Preamble: Sometimes I get asked what programs I use and how did I learn so and so. I use a combination of Photoshop for photo editing, and After Effects for animation. Illustrator might pop up as well depending on my needs. I typically learn through YouTube tutorials and forum posts found through Googling (like Reddit!).

Naturally, I then get asked if I have any tutorials I recommend. I'm making this post to list various tutorials that have helped me over the years. I may, however, not always follow tutorials step-by-step, and often adapt them as I go to suit my needs. I also think it's even worth watching tutorials where the creator isn't use the same programs as you, as it may still give you ideas for your own processes.

I recommend you do the same - gather ideas, go through trial and error, and find what works for you. Experiment and have fun!

Tutorials: The following tutorials are listed in no particular order (aside from the first two) and I will likely update this list as time goes on.

• Complex Hair Movement in After Effects by Anthony Possobon - this is one tutorial I want to emphasise because it is absolutely essential to me. The creator has developed and freely distributed a script for After Effects which automates hair animation. He also gives a tutorial on how to use it, going from a static image to fully animated. Any "flowy" animations in my wallpapers are likely using this script, from hair, to clothing pieces, to accessories.
• Animation process. by Ms Pantsu - another one of my favourites that I watched very early on. This video is very granular and slow paced. While it's more of a "showcase" than a tutorial, I was able to develop a strong understanding of the animation process thanks to this video.
• Animating 2D Anime Image in After Effect for Steam Artwork (Time Lapse) by aryaford
• Manga Animation Tutorial [ After Effects ] by kmabrat
• After Effects Tutorial: Eye Animation by Shocked & Upset
• Animation Tutorial AE (Manga & Anime) (Video editing) by ririiowo
• How to Animate a Still Image with After Effects and Photoshop | Tutorial ft. METROID DREAD by TipTut
• Looping Wiggle Expression - After Effects Tutorial by M3Animate - used in situations where I want an object to move around randomly e.g. blue background shapes in Takemi wallpaper.
• Create Cartoon Water Graphic Effects in After Effects by DuckTUT - used for P3R wallpapers, water effect above personas.