Lecture Notes: Creating Animated Videos with Canva

Introduction

• Purpose: Guide on making animated videos using Canva and other tools.
• Main Topics:
  • Creating animated characters without Canva elements.
  • Designing animated backgrounds.
  • Converting text to audio.
  • Adding final touches for enhanced visuals.

Creating Animated Characters

• Tool: Leonardo AI

  • Visit the Image Creation section.
  • Use a text box for prompts.
  • Tips for generating a good image: Use ChatGPT for prompt assistance.
  • Download and use generated character images.

• Process in Canva:

  • Upload character images to Canva.
  • Use the background eraser for image clean-up.
  • Duplicate scenes for talking and non-talking sequences.
  • Create mouth movement using green screen videos.
  • Adjust mouth positioning and group elements together.

Designing Animated Backgrounds

• Using Canva for image generation:

  • Access Magic Media and use text boxes for prompts.
  • Utilize ChatGPT for detailed prompts.
  • Select styles (e.g., cinematic, watercolor) and aspect ratios.

• Manual Background Creation:

  • Set background color.
  • Use relevant elements (e.g., sea-themed items like bubbles, seaweed).
  • Explore similar element options for variety.

Converting Text to Audio

• Tool: El Labs

  • Use Text-to-Speech feature.
  • Select voice types (narrator, actor) from the voice library.
  • Generate and download audio for different characters.

• Integrating Audio in Canva:

  • Upload audio files.
  • Synchronize audio and video.

Final Touches for Enhanced Visuals

• Adding Sound Effects and Music:

  • Search for sound effects in Canva (e.g., waves, birds).
  • Adjust volume levels.

• Enhancing Animation:

  • Add more characters and elements to scenes.
  • Use the animation feature for movements (e.g., bird flight paths).
  • Select transitions and set durations.

• Color Adjustments and Additional Elements:

  • Modify colors as needed.
  • Incorporate additional elements (e.g., crabs) with animations.

Conclusion

• Tutorial Outcome:
  • Animated video featuring ocean exploration.
  • Showcases sea creatures and their unique traits.
  • Engages viewers in an adventure narrative.

Example Narrative

• Characters and Dialogue:
  • Agnes explores the ocean.
  • Highlights on creatures like sea turtles, dolphins, starfish, seahorses, octopus, and jellyfish.
  • Educational insights on animal behavior and characteristics.