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Skillshare

Traditional Animation: How to Create Smoke Effects

via Skillshare

Overview

Join animator Johannes Fast for this class on how to animate smoke effects digitally using "cel" animation.

In this class you'll learn the theory behind why smoke moves the way it does, and how to apply this to your own animations to create a believable smoke effect. 

Who is this class for?

The class is aimed towards beginner or intermediate animators with some prior experience animating traditionally. It's a great class for beginner animators looking to learn how to animate their first effects, or for more experienced animators looking to spice up their work. Even film editors can use these techniques to add cool effects to their live action work! 

By the end of this course, you'll know the basics on how to animate smoke traditionally and how to apply it to your work.

What you can expect to get out of this class:

  •  How to animate a smoke trail
  •  How to animate a smoke loop
  •  How to animate a smoke puff
  •  Bonus way to animate smoke in After Effects

Requirements: 

A digital animation program is required for the class, preferably Adobe Animate. You'll also need a form of digital drawing tablet. A mouse will work but it will make the process a lot harder. An iPad with an animation app also works great. 

Recommended apps and software:

  • Adobe Animate
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Rough animator (iPad)
  • Calipeg (iPad) 
  • Flipaclip (Apple/Android)

Instagram Feature:

Every two weeks a pick a few of my favourite student projects across my classes to be featured on my instagram. If you wan't a chance to get featured, post your work in the student community and tag your instagram. And if you share your work on instagram or twitter, tag @johanimation so I can see it! 

Want to learn even more?

Check out my other classes!

Find even more classes here

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • What is Cel Animation?
  • The Theory of Smoke Pt.1
  • The Theory of Smoke Pt.2
  • Animating a Smoke Trail
  • Animating a Smoke Cloud
  • Animating a Smoke Loop
  • Drawing Over Live Action Pt.1
  • Drawing Over Live Action Pt.2
  • Bonus! Smoke Shortcut
  • Conclusion
  • Personalized Feedback Pt.1
  • Personalized Feedback Pt.2
  • Personalized Feedback Pt.3

Taught by

Johannes Fast

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