Where To Start?

I want to be comfortable with a program that will allow me to digitally manipulate images, draw, and possibly animate. 

I’m pretty illiterate when it comes to using digital design programs. So to begin this learning process I need to begin with some really foundational research.

I started by asking:

• What beginner-friendly programs exist. 
• What do they offer?
• Will it align with the technology I currently have access to?
• What is the cost involved?

Because I’m kinda keen to learn some basic animation, I began my research with beginner-friendly Animation Apps.

After some googling and skimming a few YouTube videos, this video on Brad Colbow’s youtube channel helped direct me. 

It offered a really clear breakdown of what FREE apps work best to replace Adobe Animate, based on these criteria: ability to draw directly in the program, ability to import sound to do voice overs and sound effects, symbol library, and a timeline that allows tweening. I liked these criteria and like now straightforward this video review was.

However, what I took away from this video was that Adobe Animate is a tried and true application that does all of these things AND is a familiar program that is often used by organizations and businesses. As part of the Adobe family – this felt like a safe bet….If I’m going to learn a program, it makes sense to choose one that I might come across within future workplace & education sites. 

Next task…. 

I need to learn a bit about Adobe (because while I’ve heard of it and my pdfs open up in Adobe Acrobat Reader….thats about ALL I know!

Searching Adobe, I quickly realized that I have in fact used photoshop before. Back in 2004, I was given a few key tips on how to scan a transparency/ photo slide (old school – pre digital photography styles). From what I remember, I was scanning, cropping, and adjusting the resolution. This was around the time that arts councils and granting bodies were beginning to accept digital images instead of submitting ACTUAL sheets of transparencies with an application. 

Anyways – the point is, my exposure to Adobe suites is pretty archaic and was limited to digital image sizing. So, I went back to Brad to get his breakdown on the difference between Illustrator and Photoshop to help me understand which of these might offer the program capacity that I’m searching for. 

I really like Brad’s videos because he clearly breaks things down right from the start of the video. You don’t need to listen to him talk for 5 minutes to find out where things are going. The videos are fast paced, animated (and engaging), and quickly identify what he’ll be reviewing and how. Also, he mentioned in an earlier video that he Does Not have an education in design and animation. Being self taught, he brings an awareness of the questions and frustrations he had as a learner and incorporates that experience into his approach to teaching.

My next step is take what I’ve learned, get myself set up with the software I’m going to start out with…and start learning!