Description
In this video, we explore how Photoshop can be used as a surprisingly powerful tool for creating 2D animation loops. While it’s not a traditional animation app, its flexibility, warp tools, and timeline features make it a creative playground for stylized motion.
We’ll walk through the full process of animating a skating character loop — from rough armature sketch to polished final frames. Along the way, you’ll learn how to structure your animation using four key frames, apply squash and stretch with Photoshop’s warp tool, and organize your timeline for smooth workflow management.
✨ What you’ll learn:
How to design characters for clear motion (bold shapes, separated elements)
Building an animation structure with key poses
Using squash and stretch without excessive redrawing
Setting up a 12fps timeline for hand-drawn animation
Simulating onion skinning using layer opacity
Adding inbetweens and smear frames for smoother motion
Creating convincing secondary animation (hair, clothing)
Maintaining mass and consistency during fast movement
Polishing with stroke effects, shadows, and highlights
By the end, you’ll have a clean, looping animation — and a new perspective on what Photoshop can do beyond static design.
Whether you're experimenting with motion for the first time or looking for a lightweight animation workflow, this tutorial shows how far you can push Photoshop with the right approach.
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00:00 Introduction and initial setup
01:07 Developing the motion and workflow
29:20 Refinement and secondary animation
56:50 The finished animation revealed
57:06 Adding a polished background
CREDITS
Video Creator: Morgan Howell
Producer: Joel Bankhead
Video Editor: Farid Montaño Garduño
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