Learn the essentials of animating still images with this tutorial from Noble Desktop, covering techniques like cutting out and filling in missing parts of the image before importing into After Effects.
One of the most common techniques in the motion design industry, animating still images is a crucial skill for any aspiring designer. Learn the ins and outs of this technique with this tutorial from Noble Desktop!
Image sourced from Pixabay.com
Setting Up The File
- Unlock Background layer by double-clicking on it.
- Duplicate Background layer.
- Use the Magic Wand tool to select the entire background except for the balloons.
- Inverse the selection.
- Cut and paste the balloons onto a different layer.
- Use the Lasso Tool to select each balloon.
- Cut and paste each balloon onto their own layers.
- Rename each balloon layer to keep them organized
Filling In The Gaps
- 1Hide all the balloon layers
- Select the duplicate Background layer
- Select the biggest cut-out balloon shape
- Go to Edit > Content-Aware Fill.
- Hit OK.
- Do the same for the other balloons.
- On any odd blurry spots, select the Spot Healing Brush.
- Paint over the odd spots with the Spot Healing Brush.
- Activate the Patch tool, underneath the Spot Healing Brush.
- Select the remaining odd areas.
- Slide the Patch tool around until the select area looks good.
Importing Into After Effects
- Save the file.
- Open AE
- Import the PSD
- Double click the file to go inside of it
This project is continued in our Animated Images PT 2 tutorial.