INSANELY Smooth pixel ATTACK Animation Tutorial

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll dive into the process of redesigning and reanimating a pixel art character, focusing on crafting a smooth attack animation. I'm Pen USB Mike, a pixel artist and animator with experience in games like "Doe Keeper" and "Shogun Showdown." Currently, I’m working on my solo project, "Bullet Bunny." This condensed tutorial provides a glimpse into my process, while full unedited versions are available on my Patreon and itch store links provided below.

Introduction to Character Redesign

The goal of this tutorial is to redesign the character sprite initially, followed by animating attack sequences. We'll start with a dark base color to establish a cool silhouette and maintain a similar stance to the previous design. We also plan to include key elements like a wire protruding from the back, which adds visual interest. A larger sword will replace the original for a more dynamic appearance.

Steps to Redesign the Sprite

1. Silhouette Creation: Begin by establishing a silhouette with a dark base color. Use symmetry tools as needed to ensure balance.

2. Refining the Stance: Modify the stance for a more aggressive posture and consider incorporating a single eye for character expression.

3. Outline Drawing: Sketch the outline of the cloak, continuing to refine pixel details until satisfied with the stance.

4. Key Features Integration: Ensure the wire is appropriately placed, potentially coming from the character's head for added flair.

5. Sword Adjustment: Make the sword larger and assess its placement in relation to the character, considering both in front and behind the figure.

Once you're happy with the redesigned sprite, you're ready to move onto the animation phase.

Key Animation Setup

For the attack animation, we will create key frames to represent different stages of the attack. The following actions outline the frames we will design:

1. Preparation Frame: Character gets low with the sword in hand, preparing for a slash.
2. First Slash Frame: After executing the slash, the character holds the sword forward in a battle stance.
3. Second Slash Preparation: The stance shifts closer to a more combat-ready position following the first slash.
4. Heavy Slam Frame: The character prepares for a heavier slam with the sword.

Utilizing an onion skinning tool will help visualize movement between frames, allowing for smoother transitions.

Animation Details

Next, we refine these key frames. Starting with slight head and body adjustments, we can gradually build movement into the cloak for a dynamic effect. After establishing the initial pose, the sequences of sword movements will be animated:

• Add Movement to the Sword: Shift positions for each frame, ensuring the sword feels heavy during slashes and follow-through.
• Cloak Dynamics: Allow the cloak to sway and respond to the character's movements, enhancing realism.

Visual Effects Incorporation

To finalize, we’ll introduce additional layers for visual effects:

1. Slash Effects: Animate a 'hard slash' visual that follows through the movement of the sword.
2. Aftermath Animation: Illustrate recoil or slow recovery after the attack, giving more depth to the action.

Finally, connect the frames into a cohesive animation that matches the intended speed and flow, ensuring the final product feels organic and fluid.

Conclusion

Upon completing these steps, we will have a visually appealing and smooth animation for our redesigned pixel character. Remember, animation often requires iterations, so don't hesitate to revisit earlier frames for adjustments. For anyone interested in deeper insights or additional tutorials, resources are available via Patreon and itch store links below.

Patreon: [Your Patreon Link]
Itch Store: [Your Itch Link]

Keywords

Pixel Art, Animation, Attack Sequence, Character Design, Smooth Animation, Sprite Redesign, Visual Effects.

FAQ

Q1: What software do you recommend for pixel animation?
A1: Popular choices among pixel artists include Aseprite, Piskel, and Photoshop for their ease of use and powerful animation features.

Q2: How can I make my animations smoother?
A2: Utilize onion skinning for better frame transitions and ensure consistent spacing between keyframes to create fluid motion.

Q3: What is the importance of silhouette in character design?
A3: A strong silhouette ensures that the character is recognizable and visually impactful, even without color or detail.

Q4: Can I use your tutorials for commercial projects?
A4: If you are a Patreon supporter, you may use the tutorials for commercial projects, but please abide by the specific licensing agreement.

Q5: How often do you release new tutorials?
A5: I typically release several new tutorials each month, covering various aspects of pixel art and animation.