Procreate Dreams: Creative Animation Adventures for Young Artists

WHAT IS ANIMATION?
The biggest use for animation is for entertainment. It is used on TV, on phones, on computers and all over the internet. It can be used for gaming, creating art, story telling, You Tube videos, short cut scenes, educational content - the list goes on!!!  In today's digital world, chances are, there is something animated that your learner enjoys watching or doing. In this class, we learn how to do it and lay down the foundational skills for your learner to create what they enjoy watching. 

Animation really fun field once you get the hang of it, and we'll take things step-by-step to learn all the different techniques and tools we can use to become master animators to pursue our own interests and goals.

WHAT IS THE CLASS LIKE?
Each week, we'll incorporate one or two new techniques as we build our animated characters and scenes, letting students absorb them at a good pace until they have an impressive array of skills they can use to bring their ideas to life outside of class as well.

Some of the skills and tools we'll be covering:
-Using the new Flipbook feature
-Frame rate manipulation
-Real-time movement editing
-Character rigging
-Cycles for running, walking, and flying
-Timing for changing speeds, building anticipation, and exaggeration
-Storyboarding

Each class is intended to operate as a stand alone project and learning goal. However, as the steps of animation can take time, especially for someone new to the process, we may extend some projects beyond the one week. In these instances, it is important to check the class recordings and if you are just joining, to touch base with me in advance so I can get you or your learner up to speed.

This weekly format is both teacher and student led. This means that while I structure each class week by week to best tailor the class to the group's development points, I am very much guided by student interests and the direction of the group. I want to keep the content relevant and engaging for your learner to take away what they need to create their own personal projects. 

We'll be conducting class on the Procreate Dreams app, which can be purchased on the App store for $19.99. Procreate Dreams is currently only available on iOS devices. There are many other free drawing Apps and animation tools that are available on the internet and it is possible for learners to be using these. The 2D technique elements are able to be taught across different Apps. However, there are specific Procreate tools that we will be using and thus, there would be some difficulties using a different App or Program for these purposes.  I would strongly recommend getting the Procreate Dreams App, it is worth the investment! 

For learners who use Android (not IOS) or for learners who do not wish to purchase Procreate Dreams, I do offer another animation class using Flip A Clip. You can find the class here:

https://outschool.com/classes/animation-academy-intro-to-flip-a-clip-jfVlKQEx?sectionUid=cb1d3722-61f6-4459-b358-5353103ed145&showDetails=true


SAMPLE CURRICULUM
A sample of the initial few weeks (please note that the class is tailored to student/group interests as it is meant to support their personal interests and projects, thus is subject to change)

Week of 3/1: Squishing and stretching shapes on multiple timelines
Week of 3/8: Creating a lively walking or running cycle animation
Week of 3/15: Animating facial expressions and head movement
Week of 3/22: Creating a flight cycle for a bird or dragon with flaps and glides
Week of 2/29: Blocking out and animating a two-person fight or dance scene with camera movement


EXPECTATIONS FOR CLASS
The Procreate Dreams app should be installed and ready to go before the learner joins class. I'd also recommend installing it early enough for your learner to be able to play around with it for a day or two beforehand. Please know that I cannot delve into detailed troubleshooting during class as I need to be engaging the group and provide the learning content. For this reason, I recommend trying the App ahead of time and contacting me a few days beforehand if you run into any issues. Alternatively, if you run into issues during class and we cannot quickly resolve it, we can work offline together to make sure it is fixed. 

This class is a meant to provide relevant and exciting content to engage students and interactions between them and myself. This is not a "lecture" style class. It is meant to be social and open to asking questions as they arise during the course of class, with a free flow of conversation, though we do ask that students mute themselves when not talking in order to avoid background noise. Within this age group, it is so important to keep the content fun, exciting and dynamic - it is through this, that learners develop a real passion for art and strive to get better. 

We aim this class at a beginner-to-intermediate level but there can be a learning curve for fresh beginners. Be patient with yourself if you are brand new to Procreate Dreams! Learners will be surprised how quickly they pick things up within a few lessons and anyone that needs help is encouraged to ask questions.  All classes are recorded to ensure that learners can revisit any materials that give them more difficulty or if they miss something. I aim to always finish a project in class just to ensure everyone has access to the final steps even if sometimes, they may not have time to complete it all. Sometimes, the finishing touches to the project are not meant to be completed in class, it is for learners to work on during the week and share (optional) to the class next week.

Lastly, have fun! Bring ideas and collaborate so we can get the best experience possible!