I want to be able to render this guy in 8 different directions, with different frames of animation. Example: -When walking I want 5 animations simulating his movement -When drawing his weapon I want 8 frames of animation -When attacking I want 10 different images, for 4 different attack sequences What's the easiest way of doing this? I also need to make him as clean as possible. Any suggestions on an art program? I'm currently using photoshop Here's the link to the sprite Jason

Decide on a set of key frames. For example, if he's walking horizontally across the screen, then your keyframes might be one with his right foot in front and one with his left foot in front. That gives you two frames of animation. To get more frames, simply draw in-between states between the key frames. You can double the "resolution" of the animation by drawing a frame between every key frame, and then double it again by drawing a new frame between the four frames you have, and so on.

It's a lot of drawing, which is part of why 3D models are so popular these days.