and focuses on general principles rather than specific techniques, which is why I recommend his videos.

Here’s a nice Introduction to the Mixer Brush in Photoshop, which provides a digital simulation of the way paint actually mixes on a canvas using physical media. It’s pretty sweet so check it out!