Line Animation in Photoshop

NC759-01

Line drawing is an ancient art form that dates back almost 75,000 years. However, you may have come across the common stereotype that line drawing is a “lesser” art form due to its simplicity. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Simple animations of line and color can be wonderfully fun and are only limited by your imagination. In this course we will explore the art of line animation created in Adobe Photoshop and enhanced with sound and layering in Adobe After Effects. 

Line drawing animation, often referred to as line art drawing, involves using simple brush or pen strokes with varying weights and angles to create diverse shapes, forms, words, squiggles, stories, and more. Focusing solely on lines—hence the name—line drawing animation excludes gradients and shading, allowing the lines themselves to convey meaning and detail. What makes line drawing animation truly captivating is its versatility. It can be employed to create a range of animation styles, from two-dimensional to even three-dimensional forms. Additionally, line animation excels in producing abstract, descriptive, or implied imagery. You can experiment with line thickness, shape, and color, offering endless possibilities for unique creative expression. So, while the technique may seem simple, it opens the door to remarkable artistic opportunities. Here is an example.

Techniques & Projects:

• Short Animations
• Sound & After Effects
• Use of Colour
• Layered Animation

Supplies Needed:

• Laptop & Sketchbook
• Wacom Tablet is extremely helpful but not necessary
• Adobe Creative Suite – Photoshop & After Effects – (accessible for free through MassArt after you register and create a Net ID/MassArt email)
• Wifi & Zoom

$250 Workshop