Animations

After years of frustration with desktop animation software—steep learning curves, clunky interfaces, and mouse-only input—I finally found a tool that works for me.

Looom, created by Iorama, is an iPad animation app that gives me the freedom to make hand-drawn, frame-by-frame GIFs with just an Apple Pencil. No iMac required.

Recent experiments:

• Tortured Scrolls (2025)

• Moving Words (2025)

On November 11, 2024, I asked ChatGPT: “what process called creating animation on 16mm film with scratching?”
ChatGPT replied: “Direct animation, scratch animation, or direct film animation.”

I had encountered this technique in a Film History course at the San Francisco Art Institute. Examples: Blinkity Blank 1955, and Dots (1940) by Norman McLaren, and Scratch Pad, (1960) by Hy Hirsh.

I then asked, “any modern apps mimic this technique”
ChatGPT recommended Looom (iPad), describing its interface as ideal for experimental, lo-fi animation styles, encouraging freeform, frame-by-frame animation with an organic, scratchy aesthetic.

Exactly what I was looking for. The interface is so simple. After watching a video tutorial on YouTube, I was off and running.