Morphing Loops: Animate the Transformation

Transform One Object into Another with Animation

Created byGiulia Martinelli

Last updated 4/2025

English

What you'll learn

Basics of animation
How to design for animation
How to animate a morphing loop
How to export and use a morphing loop

Course content

1 section • 8 lectures • 48m total length

Introduction2:58
Learning about Morphing in Animation, and the objectives of this class.
Get the resources and material for this course.
Basics and Terminology3:32
Learning the terminology we will use in this class
Warm-Up Exercise9:04
During this lecture we will do some warm-up exercises to start experimenting with (easy) morphing effects.
Design9:07
We will design our first and last pose of the morphing: here we talk about colors, shapes, and interesting transformations.
Plan the Movement7:36
Let's think what kind of transition we want to animate: how is frame A turning into frame B?
Animation10:04
Let's Animate!
Final Touches3:56
Adding some extra details to make the morphing loop even nicer
Wrapping Up2:18
Finishing up the animation: export and use.

Requirements

Ideally an animation software, but also pen and paper would work. No animation skills required, but drawing basic skills are definitely a plus.

Description

A 50 minutes class by animation director Giulia Martinelli, to make an animated morphing that loops.

If you always wanted to learn how to animate quick morphing loops, and smoothly transition from one image to another one, this class is for you!

In this class you will learn:

Some basics of 2D hand-drawn animation

How to develop and design your initial and final image of the morphing (A & B)

What to consider when choosing a color palette for your morphing animation

How to plan the transition from your image A to your image B

How to make the animation loop, and move smoothly

Final touches and exporting

How to use your animation and push it further

About the tools:

You can follow the class if you have access to an animation software, but also pen and paper could be enough, for a very traditional approach.

For the animation section, I will be using Animate CC, but the software is just a tool and not the focus of our class.

You can use Procreate, Photoshop, ToonBoom, TVPaint...or some sheets of paper and a light table, to follow the class and understand the basics of morphing.

Is this class for me?

Yes. I designed this class so that can be approachable at any level.

Whether you just started to understand how animation works, or you are already in the field, you will be able to follow along and complete your project.

I offer different levels of difficulty when approaching the project and making choices so that you can challenge yourself just enough to learn a new skill.

Useful resources I am sharing with you:

Warm-up worksheets

Minimal color palettes to make your exercise easier

Slides and Recap of what we have learned

Time-Lapse videos of my process

Who this course is for:

Beginners and Intermediate students, with interest in drawing and animation