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Explore a complete workflow from illustration to animation in Adobe Illustrator and After Effects.

If you've been wanting to get into animation, but haven't known where to start, this class is for you.

Have you been hesitant to get into animation because you didn't think you were good enough at drawing, or felt that the software was too intimidating?

What if I told you that you don't even really have to draw to illustrate? And that adding motion to your illustration is achievable, even if you've never opened After Effects before.

Using this winter cabin scene as an example, I'll show you my complete workflow, starting from inspiration and planning, through illustrating and animating.

Here's what's covered:

You'll learn how to:

  • Find inspiration yet still create a unique piece of work
  • Organize your ideas into a moodboard
  • Get ideas out of your head by sketching
  • Use your sketch as a starting point for illustration
  • Utilize basic shapes to create an outlined illustration
  • Use the pen tool to create organic shapes
  • Color your illustration and add details
  • Prepare your illustration for animation
  • Import your illustration into After Effects
  • Animate an object's position and adjust its motion path
  • Create masks
  • Animate colors changing
  • Animate scale and opacity
  • Use the wave warp effect to animate smoke
  • Animate snow (and make it loop!)
  • Render (export) your animation as a .mov, .mp4, or .gif file

Plus loads of tips for working efficiently that will get you started on the right foot.

This is the class I needed when I was first getting started in motion design!

I'll show you every step to recreate my wintery scene, but in doing this, every step will teach you something useful that you'll surely come across when creating your own illustrations and animations. Depending on how comfortable you’re feeling, you can follow along with me, or create your own version of a scene that looks a little like mine, or nothing like mine–it’s up to you!

If you’re ready to create then animate, let’s get started.

One-time purchase

Get unlimited, lifetime access to this class. Watch anytime, at your own pace. No subscription fees.

$59
Buy the Class

Enroll through Skillshare

Get access to all my classes with a Skillshare membership. New members get a one-month free trial.

$168/year (price varies by region)

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What's included

100% Self-Paced

Pre-recorded videos allow you to play, pause, and practice at your own pace.

22 Lessons (3h 6m)

Get Started
  • Welcome
  • Class Project
Plan
  • Gather Inspiration
  • Create a Moodboard
  • Sketch
Illustrate
  • Tour of Adobe Illustrator
  • Line Art
  • Set Up Colors
  • Color Blocking
  • Separate Illustration into Layers
  • Add Final Details to Illustration
Animate
  • Tour of Adobe After Effects
  • Animate Sun & Moon
  • Animate Sky
  • Animate Stars
  • Animate Smoke
  • Animate Snow
Wrap up
  • Render
  • What's Next

Also included:

Illustrator project file

Deconstruct my illustration to better understand how to create your own.

After Effects project file

Study my project file to understand how it all works.

Who this class is for

This class is perfect for beginners to Adobe Illustrator and After Effects; no prior experience with either program is necessary. But, if you are already a seasoned artist, this class will help you understand how you can add motion to your work.

If you're interested in getting into motion design this is a perfect first step!

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What you'll need

Successfully completing this class requires a computer or laptop with:

Adobe

Illustrator

Adobe

After Effects

Ready?

Buy the Class
Watch on Skillshare
Meet the Teacher
Hello!

I'm Megan

I write, illustrate, and animate educational animations to empower healthier choices for us and our planet.

I teach what I know about motion design through online and in-person classes.

A photo of Megan Friesth
A photo of Megan Friesth
Hello!

I'm Megan

I write, illustrate, and animate educational animations to empower healthier choices for us and our planet.

I also share what I know about animation through online classes.

What students are saying
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Excellent instructions. The best animation explainer video I've come across. Love how the instructor starts the class by first sharing with us the mindset, thought process and inspiration process that she goes through.

Arman G.

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Megan's teaching style is remarkable, as she expertly explained every aspect of the software in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. The resources provided were incredibly helpful. The hands-on exercise and project allowed me to put theory into practice, solidifying my knowledge and boosting my confidence. I am truly grateful for the her passion and expertise. Her dedication to making the class accessible to beginners like me was evident throughout. I feel equipped and empowered to use After Effects creatively, thanks to her guidance. If you're a beginner looking to dive into Adobe After Effects, I cannot recommend this class enough. It's an exceptional learning experience that provides a solid foundation for mastering this powerful software. Thank you for going above and beyond in delivering such an outstanding class!

Varshita T.

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Really overlooked class; perfect for beginners, but I am actually very comfortable in both illustrator and after effects. I wanted to go through this to make sure that my workflow made sense, and it was still helpful. Also learned one or two illustrator shortcuts I didn't know about. Nice teacher! She had some interesting extensions she mentioned she was using, I'd love to see a lesson on that. Overall, great class!

Devon O.


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Let's get started!

Create then Animate: Beginner Workflow in Illustrator & After Effects

One-time purchase

Get unlimited, lifetime access to this class. Watch anytime, at your own pace. No subscription fees.

$59
Buy the Class

Enroll through Skillshare

Get access to all my classes with a Skillshare membership. New members get a one-month free trial.

$168/year (price varies by region)

Watch on Skillshare

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