Layer Parenting in Adobe Animate

 

Workflow with Parented Layer in Adobe Animate.

A Pause at the Shore

Today marks 30 days since I started this swimming journey — and with it, I’ve decided this will be my final daily post, at least for now. 

Right now, I’m at a stage where I can swim, though not perfectly. I can breathe, but still need to work on making it smoother. My strokes need refining too. But I’ve reached a point that feels settled — not stuck, just steady. 

It reminds me of the time I was struggling with breathing and then, one day, it just clicked. I believe this phase is similar — I may not be moving forward in big leaps, but I am still progressing quietly, trying out new things, and finding joy in the process. 

When I started this blog, I wanted to track how far I could go in a month. And now that the month is complete, I feel proud. This log helped me stay committed, reflective, and honest with myself. 

From here on, I’ll keep swimming — but I won’t write every day. I’ll return to update when there’s a big leap, a notable breakthrough, or maybe when I can finally say: 

“Yes, I can swim perfectly.” 

 Until then, this is where I pause.

The Synced Layer in Toonboom Harmony

 

Sync Layer in ToonBoom Harmony made lip-syncing easier and faster.

Back After the Rain

After a two-day break, I was back at the pool today, and I picked up right where I left off. There’s still progress happening, slowly but surely — especially in how I’m understanding the timing of my strokes and breathing. I’m trying to move smoothly and freely, and while I’m not quite there yet, I can feel the rhythm starting to settle in.

A few more ink and watercolour

Motion graphics animation in Adobe Animate

 

Hi all, welcome back to another Adobe Animate tutorial session. Today, I’m going to show you how to animate flat icons in Adobe Animate. 

I know After Effects is the most popular choice for this kind of work, but Adobe Animate is quite capable too. You can easily create animations for graphs, charts, pie charts, and similar visuals right here. This vector piece is the same one I used in my previous animation tutorial, so you could say this is an extended version of that. The whole process revolves around symbols — one of the most powerful features in Adobe Animate, in my opinion. In this tutorial, I’ll be animating symbol properties like scale, transparency, and tints. Use of masking, guide layers, and different types of tweening is also covered, making it a well-rounded real-time demo with everything shown step-by-step. I hope all beginners will find it helpful!

Rainy and low on energy

The rain returned today — and with it, a sense of sluggishness. I wasn’t feeling very energetic, just like yesterday. But I still showed up and got in the water. 

I'm still working on my strokes and especially the breathing — trying to time it right, trying to make it feel natural. It’s not there yet, and I know it won’t happen overnight. This journey is longer than I imagined. But then again, I’ve only just begun.

The Magic of Floating

Some days, things just don’t sync up — the timing feels off, the body’s tired, the mind’s not fully in it. Today was one of those days. 

But then came the back float. It’s honestly amazing how something so simple can bring me back to myself. The back float isn’t about effort — it’s about trust and relaxation. It reminds me that I don’t have to fight the water — I can rest on it. 

When everything else feels a bit messy, this one skill resets me. And today, it did just that. I let go, floated, breathed, and came back with calm.

From Freepik to Adobe Animate

 

I grabbed this vector from Freepik.com and thought of showing an easy way to do character animation in Adobe Animate.

Chasing Smoothness

Today felt like a repetition of the recent days — but with purpose. 

I’m trying to get everything just right: the breathing, the stroke, the kick, the rhythm. It’s not there yet, but every attempt brings more awareness. I kept my strength, stayed patient, and focused on finding that smooth, effortless glide I’ve been chasing. 

It’s not flashy progress, but it’s honest work. And that’s how real skill is built.

Ink and Watercolor

A simple, quick sketch I did yesterday—thought I’d share my coloring process. This is my first time doing it this way, so I’m not really sure how it’ll turn out. But every step is part of the learning process, and mistakes are always part of it too. 

I usually stick to just one brush for painting—mostly a larger one. I like how it covers big areas easily. Even when tiny details are needed, a bigger brush keeps everything loose and free. So, a loose sketch and a loose wash—it keeps things quick and spontaneous.

One More Lap, One Step Closer

Today I added one more lap to my count—now it's five. 

It may seem small from the outside, but to me, it's a big sign: I’m moving forward. I'm still learning, still refining, still trying to get things just right. There's plenty of room for polishing, but I'm seeing results — and feeling the confidence build, bit by bit.

