A computer-implemented method is provided for creating an animation from a plurality of latent images encoded into a visible image, where the encoded visible image is visually similar to the visible image when viewed with a naked eye. The method includes generating, via a processor, a first latent image having a first pattern of elements and assigning a first encoding parameter to the first pattern of elements. A second latent image is generated having a second pattern of elements and a second encoding parameter is assigned to the second pattern of elements, wherein the second encoding parameter is different than the first encoding parameter. The first pattern of elements and the second pattern of elements are embedded in the encoded visible image for decoding using a decoder having decoding parameters that match the corresponding first encoding parameter and the second encoding parameter. The decoded first latent image and the decoded second latent image are sequentially displayed to reveal the animation.