Here's a quick tutorial explaining the basic process I use to create pixel art animations, starting with Spriter to get the bulk of the work done, followed by a batch process and finally hand color reduction and cleaning for best results.
NOTE: Since this video was made, Spriter has becone even more useful for pixel artists! See here after watching this video: • Spriter version B8 new features
Get Spriter here: http://www.brashmonkey.com
Other Spriter tutorials: • Spriter features and workflow overview
see my little Snappy Turtle game here: http://www.holymonkeystudio.com
cheers,
Mike at BrashMonkey