GIFs

What Are GIFs?

GIFs, short for Graphics Interchange Format, are animated images made up of multiple different images to imitate movement.

My GIFs were created using Photoshop. To create GIFs in Photoshop, you start by designing a series of frames or layers that represent the different stages of animation. Then, using Photoshop's animation tools, you specify the timing and sequence of these frames, determining how they transition from one to another. Once your animation is complete, you export it as a GIF file.

This process allows you to bring static images to life, adding motion and engagement to your digital creations. This is especially interesting to me as I want to learn animation because I feel like it is useful (if not necessary) to know at least the basics since I want to become a character designer.

Over time, you can see my GIFs improve in quality and become more complicated as I learn how to do more, test out new methods, and go out of my comfort zone.

"Scar Penciltest" by Gabichan00 on DeviantArt

"So Cool Wow GIF" by Luke Alexander on Giphy

Attempting GIFs

When I first started creating GIFs, I wanted to see how I could create motion using Photoshop. Each test was done to see how motion could be created and how many FPS would be needed to create the most fluid motion possible. Each was designed to be simple, quick, effective, and smooth.

The first image of the circle was made by using the outline of a circle and then slowly using erasing the edge so that it looks like it is disappearing. I then reversed it to make it seem like a circle was being formed instead of disappearing.

The ASL alphabet GIF was first made in Illustrator and then was transferred into Photoshop. It was 26 frames that were turned into layers, each layer having a specific placement to make sure that they wouldn't overlap.

I want to eventually make GIFs to enhance my website/portfolio with movement, so I wanted to test making a GIF using words. Since this GIF is just counting, the frames are done quicker than if I were to write more, such as "Welcome to my portfolio!", which would require more time between frames.

The second image of the circle shared the same concept of making a circle out of nothing, but using tweening instead of all individually done frames from erasing.

The goal of this GIF was to move an object fluidly from one side of the image to the other. I accomplished this by moving the rectangle slowly frame by frame to make it appear to move.

First GIFs

My goal for my first GIFs was to make fluently moving and interesting pieces. I always use GIF reactions in text, so I took some inspiration from the cute animated ones I have seen, such as fireworks or a simple cute cat. In order to make these GIFs, I had to break down the GIFs piece by piece to see how the frames worked together so I could attempt to replicate this fluidity in my work.

I created this cat so I could attempt simple blinking and mouth movements. Being able to create fluid eye and mouth movements is very important in character animation, which is something I want to focus on in my career. Being able to do the basics is an important first step to creating even more advanced work in the future.

I created this firework GIF because I wanted to experiment with breaking down complex movements into simple shapes. I am very proud of how this GIF turned out because of how smoothly it runs and how it looks realistic, even though it is just made with ovals and lines.

Similar to the cat GIF, I wanted to experiment with making cartoon animals move. I love birds, so I got the idea of practicing a flight loop animation. This was done by making frames of the wing flapping downwards then reversing it to make them move upwards to create a loop to make it seem as if the bird was truly flying.

Final GIFs

This GIF was made slightly differently than my other GIFs, as I originally made the sketch on paper, then traced it onto a drawing program called IbisPaint on my iPad, and then exported it to Photoshop to create the GIF itself. The bird in the GIF is my boyfriend's budgie, Blueberry.

Although I was very proud of how my original firework GIF came out, I thought I could improve its quality by adding a dark background to enhance the colors and the firework effects. It makes it really seem like you are watching fireworks in the night sky.

Process Images

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