Hand-drawn animation

What is the course about?

On this practical course you will be introduced to the professional techniques and processes of drawn animation using professional equipment and software. You will be taken through a range of techniques with stage by stage demonstrations on how to apply different drawing methods and styles. You will also learn the key principals of animation focusing on the use of loops and cycles in drawn animation. With professional guidance throughout you will make your own short animated sequences showcasing a range of processes, invaluable for your animation showreel.

What will we cover?

The course is designed to introduce you to the various styles and techniques of Drawn Animation. In the practical workshop you will explore:

- Cycles and loops in animation
- Taking a line for a walk
- Morphing and free style animation
- Simple key posing character animation
- A range of examples of different types of professional drawn animation
- How to animate (touching on a number of principals including Timing and movement)
- Introduction to Dragon Frame basic capturing software
- Basic use of Premiere Pro for assembling clips
- Animating and producing your own short sequence to showcase your animation skills.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- animate using a range of different styles of drawn animation
- understand how to capture your animation using a DSLR camera and Dragon Frame software.
- produce your own drawn animation sequences
- have a better understanding of professional drawn animation techniques.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is a beginner’s class but this course is suitable for those who wish to polish up their skills or try a new technique of drawn animation.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught using a range of techniques including workshops, short lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, individual assistance and some hand-outs. Any work outside the class is encouraged but is optional.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

The latest professional equipment and software are available for your use throughout the course in our fully equipped studios. It would be useful to bring a memory stick or portable hard drive – please note PC formatted hard drives can be read by Apple mac computers, but not written to.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You can develop your practice further by a range of short courses in Digital and Traditional Animation including Stop Motion courses and digital animation courses using After Effects, Animate, Photoshop and Blender. We offer a long course in Animation VK413 City Lit Animation for those who wish to commit to their animation practice. You can also develop your moving image work through City Lit courses in Experimental, Documentary and Narrative Film Making and Editing.