Sellers

Adobe Animate walk cycle tutorial using Flexi Bone and Envelope Deformer

 

An Adobe Animate tutorial to create a stylized walk cycle using Flexi Bone and the Envelope Deformer in Adobe Animate. 

One of the best things about Adobe Animate is that it allows the use of both the bone tool and the envelope deformer simultaneously on a single mesh, giving a lot of flexibility in animation.

A Tired Body, A Floating Spirit

Last night was incredibly difficult — we spent it at the hospital after my wife’s father was admitted due to complications. We only got home around 3:45 a.m., and I barely slept at all. 

Naturally, I wasn’t at my best today. I was drained, both mentally and physically. Swimming under those conditions? Far from ideal. But I still showed up. That alone feels like a small victory. 

I didn’t perform like usual — and that’s okay. What mattered today was that I tried. I did manage something that made me proud: I practiced back floating, and for the first time, I felt like I could float confidently and calmly for as long as needed.

Push and Pull, Street Photography at Kumartuli 2024

Streets during the puja 2024, shot with Vivo z1 Pro.

The Flower Market

Four Laps and a Full Heart

Out of six tries today, I managed to complete four laps — and I’m feeling genuinely happy. 

There was a time not long ago when the breathing issue felt like an unmovable wall. Everything had paused because of it. But now? I’ve crossed that wall. I’m not saying it’s perfect — it still needs polishing — but the hard part, the breakthrough, has happened. 

And it feels amazing to see that progress isn’t just a hope anymore — it’s real, and it’s happening.

Breathing Room

After taking a break yesterday due to heavy rain, I returned to the pool today, and something just clicked. 

For the first time, I felt like I truly got the breathing right. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked. I could swim without panicking, without holding my breath too long, and without breaking my rhythm. That one missing piece finally felt like it was starting to fall into place. I swam three laps—a big jump from the one lap I managed before. Not just more distance, but better form, better flow, and better feeling. 

I think I’ve found the right direction. Now it’s time to polish, refine, and keep practicing.

Street Shop, loose style ink and watercolour

Blurred

Gangtok, 2024.

One Lap, One Win

Today, something big happened — I managed to complete one full lap without stopping. 

It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t smooth. It felt like a constant effort to hold everything together — kicks, strokes, breathing — and the synchronization just didn’t flow. But I did it. I reached the other side. On my own. 

Even with the struggle, that one lap means everything. Because I’m not just trying anymore — I’m doing it. And I believe I’ll get better by doing it my way, through practice, persistence, and patience.

Street Gossip

Kalimpong, 2023.

Lessons from the Screen, Practice in the Pool

Another day, another gentle step forward. 

I’m still learning mostly from YouTube, picking up tips, techniques, and little insights I try to apply in the water. Some things make sense right away; others take time to understand — and even longer to feel natural in motion. 

But I’m okay with that. The progress is slow, but it’s real. Every practice adds something new, even if it’s small.

Gangani, Grand Canyon of Bengal

Minimalist approach with Primary color pallet

Houses in North Bengal

Inked Impressions: A Day with Urban Sketchers Kolkata

Today's sketches with the Urban Sketchers group in Kolkata. I decided to keep it simple, using only ink and a brush pen.

Floating Toward the Goal

Day 19—a quiet one, just like yesterday. Still working, still showing up, still enjoying the journey. 

Today I added a new little challenge: trying to float on my back. It’s not easy, it feels like giving up control and trusting the water completely. But even trying it made me feel braver. 

Swimming properly is still the target, and I haven’t lost sight of it. No rush. No pressure. Just slow and steady progress.

Street Life

Still Swimming, Still Smiling

Not much new to report today—except the most important thing: I’m still enjoying this. 

Swimming properly is the goal. I know I’m not there yet. Maybe I’m far. Maybe it’s slow. But it doesn’t matter. 

I’m showing up. I’m learning. And one day, I will get there.

Progress isn’t always in distance or speed — sometimes, it’s in clarity

Today I realized something important: I need to go back to the basics — especially when it comes to breathing. 

I’ve been trying to push forward, combining strokes, paddling, and movement, but without a solid grip on how to breathe properly, I keep hitting the same wall. It’s time to stop forcing progress and start reinforcing the foundation. 

