The Cartoons

A cartoon is a visual art form, typically drawn in an unrealistic or semi-realistic style.

The term's meaning has evolved over time, and today it refers to several types of illustrated work

Types of cartoons

• Fine art cartoon: Originally, a cartoon was a full-sized preparatory drawing for a larger work, such as a tapestry, fresco, or stained-glass window. During the Renaissance, artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael used these large drawings to plan their compositions.

• Humorous print cartoon: This form, which began in magazines and newspapers in the 19th century, includes satirical drawings, caricature, and gag panels that offer humorous or political commentary.

• Comic strip: A sequence of cartoon illustrations, commonly found in newspapers, that tells a story or a joke over several panels.

• Animated cartoon: A motion picture that uses a rapid sequence of illustrations, computer-generated images, or models to create the illusion of movement. 

History of cartoons

• Origins in fine art: The word cartoon comes from the Italian cartone, meaning a large sheet of paper. The practice of using preparatory drawings dates back to the 16th century.

• Rise of the political cartoon: In the 18th century, William Hogarth's pictorial satires were an early form of political commentary in England. Later, artists like Thomas Nast in New York and Sir John Tenniel in London popularized editorial cartoons that used humor and satire to comment on current events.

• Birth of animation: The late 19th century saw the invention of devices like the zoetrope, which used sequential images to create motion. The early 20th century saw the development of traditional animation. The release of Disney's Steamboat Willie in 1928, which featured synchronized sound, was a major milestone.

• The Golden Age: The 1930s and 1940s are often called the "Golden Age" of cartoons. Iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny were created, and studios released popular animated films and shorts.

• The television era: In the 1950s, cartoons moved from the movie theaters to the television screen, leading to the creation of episodic series like The Flintstones and Scooby-Doo.

• Digital and adult animation: The digital age brought computer animation, with feature films like Toy Story pioneering 3D animation. At the same time, shows like The Simpsons and Futurama expanded the medium into adult-oriented programming. 

How animated cartoons are made

The creation of an animated cartoon is a collaborative and multi-stage process. 

1. Script and concept: An idea is developed into a script that defines the story, characters, and overall tone.

2. Character design and storyboarding: The visual style is established by designing characters and environments. A storyboard, which resembles a large comic strip, is created to visualize the episode's key moments and pacing.

3. Animatics and voice recording: A rough animated version, or "animatic," is created from the storyboards and timed with voice-over recordings from the actors.

4. Animation and illustration: Animators produce the movement of the characters and objects. The two most common techniques are:

   1. 2D animation: Using flat, illustrated characters, often created with digital software.

   2. 3D animation: Using digitally modeled characters in a virtual, three-dimensional space.

5. Audio and post-production: Sound effects, music, and the voice recordings are all added. The final product is then assembled, edited, and refined.