My Personal Design Process
I take massive pride in the work I create and put into the world, I am passionate about every step in my creative process.
First steps in the animation project
The first steps in developing this animation project begin with extensive research, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources including the web, real-life observation, and community outreach. By gathering insights from these perspectives, I ensure that the work remains both authentic and relatable. From there, I move into the creative exploration phase by sketching initial renderings, which serve as the foundation for the project’s visual style. Using Adobe software, I refine these sketches into more polished digital concepts, allowing me to experiment with movement, texture, and composition. This process creates a strong visual blueprint and sets the stage for the animation’s development.
First steps to completion
The animation process begins with sketching, which serves as the foundation for all creative decisions that follow. Sketching allows me to explore character design, key poses, and overall movement before committing to a digital workflow. These rough drawings capture the essence of motion and storytelling, functioning as a visual roadmap for the entire project. Once the sketches are refined, I scan or photograph them and import the images into Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to clean up the linework, adjust proportions, and add color or texture. At this stage, I separate characters and elements into layers, which makes them easier to animate later.
After preparing the artwork, I move into Adobe After Effects (or Adobe Animate, depending on the project). Here, I convert static drawings into animated assets by breaking them into parts—such as arms, legs, wings, or facial features—that can be individually manipulated. Using keyframes, I establish the starting and ending points of motion, then apply easing to create more natural movement. For example, a butterfly’s wings are animated with overlapping frames to mimic lifelike fluttering, while background elements are given subtle motion to add depth and atmosphere.
The sketches continue to guide me throughout this stage, ensuring that the original vision remains intact while the animation gains polish. I refine timing, adjust spacing, and use tools like motion blur, puppet pins, and masking to create smooth, fluid results. Sound design, color correction, and visual effects are then layered in to enhance the mood and storytelling.
By the end of the process, the rough energy of the original sketches is transformed into a fully realized animation. This workflow not only bridges traditional art with digital techniques but also ensures that the animation remains rooted in its original creative spark while achieving professional-quality results.