Course Description

n this course you will learn how to combine two amazing free programs to create smooth and flexible 2D game character animations!


Inkscape is a free and open-source Vector Illustration software.
With it you can create versatile, ready to use character designs in no time!
Draw anything, export in any size - Perfect for 2D game design!

There are several great courses published about Inkscape, but in this one you can learn how to create a character and make it ready to animate!

DragonBones is a free 2D Skeletal Animation program.
Import your character parts, create the bone system and animate! It is really this easy!

The standalone version just came out at the end of 2016, so this is the first full and comprehensive English course about DragonBones! There are only a very few DragonBones tutorial online, if you want to learn the software, this is a good place to start!

During this game animation course you will

  • design a simple knight character in Inkscape (feel free to design your very own character using the same method!)
  • export the character properly to be used with DragonBones
  • assemble the character and build up the skeletal structure
  • create and use meshes to animate soft bodies, like cape and hair
  • create four basic animations for the same character: idle, walk, attack, die (more will be added later!)
  • easily modify your character to a totally new version, while keeping all the animations!

The course is mostly about DragonBones, so you will need some basic Inkscape knowledge to follow the design part at the start!

Follow the course and ask me anything as you develop your animations!

Designer and design teacher

István Szép

I'm a graphic designer, illustrator and design teacher for more than 10 years. I create clever logos and cute illustrations. I like to inspire, share my knowledge and make people think and laugh! I am constantly sharing knowledge about design and life as a freelancer. I teach online since 2013. Exploring new ways to create and sharing my knowledge is what I like the most - so don't be afraid to ask, I'm here to teach!

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Before we start

  • 2

    Design your character in Inkscape

  • 3

    Prepare for animation!

    • Exporting the knight design from Inkscape

    • Welcome to DragomBones!

    • Import and assemble your character in DragonBones
  • 4

    Animate your game character in DragonBones!

    • Create the bone system for your character

    • Using live video references - a key to reality and good spacing

    • Our very first animation!

    • Idle animation - moving while standing still

    • Create a mesh in DragonBones!

    • Animating more soft parts with mesh editing

    • Character walk cycle in DragonBones - Part 1: the first steps!

    • Character walk cycle in DragonBones - Part 2: Move your arms!

    • Character walk cycle in DragonBones - Part 3: animate flexible meshes

    • Character walk cycle in DragonBones - Part 4: walk with grace - animating the cape

    • Attack! - Attack move animation Part 1.

      FREE PREVIEW

    • Attack! - Attack move animation Part 2.

    • Dying animation sequence
  • 5

    Exporting your animation and creating modular characters

    • Export your animated sprites from DragonBones

    • The BEST trick: create modular characters with Inkscape and DragonBones