Bounce Animations

Three Bounce Animations

The Project's Overview

For this project, we learned the basics of frame animation and using arches to create more movement. We used Photoshop again, but this time with more layers and tools. This assignment had three parts to it, them being an up and down bounce, a sideways bounce, and our own bounce, seen at the end of this post. We were guided on the first two to let us experience it, then the final one was up to us.

The Project Process

In the up and down bounce, we first used a special brush to create the design of the grass, and had to change the preset to get it more realistic look. Next, we used the ellipse tool to create the ball, changed the opacity, and began to copy and paste it down to create the motion. Then, once at the bottom, we added in a squish, then did the previous steps in reverse. When all the layers were down, we created a frame animation, and put them in order to create the final product. The steps for the sideways bounce are similar, having the same ball and background, but with a guideline of arches to mark the path. We followed it, added in squishes, and made other areas more dense for when it slows and spacier when it speeds up. Once both were done, we converted them to both gifs and videos.

What Was Learned

We learned how to set up multiple layers of frame, and how to copy and move objects using options-drag to create the movement. Also, how to set up frame animations and how to make each frame by making different layers seen. Mr. Netterville also taught us how to use arches to make bounces and how to optimize the effect of each. For these projects, we learned shortcuts in Photoshop and were able to become more knowledgeable and comfortable with the program.

Next Time: Different 

Next time, I would focus on making all the layers more fluid and flowing. At some points, the animations seem to stutter, so I would focus more on that too. Also, for my own animation, I would find a more creative topic that didn't so closely resemble the sideways bounce. I would also find a way to make a surprise ending for it.

Next Time: Same

Next time, I would keep the general guidelines and speed of the project. Also the shapes used and how they reacted when hitting the grass. The way grass was made would be kept, too, as it gave a nice background for all the events to occur. All of the basics of it would be the same, just fine tuned in the future.

Experiences To Remember

What I'll remember from this project includes the time it takes to get every layer in place and created. I will remember how to use arches in animations and the best way to make them. Like with the previous project, I'll be sure to keep in mind how long it takes when setting up and the completing an animation, and how much effort goes into each layer for one. Since we'll most likely focus on frame animations, I'll always remember that these focus on slight changes to the frames themselves to build up the movement entirely. 

My General Response

These projects were a good way to get use to making actual animations that didn't just rely on manipulating the text but with making individual frames. The first two projects helped to to make the final one, and were all interesting to complete. Though they took multiple days, and constant trials for any noticeable mistakes, they were worth it to gain more information on the processes that go into making assignments. All of what I learned, and will continue to use, is seen below in my final bounce project.

My own bounce animation, based on the sideways version.