How can you create a consistent visual style across animations?

1 Define your style

The first step is to define your style and what makes it unique. You can start by researching and collecting examples of animations that inspire you, and analyze what elements they have in common. You can also think about your own preferences, strengths, and goals as an animator. What kind of stories do you want to tell? What emotions do you want to evoke? What techniques do you want to master? Write down some keywords or phrases that describe your style, and use them as a guide for your next steps.

2 Choose your palette

The next step is to choose your palette, or the range of colors that you will use in your animations. Color is one of the most important aspects of visual style, as it can convey mood, atmosphere, contrast, and harmony. You can use tools like Adobe Color or Coolors to create and save color schemes that match your style. You can also use color theory principles, such as complementary, analogous, or triadic colors, to create balance and variety. Try to limit your palette to a few main colors and some accents, and use them consistently throughout your animations.

3 Design your shapes

The third step is to design your shapes, or the basic forms that you will use to create your characters, objects, and backgrounds. Shapes can communicate personality, attitude, and movement, as well as create visual interest and rhythm. You can use tools like Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer to create and edit vector shapes that are easy to animate. You can also use shape theory principles, such as circles, squares, or triangles, to create associations and emotions. For example, circles can suggest softness, friendliness, or fluidity, while squares can suggest stability, solidity, or rigidity. Try to use shapes that match your style and your palette, and use them consistently throughout your animations.

4 Animate your movement

The fourth step is to animate your movement, or the way that your shapes change and interact over time. Movement is the essence of animation, and it can create dynamism, realism, and expression. You can use tools like Adobe After Effects or Blender to animate your shapes using keyframes, curves, and modifiers. You can also use animation principles, such as timing, easing, squash and stretch, or anticipation, to create natural and appealing motion. Try to use movement that matches your style and your shapes, and use it consistently throughout your animations.

5 Adjust your lighting

The fifth step is to adjust your lighting, or the way that your shapes are affected by light and shadow. Lighting can create depth, texture, and mood, as well as highlight or hide details. You can use tools like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate to add and edit lighting effects, such as gradients, glows, or shadows. You can also use lighting techniques, such as ambient, directional, or spot lighting, to create different types of illumination. Try to use lighting that matches your style and your palette, and use it consistently throughout your animations.

6 Select your typography

The final step is to select your typography, or the fonts and text that you will use in your animations. Typography can convey information, personality, and style, as well as create visual harmony and contrast. You can use tools like Adobe Fonts or Google Fonts to find and download fonts that suit your style. You can also use typography principles, such as size, alignment, spacing, or hierarchy, to create readability and balance. Try to use typography that matches your style and your palette, and use it consistently throughout your animations.

By following these steps, you can create a consistent visual style across animations that showcases your skills and creativity. A consistent visual style can help you stand out from the crowd, attract more clients or employers, and build a strong portfolio. Remember to experiment, refine, and have fun with your animations, and let your style shine through.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?