Guide to Creating Animations Similar to

Your Example
Introduction
This guide will help you understand how to create animations with a style similar to
the video you provided, focusing on techniques that do not require advanced video
generation software. The video you shared features a minimalist animation style,
primarily relying on static or subtly animated backgrounds, text overlays, simple
character movements, and recurring visual motifs.

Understanding the Animation Style

The animation in your example video appears to be a combination of:
Static or Subtly Animated Backgrounds: The backgrounds are often simple
illustrations or images with minimal movement, serving as a backdrop for the
main content.
Text Overlays: Text plays a crucial role, appearing and disappearing with simple
transitions like fades or slides. This is a key element for conveying messages.
Simple Character Animations or Morphing Shapes: While not highly complex,
there are instances of basic character movements or abstract shapes that change
over time.
Recurring Visual Motifs: A specific visual element (the mask) is used consistently
throughout the video, appearing in different contexts to reinforce a theme.
This style emphasizes clarity and direct communication, making it achievable with
readily available tools and techniques.
Tools and Techniques for Creating Similar Animations
Given the characteristics of the animation, here are some tools and techniques you can
use:
1. Presentation Software (e.g., Google Slides, PowerPoint, Canva,
Powtoon)
These tools are surprisingly capable for creating simple animations, especially with
text overlays and static backgrounds.
Text Animations: Most presentation software offers a variety of text animation
effects (fade in, fly in, wipe, etc.) that can be applied to individual text boxes. You
can control the timing and duration of these animations.
Image and Shape Animations: You can animate images and shapes to move,
appear, or disappear. This can be used for subtle background movements or
simple character animations.
Slide Transitions: While not animation within a slide, creative use of slide
transitions can simulate movement between different scenes or ideas.
Export to Video/GIF: Many modern presentation tools allow you to export your
presentation as a video or GIF, which can then be shared.
2. Online Animation Makers (e.g., Animaker, Powtoon, Canva)
These web-based platforms are designed for creating animated videos with drag-and-
drop interfaces. They often come with libraries of pre-animated characters, objects,
and templates.
Pre-animated Assets: Utilize their libraries of characters and objects that already
have built-in animations. This significantly reduces the effort required for
character animation.
Scene-based Animation: You typically build scenes, and then animate elements
within those scenes. This is good for the sequential, narrative style seen in your
example.
Text and Effects: They offer robust text animation options and various visual
effects to enhance your animations.
3. Image Editing Software (e.g., GIMP, Krita, Adobe Photoshop)
For creating the static or subtly animated background images and individual frames,
image editing software is essential.
Layer-based Editing: Create different elements on separate layers, which allows
for easier manipulation and animation later.
Frame-by-Frame Animation (Basic): Some image editors allow for basic frame-
by-frame animation by creating multiple layers or frames and exporting them as
a GIF.
4. Open-Source Animation Software (e.g., OpenToonz, Pencil2D,
Blender (for 2D animation))
If you want more control and are willing to learn more complex software, these tools
offer greater flexibility.
OpenToonz/Pencil2D: These are dedicated 2D animation software that allow for
traditional frame-by-frame animation, which can be used to create the simple
character movements or morphing shapes.
Blender (2D Animation): While primarily a 3D software, Blender has powerful 2D
animation capabilities (Grease Pencil) that can be used for more advanced hand-
drawn animation.
5. CSS Animations (for web-based animations)
If your animation is intended for a website, CSS animations offer a lightweight and
efficient way to create effects.
Text Effects: CSS can be used to create sophisticated text animations, including
fades, slides, and more complex transformations.
Element Transitions: Animate the properties of any HTML element, making it
suitable for animating static images or shapes.
How to Recreate Elements from Your Example Video
1. Text Overlays with Simple Animations
This is perhaps the easiest element to recreate using presentation software or online
animation makers.
In Presentation Software:
1. Create a new slide with your desired background (static image or solid
color).
2. Insert a text box and type your message.
3. Go to the 'Animations' tab (or equivalent) and select an entrance effect like
'Fade In' or 'Fly In'.
4. Adjust the duration and delay of the animation. You can also add an exit
animation (e.g., 'Fade Out') for when the text should disappear.
5. For sequential text, create multiple text boxes and set their animations to
play 'After Previous'.
In Online Animation Makers:
1. Most platforms have dedicated text tools. Add text to your scene.
2. Look for animation options associated with the text element. These often
include presets for entrance and exit animations.
3. Adjust timing on the timeline to control when the text appears and
disappears.
2. Static or Subtly Animated Backgrounds
Static Backgrounds: Simply use a high-resolution image or a solid color as your
slide/scene background. You can create these images in any image editing
software.
Subtle Animations (e.g., the mask motif):
In Presentation Software: You can have a small image (like the mask)
appear, move slightly, and then disappear. Use 'Motion Paths' for precise
movement or simple 'Fade In/Out' effects.
 In Image Editing Software (for GIF): Create a series of slightly different
images where the background element moves incrementally. Export these
as an animated GIF. This GIF can then be imported into presentation
software or online animation makers.
3. Simple Character Animations or Morphing Shapes
This is where dedicated animation software or online animation makers become more
useful.
Online Animation Makers: These often have libraries of characters with pre-set
actions (walking, talking, gesturing). You can drag and drop these characters and
sequence their actions on a timeline.
Open-Source 2D Animation Software (e.g., OpenToonz, Pencil2D):
1. Draw your character or shape on one frame.
2. Create a new frame and draw the character/shape in a slightly different
pose or form (this is called
'onion skinning' can help you see previous frames for smooth transitions). 3. Repeat
until you have the desired animation sequence. 4. Export as an image sequence or GIF.
4. Combining Elements
The key to achieving the style of your example is to combine these elements
effectively:
Layering: Place text overlays on top of your background images. Ensure text is
readable against the background.
Timing: Synchronize the appearance and disappearance of text with any subtle
background animations or character movements. The timing should feel natural
and not rushed.
Simplicity: Avoid over-animating. The power of the example video lies in its
simplicity and directness. Each animation should serve a purpose.
Conclusion
While direct video generation might be unavailable, you can still create compelling
animations similar to your example using readily accessible tools. Focus on clear
messaging, simple transitions, and thoughtful use of visual elements. Experiment with
presentation software, online animation makers, and even basic image editing
techniques to bring your ideas to life.