How to Create a Simple Character Animation from Start to Finish

 

How to Create a Simple Character Animation from Start to Finish

Animating a character can seem overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into steps makes it easier. This guide will help you create a basic character animation, like waving or jumping, from start to finish.

Step 1: Plan Your Animation

Before animating, you need to decide:
✔ What will your character do? (Example: Waving, jumping, or blinking)
✔ How long will the animation be? (Short loops are best for beginners)
✔ What style will you use? (Stick figures, simple characters, or detailed drawings)

1. Create a Storyboard

A storyboard is a rough sketch of the movement you plan to animate. It doesn’t need to be detailed—just enough to show the main poses.

Step 2: Choose Your Animation Software

You can use free or paid software to animate:

  • Flipaclip (Mobile) – Easy for frame-by-frame animation.
  • Krita (PC) – Free software with animation tools.
  • Adobe Animate (PC) – Great for professional 2D animation.
  • Blender (PC) – Best for 3D character animation.

For beginners, Flipaclip or Krita is a good start.

Step 3: Set Up Your Animation File

  1. Open your animation software.
  2. Create a new file.
  3. Set the canvas size (1920x1080 pixels for HD).
  4. Choose the FPS (Frames Per Second):
    • 12 FPS – Simple animations, slightly choppy but easy.
    • 24 FPS – Smoother and used in professional animation.

Step 4: Sketch Keyframes for Movement

Keyframes are the most important frames in an animation. Let’s say you’re animating a character waving:

  1. First keyframe – The hand is down.
  2. Second keyframe – The hand moves up halfway.
  3. Third keyframe – The hand is fully raised.
  4. Fourth keyframe – The hand moves back down.

These frames create the main movement.

Step 5: Add Inbetween Frames for Smoother Motion

Inbetweens are extra frames that smooth out movement between keyframes.

  • Without inbetweens, the motion will be stiff.
  • Adding 2-3 frames between key poses will make it smoother.
  • The more inbetweens you add, the better the animation looks.

Step 6: Apply Animation Principles

To make your animation look more natural, use these principles:

✔ Squash & Stretch – The body stretches slightly when moving.
✔ Ease In & Ease Out – Movements start slow, speed up, then slow down.
✔ Anticipation – A small movement before a big action (e.g., leaning back before waving).
✔ Follow Through – Hair, clothes, or loose parts continue moving slightly after stopping.

Step 7: Clean Up and Add Colors

  1. Refine the sketch – Make the lines smoother.
  2. Add clean lineart – Use a darker, smoother brush.
  3. Color your character – Add simple colors to make it look complete.
  4. Shading (optional) – Add shadows for a more detailed look.

Step 8: Export and Share Your Animation

  • Save your animation as MP4 or GIF.
  • If using Flipaclip, export at 12-24 FPS for smooth motion.
  • Post it on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok to share your work.

Final Tips

✔ Start with simple animations like a waving hand or blinking eyes.
✔ Use real-life references to study movement.
✔ Be patient—animation takes time, but practice makes perfect!
✔ Try different frame rates to see what works best for your style.

Now that you know the basics, start animating and bring your character to life!

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