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In this hands-on project, you will explore five different animation techniques in Procreate to understand how digital animators bring static images to life. Each method uses different tools and approaches, from simple frame-by-frame techniques to advanced distortion effects. By the end of this project, you will have created five unique animated GIFs and gained practical experience with animation principles like timing, layering, and motion.
You will use/watch this video to create the 5 animations this week
Method #1: Wiggly Animation
Students will create a simple, playful animation using Procreate's drawing and layer tools.
Student Goals:
Create a 6–8 frame animation using duplicate layers
Draw a simple character or object (e.g., stick figure, blob, or simple shape)
Apply subtle position changes to each layer to create a "wiggling" effect
Set frame timing in Procreate's Animation Assist to 0.1–0.2 seconds per frame
Export as an animated GIF and verify smooth playback
Reflect: What makes the wiggle motion feel natural or unnatural?
Method #2: Animation by Erasin'
Students will use selective erasing to reveal or hide parts of an image, creating animation through subtraction.
Student Goals:
Create 6–8 layers with a complete image on each
Use the eraser tool to progressively remove or modify details on each layer
Create a clear sequence (e.g., an object appearing/disappearing, a character changing expression)
Export as an animated GIF
Reflect: How does erasing differ from redrawing? When is it more efficient?
Method #3: Animation Using Liquify
Students will apply Procreate's Liquify tool to distort and transform images across frames.
Student Goals:
Start with a base image or character on a single layer
Duplicate the layer 5–7 times
Use the Liquify tool (with adjustable brush size and strength) to subtly distort the image on each layer
Create a smooth transformation sequence (e.g., face morphing, shape warping)
Maintain the overall composition while showing clear distortion progression
Export as an animated GIF
Reflect: How does Liquify create a different feeling than traditional redrawing?
Method #4: Guided Motion
Students will create animation that follows a clear directional path or trajectory.
Student Goals:
Design a simple character, object, or element to animate
Create 8–10 frames showing movement along a defined path (e.g., arc, diagonal line, circle)
Adjust position and scale subtly to suggest acceleration or deceleration
Use consistent spacing between frames (or vary it intentionally for effect)
Export as an animated GIF
Reflect: How does path choice affect the "feel" of the motion?
Method #5: Isolated Movement
Students will animate only specific parts of an image while keeping the rest static.
Student Goals:
Create a base layer with a complete scene or character
Add 6–8 additional layers on top
On each layer, modify only one element (e.g., eyes blinking, hand waving, tail swishing)
Keep all other elements identical across frames
Use layer masks or careful erasing to ensure only the target element changes
Export as an animated GIF
Reflect: How does isolating movement simplify animation workflow?
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