Animation

Animation is the art of creating the illusion of movement by rapidly displaying a series of static images.

The human brain interprets the sequence of slightly different images as continuous motion, a phenomenon based on the optical principle of "persistence of vision"

Historically, animation began with hand-drawn images, and today it encompasses a wide range of techniques, both traditional and digital. Animation is used in film, television, video games, websites, and advertising to bring characters, stories, and ideas to life. 

Types of animation

Traditional (or 2D) animation

This is one of the oldest forms, also called cel animation. It involves animators drawing or painting each frame by hand on transparent sheets called cels. The cels are then placed over a painted background and photographed in sequence. 

• Example: Early Disney films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. 

Computer animation

This category includes any animation created digitally. It can be further divided into two main types: 

• 2D Computer Animation: Often used for stylistic reasons, this can mimic the look of traditional animation but is created using software. The computer assists by filling in the "in-between" frames, a process called tweening.

• 3D Computer Animation (CGI): This creates detailed, three-dimensional characters and environments. Animators manipulate a digital "skeleton" or "rig" of a character and set "keyframes" to define major movements. The computer then generates the frames in between.

• Example: The visual effects in many blockbuster movies and animated feature films like Encanto

Stop-motion animation

This technique involves physically moving and photographing a two- or three-dimensional object in small increments. When the frames are played back in succession, the objects appear to move on their own. 

• Claymation: A specific form of stop-motion using figures made of clay or plasticine.

• Puppet Animation: Uses articulated puppets or dolls.

Other types

• Motion Graphics: Often used for informational videos, logos, and title sequences, motion graphics focuses on animating text, shapes, and other graphical elements.

• Rotoscoping: A technique where animators trace over live-action footage frame by frame to create a realistic, animated effect.

• Live-action/Animation Hybrid: Combines live-action actors with animated characters in the same shot.

• Example: Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

The animation process

Creating an animated work typically follows these steps:

1. Storyboarding: The story is planned and visualized in a comic-book-style format.

2. Character and environment design: Animators create the visual look and feel of the characters and the world they inhabit.

3. Layout and timing: The camera angles and character timing are mapped out.

4. Animating: The core movement is created, often starting with "key" poses.

5. Clean-up and color: The rough animation is refined and then filled with color.

6. Backgrounds and effects: Detailed backgrounds are added, along with any special effects like smoke or water.

7. Compositing: The final elements are layered together to create the finished frame.