January 31, 2025 | Written By: Jeremiah Macalla
In a groundbreaking initiative to cultivate creativity and equip the youth with in-demand digital skills, Legazpi City Creative Industry Council under the Creative Legazpi, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Legazpi, and Quanby Solutions, Inc., launches the free animation class “Mastering 2D Digital Character Animation.” Together with the knowledge shared by the renowned Engr. Ryan R. Abecina, owner of Ryne Media and President of the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) Naga Chapter, this program is designed to transform the creative landscape of the region into a center of digital animation.
The classes ran from January 16 to 30, 2025, and were hosted by Quanby Solutions Inc., at their office located in Legazpi City. Participants learned the fundamentals of 2D digital character animation, including character design, storyboarding, keyframe animation, and the use of industry-standard software such as Adobe Animate and Clip Studio Paint. They also gained insights into the animation pipeline, from concept development to final rendering, and explored techniques for creating expressive and dynamic characters.
At the graduation ceremony, held on January 30, 2025, participants showcased their final projects, which included short animated clips demonstrating their newly acquired skills. The event was attended by representatives from the DTI, LGU Legazpi, and Quanby Solutions, Inc., as well as industry professionals and local media. Certificates of completion were awarded to the graduates, and Engr. Abecina delivered an inspiring keynote speech, encouraging the participants to pursue careers in animation and contribute to the growing creative economy of the region.
The “Mastering 2D Digital Character Animation” program is a comprehensive training course designed to equip participants with the skills needed to excel in the fast-growing animation industry. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including character design, storyboarding, motion graphics, and digital rendering. Participants also gained hands-on experience using high-end industry-standard software, ensuring they got well-rounded experience for careers in animation, gaming, and multimedia production in the global market.
What sets this program apart is its accessibility because of its hybrid type of modality by using the Learning Management System (LMS) which was designed and coded by Quanby Solutions Inc. By offering the classes for free, Creative Legazpi and its partners are breaking down barriers to entry and ensuring that anyone with a passion for animation can participate, regardless of their financial situation.
Stellar Mentor: Engr. Ryan R. Abecina
One of the forefronts of the program is Engr. Ryan R. Abecina, a visionary leader in the fields of animation and game development. As the owner of Ryne Media and President of GDAP, Engr. Abecina brings a wealth of knowledge acquired over his 17-year career. Known for his innovative approach and dedication to nurturing talent, he is the perfect mentor to lead participants through the intricacies of 2D animation.
The success of “Mastering 2D Digital Character Animation” is just the beginning of a strong collaboration between Quanby Solutions Inc., Engr. Ryan Abecina, and the digital animation community. Legazpi City Creative Industry Council under LGU Legazpi, a local council dedicated to promoting arts and digital innovation, will take the lead in designing and implementing our curriculum. DTI Creative Legazpi provides crucial support by aligning the program with national initiatives to boost the creative economy, while LGU of Legazpi ensures this program is disseminated to those knowledge-seeking creative individuals without the stress of financial burden.
Quanby Solutions Inc., a leader in tech solutions and innovation in Legazpi, contributes their expertise, utilizing digital tools and cutting-edge training methodologies. Together, these organizations have created a program that not only teaches technical skills but is also a catalyst for creativity and entrepreneurship.
12 aspiring animators are already diving into the world of 2D animation, learning from Engr. Abecina and gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard tools. For many, this is a chance to turn their passion into a profession.
“After learning a lot from this class, I’ve learned how keyframes, timing, and animation work. After this class, I will apply what I’ve learned here, and I will still continue to study and practice more so I can use this new skillset in my future work.”
“I hope may susunod pang ganitong program na tutulong upang magkaroon ng industry ng animation dito sa Legazpi,”
“We are so thankful for this opportunity. We really had fun, we connected with our peers, and I will definitely apply this as an artist,”
At the end of the program, each participant showcased their work in 2D animated shorts. Each presentation displayed a combination of their learned creativity and technical expertise. These projects are now part of their personal portfolios, helping them to become locally and globally competitive in the fields of 2D animation and digital creation.
“Mastering 2D Digital Character Animation” is a class designed to position Legazpi as a hub for digital creativity and ingenuity. The rapid growth in the global animation industry has created a demand for animators and digital artists. Our digital community initiative helps to foster this younger generation of artists, allowing them to tap into emerging economic opportunities and future jobs.
Quanby Solutions, Inc., in collaboration with its partners, plans to expand its offerings in the coming years. They plan to introduce more technical and advanced courses, while enhancing their relationships with industry leaders. Their goal is to build a sustainable creative economy that benefits not only the participants but also the entire community.
For aspiring animators, the program is more than just a training course, it is a portal to new opportunities and challenges. With these recently acquired skillsets, our new graduates are now positioned to embrace the challenges in the quickly evolving field of animation, not only within Legazpi City but wherever their journey may take them.
