Animated Pixel Art Instructable Birthday

For this instructable, I will be using a program called Asperite. This is a well-known pixel art and animation program. It does cost $19.99 USD; however, there are many free alternatives available if you are interested (As seen below). Even if you want to make a non-pixel art animation, flip-book, etc, this guide could still work for you.

Supplies

For this project, you will need:

• A computer or Tablet (Has to run an animation software)

• Animation software (https://www.aseprite.org/)

•An electronic drawing pad if you use a Computer (Optional)

After you have all of these things, you can move on to step 1.

I recommend at least skimming through all of the steps before you start.

Step 1: Creating Your Canvas

(Not all of these steps are the same for all programs)

-First, Open Aseprite. After you open the program, click "File" then "New"

-Create a canvas size of your choice, I suggest 150x100.

-Click "OK"

Step 2: Concepts

This is where you figure out what you are actually planning to design. In my case, I am going to make the Instructables robot with some cake and presents. Your design can be slightly different from mine or even completely different. The only limit is your imagination.

Step 3: Blocking Out Your Design

Blocking out a design with basic shapes is a good way to get the proportions and different objects where you want before doing more detailed work. Don't feel pressured to make things look perfect; this is just essentially a rough sketch.

Tip: Hovering over the different tools on the left sidebar lets you see their corresponding shortcut.

Step 4: Shaping

This is where you change the basic shapes into a picture with the help of a few details. At the end of this step, you should be able to tell what your design is supposed to be.

Step 5: Coloring

Color is important in art; it can decide the whole vibe of your work. Think about how you want your progect to look before selecting the right colors.

Step 6: Make It Your Own

Add a little extra detail to spice up your canvas!

Step 7: Shading

Shading is important if you want your art to have depth. To do this we will be using darker and lighter shades of color to unflatten the art.

Step 8: Animating

Next up is the animation, which is when you get to decide what parts of your art will move!

Tips: If you use the "Frame" and "Layer" tools on the top bar, you can create new frames and layers.

Step 9: Saving and Exporting

Saving: important when you don't want to lose progress and when your project is complete

Exporting: A way of downloading your project so you can post it to places like this website or social media.

Step 10: Conclusion

Now you can marvel at your masterpiece! I hope this guide was fun and easy to follow. If you have any suggestions, comments, or want me to check out your animation, leave a comment! I'm eager to see all your amazing creations. Aseprite's website has plenty of resources if you get stuck somewhere or don't know how to do something. If you need a suggestion for a pixel art website that works with your specific needs, you can always leave a comment. Other animators, artists, or I could always lend a hand! Happy 20th Birthday, Instructables!