Maybe I need to slow down, focus on just breathing drills, float practice, and timing — the very things I skipped over or rushed through in the beginning. 

It’s not a step back. It’s a step wiser.

Rainy and a little uninviting

Missed yesterday’s swim due to the rain — and today, the sky was still grey. I did go, but the water didn’t feel as warm or welcoming as it usually does. Maybe that’s why I didn’t enjoy today as much. 

Still, I tried something new. I swam without breathing, just to see how far I could go on one breath. Surprisingly, it worked — I managed to travel farther from my starting point than before. It’s not a long-term solution, of course, but it gave me a small sense of progress. 

I know I still need to figure out the breathing. That’s the real wall I need to get past. But for now, I’m trying to find my own way through it, one small experiment at a time.

Musician

The Street Corner, 2024

Knowing vs. Doing

Still in the same stage — stuck at the breathing part. 

I’ve been watching so many YouTube videos, absorbing every tip and trick I can. On screen, it all seems simple. In my mind, it makes perfect sense. But the moment I dive into the water, that knowledge just… doesn’t click. The timing’s off. The breath doesn’t come. The stroke breaks down. 

I know what I’m supposed to do — but not quite how to make it happen in motion. And that’s frustrating. 

Swimming without a trainer definitely makes this a longer journey. There’s no real-time feedback, just trial and error. But I’m still showing up. I’m still trying. And I still believe I’ll figure it out.

Even when progress feels invisible, I know it’s happening. Quietly. Slowly. Below the surface.

Back on the Streets with a Sketchbook

After a couple of months, I finally joined a sketch meet today — and it felt great to be back. There’s something special about standing on the street, sketching from life, surrounded by the energy of the city. 

I did three quick sketches in a short time. Nothing fancy, just loose, spontaneous lines — and a lot of joy. It was refreshing, grounding, and reminded me how much I enjoy this practice.

The Breathing Barrier

Today felt a lot like yesterday. I continued practicing strokes and paddling, but it’s clear what I need to focus on next—breathing. 

Until I get the breathing right, I know I won’t be able to move smoothly or go much further. It’s the missing piece of the puzzle. And while it’s tricky, I’m not discouraged. I’ve come this far by learning one step at a time, and this is just the next challenge.

I’ll get there. Slowly. Patiently. Breath by breath.

Learning to Swim, One Stroke at a Time

Another day in the water, and another step forward. 

I’ve started adding hand strokes into my practice now. It’s still far from perfect—sometimes a little uncoordinated, sometimes unsure—but it’s progress. I also know I need to work on my breathing technique, which still feels like the trickiest part. But that’s okay. 

Every day I’m learning something new. It may be slow, but it’s steady. And most importantly, I haven’t lost that sense of joy and hope that keeps me coming back.

Not perfect — just improving. And that’s more than enough.

Twice the Distance, Twice the Pride

Today was all about endurance, and I can feel myself getting stronger. 

Yesterday, I managed two rounds in the deeper part of the pool with the kickboard. Today? I did four. That’s double! It wasn’t easy, but it felt amazing to push myself and see it actually paying off. My legs are getting more used to the rhythm, my breathing is more in control, and my confidence continues to grow — quietly but surely.

Little by little, I’m becoming the swimmer I imagined — and I’m enjoying every stroke of the way.

The Blind Faith

Jumping Boys, Purulia

Into the Deep

Today felt a lot like yesterday — steady progress, more confidence, and a growing sense of comfort in the water. 

But there was one exciting difference: I went to the deeper part of the pool using the kickboard. Not only that — I managed to do nearly two full rounds! It felt like a big step, and honestly, it brought a quiet kind of joy. 

I'm still working on technique, still far from perfect, but moments like this remind me how far I’ve come.

Confidence in Progress

Another day in the water—and I can feel the difference.

Today, I practiced combining hand movements with paddling in my own way. It wasn’t perfect, and I know there’s still a lot to improve. But I did it. And more importantly, I felt confident while doing it. 

That confidence—even more than the technique—is what satisfies me most right now. I’m not afraid, I’m not stuck, and I’m not giving up. I’m learning, growing, and becoming more sure of myself every time I show up.