If you have completed these then you may want to try the animation practice exercises in the video Animation Practice. These challenges are a bit more advanced and will help to reinforce what you have learnt if you complete the challenges here.
]]>If these are a bit too challenging then the more basic practice exercises in the video Exercises for People New to Animation may be more suitable. These challenges are simple and designed to get you used to spacing, timing, and weight.
]]>I start by making a simple pixel() function, to draw a single pixel, then change the position of the first pixel and the color. I then use variables to make the code more readable and easier to change. Finally I draw each pixel using the repeat command to reduce repetition.
This is a great example of how to use Code Ninja to create pixel art. It also shows how to use variables, functions, and the repeat command to make code more reusable.
]]>The original creation process took 27-minutes. Through the magic of timelapse, it’s been reduced to a little over one-minute.
To make the animation I first drew Snorlax using the Brush Tools. I used the “smooth” brush to make the lines nice and rounded. I used a custom colour to make sure Snorlax tummy and the soles of his feet were the right shade. I used the “send forward” and “send backward” buttons in the select tool to arrange things nicely. I also grouped some elements (the mouth and arms) so that I could move multiple objects as one.
I then duplicated the frame and moved elements around to create the impression of movement. I used Onion Skinning so that I could see the previous frame as I drew the next one. I also used the Onion Skinning to help me draw the feet in the right place.
I redrew the feet in a few different positions so that they were seen at the right angle. I also copied the first feet I drew and flipped them horizontally to make the opposite feet saving a bit of time. Once finished I changed the frame rate to 15fps to speed it all up a bit and then exported the animation.
Finally I drew the floor with some moving patches of darker ground to give the impression of forward movement.
Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the enchanting charm of Snorlax’s animated escapade. Happy Pokemon Day!
]]>]]>This is a super quick video showing how to use Animated Gifs in Google Slides.
Here we have an animation made with Brush Ninja. First export it as an Animated Gif.
Then switch to Google Slides. Select ‘Insert’, then ‘Image’, then ‘Upload from Computer’. Pick your file - and it’s ready.
We’ll start by showing you how to change brush size settings and colours, then explore the different brush types. Finally we will look at using the eraser.
Once you’ve mastered the basics of using brushes in Brush Ninja, you’ll be able to create stunning animations. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of brush animation with Brush Ninja!
]]>The pen tool is one of the most important tools in Brush Ninja. It’s likely the first tool you will use. By default you will draw with this lovely pink colour, but you can change the colour by selecting different ones in the colour palette.
On the left are the brush size options. Change these to get a thicker or thinner brush.
Above the canvas we have the tools menu, where you can see other brush types.
The ‘Smooth’ brush allows you to draw neater lines - it smooths out the curves, but this may remove some of the sharpness so may not be desirable.
The ‘Dot’ and ‘Dash’ brushes function the same as the ‘Pencil’ brush but draw dot and dash lines.
The ‘Speed’ brush draws the line at different thicknesses depending upon how fast the pen is moving. This works best on thinner line weights.
The ‘Marker’ brush tries to simulate how a marker might look. This can be good for adding a bit of variety to your animations. It looks nice with a fatter brush.
The ‘Scratch’ pen draws a squiggly line. This is great for drawing lightning bolts!
Finally we have the eraser - this removes bits of the drawings, and will work on any objects, including stickers and images.
If you want to remove an entire object you should switch to select mode, select the item, and delete that.