A Totally Helpful GIF Guide for NYC Rookies

Eric Larson2013-03-25 20:12:45 UTC

If you're planning a trip to the Big Apple, you've probably heard the usual advice: snap a picture in Times Square, grab a sandwich at Katz's and remember to fold your pizza when you eat it. Oh, and watch out for the yellow cars — they don't stop.

Nathan Pyle, a freelance artist and television producer, moved to New York five years ago from the suburbs of Dayton, Ohio. He's learned a thing or two about life in the urban jungle since then. Most recently, he's released an animated series of "big city" basics that outline, in almost too-true fashion, what you should really know about the city before you visit.

"Since moving here was my first 'big city' experience, I realized pretty quickly that I was naive about a lot of things most urban dwellers know," he told Mashable. "At first, I looked for some sort of Internet guide on how to best survive the city. I couldn't find one, so I just started chronicling things myself."

He created the animations using Adobe After Effects. The tips are mainly derived from his personal experiences since moving — some of them good, some of them not so good (see: #23).

Pyle said he plans to release another series in the near future, and maybe even branch the idea out to a book or calendar of sorts. As for his one golden rule that trumps all else?

"Stay out of the way," he said with a laugh. "Everyone has a place to go. It's very much a 'I'll punch you in the face — if you don't like it, get out of here!' kind of attitude here. Just staying out of the way has kept me fine."

Take a look through them below. Do you have any New York tips you think should be included? Let us know in the comments. And remember: If you see something, say something.

GIF courtesy of Nathan Pyle

GIF courtesy of Nathan Pyle

GIF courtesy of Nathan Pyle

GIF courtesy of Nathan Pyle

GIF courtesy of Nathan Pyle

GIF courtesy of Nathan Pyle

GIF courtesy of Nathan Pyle

GIF courtesy of Nathan Pyle

GIF courtesy of Nathan Pyle

GIF courtesy of Nathan Pyle

GIF courtesy of Nathan Pyle

GIF courtesy of Nathan Pyle

As a bonus, here is Pyle's GIF'd-out interpretation of life in the city (beware of the moving garbage bags.)

Images courtesy of Nathan Pyle; thumbnail image courtesy of Flickr, centanni

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